Elder Berries: Analysis of Sambucas Nigra Essay -- analgesic, antip

There are many herbal treatments available to patients, but few have been used longer than sambucas nigra, otherwise known as elder berry. Well known for its analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, laxative immune boosting qualities, elder berry has been used for multiple health alterations (Ulbricht, Basch, Cheung, Goldberg, Hammerness, Isaac, &...Wortley, 2014). In this paper the background, pharmacology, contraindications, current research and recommendations for use regarding elder berries will be discussed. Elder berries are a versatile fruit that has multiple applications in the healthcare field, warranting an increased role in patient care. Background The sambucas genus contains many different plants, with the sambucas nigra shrub occurring in Europe and North America. Both the European variety (nigra) and the North American variety (canadensis) are often examined concurrently due to their similarities in use and pharmacology . Ulbricht et al. (2014) explain that the European variety grows up to 30 feet with the flowers and leaves used as flavouring, an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and diuretic and the bark is used as a laxative and emetic. They also state that traditionally, elder berries were used in England and Russia to ward off evil influences, witches, spirits and death. Fernandes, Marques, de Freitas, Mateus (2013) describe that dating as far back as ancient Egypt and the time of Hippocrates recipes for elder-berry based medications were found and extensively used to treat a multitude of ailments such as influenza, colds and sinusitis. Since it's early beginnings, elderberry has continued to be of use for the treatment of colds, flu, and fever in addition to burns, cuts and many other ailm... ...odchem.2013.05.033 Frank, T., Janssen, M., Netzet, G., Christian, B., Bitsch, I., & Netzel, M. (2007). Absorption and excretion of elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) anthocyanins in healthy humans. Methods And Findings In Experimental And Clinical Pharmacology, 29(8), 525-533. Sambucol (n.d.). Sambucol Products. Retrieved from http://www.sambucol.ca/sambucol- products/ Ulbricht, C., Basch, E., Cheung, L., Goldberg, H., Hammerness, P., Isaac, R., & ... Wortley, J. (2014). An Evidence-Based Systematic Review of Elderberry and Elderflower (Sambucus nigra) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. Journal Of Dietary Supplements, 11(1), 80-120. doi:10.3109/19390211.2013.859852 Vlachojannis, J., Cameron, M., & Chrubasik, S. (2010). A systematic review on the sambuci fructus effect and efficacy profiles. Phytotherapy Research: PTR, 24(1), 1-8. doi:10.1002/ptr.2729