Do elderberry and elderflower have a history as herbal medicines in Europe?
“Sambucus nigra L. known as ‘elderberry, black elder, and European elder’ has become more and more popular due to its promising antiviral and immunomodulatory effects. It has a very long history as a medicinal plant. Although all parts have been used for the treatment of various ailments, elderberries and elderflowers have attracted more attention by researchers. The elderflower extract standardized on flavonoids, expressed as isoquercitroside, is recorded in the European and British Pharmacopoeias.
In the Complete German Commission E Monographs, elderflower is recorded because of its use against the common cold. An elderflower monograph has also been prepared by the World Health Organization. The European Medicines Agency has published a detailed assessment report on Sambuci fructus. The food supplements of elderberries and elderflowers have been marketed in different countries for a long time.”
Source: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-812491-8.00030-8
Written by Anne Marck