Elderberry contains the antioxidant flavonols quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin. These compounds are potent antioxidants that can help reduce damage from oxidative stress in the body ( 4, 6). Elderberries contain 10 grams of fiber per cup of fresh berries, about 36% of the daily value ( 5). There are 52 mg of vitamin C per cup of fruit, which accounts for 57% of the daily value ( 3, 4). Plus, they have many nutritional benefits. One cup (145 grams) of fresh berries contain 106 calories, 26.7 grams of carbs, and less than 1 gram each of fat and protein ( 3). High in nutrientsĮlderberries are a low calorie food packed with antioxidants. Not only are they nutritious, but they may also help address cold and flu symptoms, support heart health, and fight inflammation and infections, among other benefits. There are many reported benefits of elderberries. The most common type is Sambucus nigra, also known as European elderberry or black elderberry. SummaryĮlderberry refers to several varieties of the Sambucus tree, which has clusters of white flowers and black or blue-black berries. The flowers are often boiled with sugar to make a sweet syrup or infused into tea ( 1). In folk medicine, the dried berries or juice are used to treat influenza, infections, sciatica, headaches, dental pain, heart pain, and nerve pain, as well as a laxative and diuretic ( 2).Īdditionally, the berries can be cooked and used to make juice, jams, chutneys, pies, and elderberry wine. The bark was used as a diuretic, a laxative, and to induce vomiting ( 1).

Historically, the flowers and leaves have been used for pain relief, swelling, inflammation, stimulating the production of urine, and inducing sweating. Various parts of the elderberry tree have been used throughout history for medicinal and culinary purposes ( 2). Other varieties include the American elder, dwarf elder, blue elderberry, danewort, red-fruited elder, and antelope brush ( 1). The flowers have a delicate muscat aroma and can be eaten raw or cooked ( 1). The berries are quite tart and need to be cooked to be eaten. The berries are found in small black or blue-black bunches ( 1). nigra grows up to 30 feet (9 meters) tall and has clusters of small white- or cream-colored flowers known as elderflowers. This tree is native to Europe, though it is widely grown in many other parts of the world as well ( 1, 2). The most common type is Sambucus nigra, also known as the European elderberry or black elder. Elderberry refers to several different varieties of the Sambucus tree, which is a flowering plant belonging to the Adoxaceae family.

Images of elderberries