288 /EUROPEAN ELDER PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES
Flower and Fruit: The strongly perfumed, yellowish-white
flowers are in large, flat, apical, richly and densely blos-
somed erect cymes with 5 main branches. The edge of the
calyx is small and 5-tipped. The corolla is rotate, deep, and
has 5 petals. There are 5 stamens and 1 inferior ovary. The
fruit is a black-violet, berry-like drupe with blood-red juice.
The seeds are brownish, ovate, and domed on the outside.
Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is a shallow-rooted, up to
7 m high tree or bush with spreading branches containing dry
white latex. The bark of the trunk is light brown to gray, and
fissured. The bark on the young branches is green and
covered with gray lenticles. The leaves are odd 3 to 7
pinnate. They are matte green above and light blue-green
beneath. The leaflets are ovate or oblong acuminate, and
densely serrate.
Characteristics: The flowers have a strong, somewhat
numbing perfume.
Habitat: European Elder is indigenous to almost all of
Europe.
Production: Elder flowers consist of the inflorescence of
Sambucus nigra, which are collected in the wild, sifted and
dried.
Not to be Confused With: Confusion sometimes arises with
the flowers of Sambucus ebulus.
Other Names: Black Elder, Black-Berried Alder, Boor Tree,
Elder, Bountry, Ellanwood, Ellhorn
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Flavonoids (up to 3%): chief components are rutin, isoquer-
citrin, quercitrin, hyperoside, astragalin, nicotoflorin
Volatile oil (0.03-0.14%): higher share (65%) of free fatty
acids, including among others palmitic acid (share 38%)
Caffeic acid derivatives (3%): chlorogenic acids
EFFECTS
Animal tests have shown that Alder increases bronchial
secretion. A diaphoretic effect is apparent, but the mecha-
nism is unknown.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Approved by Commission E:
- Cough/bronchitis
- Fevers and colds
The drug is used for colds and coughs. It is a sweat-
producing remedy for the treatment of feverish colds.
Unproven Uses: In folk medicine, Elder flowers are used
internally as a sudorific tea and for colds and other feverish
conditions. Elder is also used as an infusion, as a gargle/
mouthwash and for respiratory disorders such as coughs,
head colds, laryngitis, flu, and shortness of breath. Elder is
used occasionally by nursing mothers to increase lactation.
Externally, herbal pillows are used for swelling and
inflammation.
Homeopathic Uses: Among uses in homeopathy is inflam-
mation of the respiratory tract.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction
with the proper administration of designated therapeutic
dosages.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Whole herb and other galenic
preparations for infusions.
Preparation: To prepare an infusion, brew 2 teaspoonfuls (3
to 4 g) of elder flowers in 150 ml of boiling water and strain
after 5 minutes.
Daily Dosage: The average daily dose of the drug is 10 to 15
gm. The infusion (tea) should be freshly prepared and drunk
in doses of 1 to 2 cups several times—especially in the
afternoon and evening.
Homeopathic Dosage: For adults, 5 drops, 1 tablet or 10
globules every 30 to 60 minutes (acute) or 1 to 3 times daily
(chronic); parenterally: 1 to 2 ml sc acute: 3 times daily;
chronic once a day (HAB1). Adjust dosages for children.
Storage: Elder should be stored where it is protected from
light and moisture.
LITERATURE
Bauer R et al., (1985) Helv Chim Acta 68:2355.
Czygan FC, Holunder wird wieder gesellschaftsfahig. In: ZPT
15(2): 111. 1994.
Eberhardt R, Pfannhauser W, Z Lebensm Unters Forsch 181:97.
1985.
Inoue T, Sato K, (1975) Phytochemistry 14:1871.
Lawrie W et al., (1964) Phytochemistry 3:267.
Mascolo N et al., (1987) Phytother Res 1(1):28.
Paulo E, (1976) Folia Biol 24(2):213.
Petitjean-Freytet C et al., J Pharm Belg 46:241. 1991.
Richter W, Willuhn G, DAZ 114:947. 1974.
WiUuhn G, Richter W, PM 31:328. 1977.
Further information in:
Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers
Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6
(Drogen): Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-
1994.
