A Review of the Antiviral Properties of Black Elder (Sambucus nigraL.) Products

Abstract

Black elder (Sambucus nigra L.) has a long ethnobotanical history across many disparate cultures as a treatment for viral infection and is currently one of the most-used medicinal plants worldwide. Until recently, however, substantial scientific research concerning its antiviral properties has been lacking. Here, we evaluate the state of current scientific research concerning the use of elderberry extract and related products as antivirals, particularly in the treatment of influenza, as well as their safety and health impacts as dietary supplements. While the extent of black elder's antiviral effects are not well known, antiviral and antimicrobial properties have been demonstrated in these extracts, and the safety of black elder is reflected by the United States Food and Drug Administration approval as generally recognized as safe. A deficit of studies comparing these S. nigra products and standard antiviral medications makes informed and detailed recommendations for use of S. nigra extracts in medical applications currently impractical. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Antiviral activity of Sambucus FormosanaNakai ethanol extract and related phenolic acid constituents against human coronavirus NL63

“…In addition, phenolic acid constituents of S.ambucus FormosanaNakai, including caffeic acid, caffeotannic acid, chlorogenic acid, coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and gallic acid, have been identified as the members of the most important active components with anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-hepatotoxic activities (Chen et al, 2001;Liao et al, 2006;Yang and Lin, 2004;Zhang et al, 2010). Active components of Sambucus FormosanaNakai are similar to those of other Sambucus species, including Sambucus nigra L. and Sambucus lanceolata, which process antioxidant, antiradical, antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities (Barak et al, 2001;Krawitz et al, 2011;Mandrone et al, 2014;Pinto et al, 2017;Pliszka, 2017;Porter and Bode, 2017;Turek and Cisowski, 2007). Especially, the extract of Sambucus nigra L. exerts the antiviral activity against influenza A and B viruses, human immunodeficiency virus, and the herpes simplex virus type 1 (Krawitz et al, 2011;Serkedjieva et al, 1990;Zakay-Rones et al, 1995;Amoros et al, 1992;Mahmood et al, 1993;Roschek et al, 2009).…”

“…Especially, the extract of Sambucus nigra L. exerts the antiviral activity against influenza A and B viruses, human immunodeficiency virus, and the herpes simplex virus type 1 (Krawitz et al, 2011;Serkedjieva et al, 1990;Zakay-Rones et al, 1995;Amoros et al, 1992;Mahmood et al, 1993;Roschek et al, 2009). Sambucus nigraphenolic acids like caffeic acid show the highly inhibitory effect on the in vitro replication of influenza A virus (Porter and Bode, 2017;Utsunomiya et al, 2014). Since Sambucus FormosanaNakai contains such antiviral active components in the extract of Sambucus nigra L., the antiviral activity of Sambucus FormosanaNakai is worthy to further investigate.…”

Antiviral potential of medicinal plants against HIV, HSV, influenza, hepatitis, and coxsackievirus: A systematic review

“…The fruit extract from S . nigra has revealed efficacy in treating numerous viral infections (Porter and Bode, ). S .…”

“…The berries and flowers of this plant are reported from different cultures for the treatment of various viral infections. Studies revealed that there is no any cyanide compound in flowers and berries responsible for the treatment of viral infections (Porter and Bode, ). S .…”

“…S . nigra is an effective and economical way to manage influenza and different viral pathogens—and probably as a preventative in numerous viral diseases (Porter and Bode, ). Eleutherococcus senticosus belongs to the family Araliaceae .…”