Health-Promoting Properties: Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Properties of Sambucus nigra L. Flowers and Fruits

Abstract

Sambucus nigra L. has been used for centuries in traditional medicine thanks to its valuable healing properties. The healing properties result from its high content of biologically active compounds, mainly antioxidants, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. In our review, we have presented scientific studies evaluating the anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects of extracts and their components from S. nigra L. flowers and fruits. The results of the research show that the effect of antioxidant phytochemicals contained in their composition reduces the level of free radicals and pro-inflammatory cytokines, prevents mutations that increase the risk of cancer development, and inhibits cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and changes in intracellular signaling, consequently inhibiting the growth of malignant tumors and the formation of metastases. Flowers and fruits of S. nigra L. are a valuable source of nutraceutical and pharmacological substances that can support prevention and anti-inflammatory and oncological therapy without negative side effects for the patient.

Screening of Antioxidative and Antiproliferative Activities of Crude Polysaccharides Extracted from Six Different Plants

“…Naturally occurring chemicals originating from plants have become interesting candidates for cancer research due to their wide range of bioactive qualities and relative lack of toxicity compared to conventional chemotherapeutic drugs [9]. Through their antioxidant properties, bioactive substances originating from plants can have anticancer properties due to their ability to neutralize damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduce oxidative stress [10]. Plant polysaccharides have recently gained more attention due to their potential as antioxidants, having capacities to neutralize free radicals and potential free radicals through their side-chain glycosidic bonds and hydroxyl groups [15].…”

“…Due to their wide range of bioactive qualities and relative lack of toxicity compared to conventional chemotherapeutic drugs, naturally occurring chemicals originating from plants have become interesting candidates for cancer research throughout time [9]. Through their antioxidant properties, bioactive substances originating from plants can have anticancer properties as a result of their ability to neutralize damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduce oxidative stress [10]. Antioxidants are essential for cellular defense [11] and the maintenance of cellular homeostasis [12].…”

Anti-Cancer and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Black Garlic

“…The body's defense mechanisms neutralize them by blocking or delaying the oxidation process. It is very important to prevent the accumulation of non-neutralized free radicals because they induce oxidative stress, which increases the risk of inflammation and carcinogenesis [36].…”

In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Activities of Black Elder (Sambucus nigra L.) Fruit and Flower Extracts

“…Its medicinal properties are recognized worldwide, and it is included in the pharmacopeias of several countries, including the European pharmacopeia [ 15 ]. Black elder is a deciduous shrub or tree between 4 and 12 m, which is widely distributed across Europe, western and central Asia, northern Africa, and North America [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. It blooms between May and June with white-cream or greenish-yellow flowers, gathered in flat, complex, umbrella-like umbels [ 17 ].…”

“…Fruits are fleshy with a black-purple color and shiny skin. They usually ripen from July/August to October [ 18 ]. Flowers and fruits are the primary medicinal plant raw materials of black elder [ 19 ].…”