American red elderberry

Sambucus racemosa

Sambucus racemosa, commonly known as black elder or European elder, is a traditional medicinal plant native to Europe and Western Asia. While its use in various folk remedies has been documented, specific traditional applications for Sambucus racemosa are not extensively recorded. Scientific evidence suggests that extracts from the plant may increase immunostimulatory factor production and phagocytosis through TLR4-dependent JNK activation in RAW264.7 cells, indicating potential immune-boosting properties. The study also notes that black and red elderberries contain varying amounts of phytosterols and triterpenoids, with processed products differing in their compound concentrations, though this information is not specific to Sambucus racemosa alone. Safety data for the plant does not indicate any major issues, and there are no recorded drug interactions associated with its use. Further research is warranted to explore potential wound-healing properties and other health benefits of Sambucus racemosa.

At a glance
Best evidence
A
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • The study found that Sambucus racemosa has ethnopharmacological uses but provides limited specific health effects or doses. A PMID
  • AE20-SRPL increased immunostimulatory factor production and phagocytosis through TLR4-dependent JNK activation in RAW264.7 cells. D PMID
  • S. racemosa fruits were found to contain phytosterols and triterpenoids, though concentrations varied between different elderberry types. D PMID
  • The study suggests that Sambucus racemosa warrants further investigation for potential wound healing effects, though evidence is currently scarce. D PMID
  • The study found no significant effect of selective maturation on fruit traits in bird-dispersed elderberry (Sambucus racemosa L. subsp. kamtschatica). D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is American red elderberry?

American red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about American red elderberry?

5 sourced findings are recorded for American red elderberry; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: The study found that Sambucus racemosa has ethnopharmacological uses but provides limited specific health effects or doses.

How strong is the evidence for American red elderberry?

The strongest finding for American red elderberry carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is American red elderberry safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for American red elderberry in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does American red elderberry interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for American red elderberry in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of American red elderberry?

American red elderberry is also known as: Бузина красная.

Is American red elderberry a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 No Effect of Selective Maturation on Fruit Traits for a Bird-Dispersed Species, Sambucus racemosa. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 VOLKSMED Database: A Source for Forgotten Wound Healing Plants in Austrian Folk Medicine. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Immunostimulatory activity of the aqueous extract from the leaves of Sambucus racemosa subsp. pendula through TLR4‑dependent JNK activation in RAW264.7 cells. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Fruit and Fruit-Derived Products of Selected Sambucus Plants as a Source of Phytosterols and Triterpenoids. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Ethnopharmacology and ecosystem applications of woody plant species in the Southern European Alps: a systematic review. literature abstract metadata