Sambucus canadensis, nigra
(Elder)

Therapeutic Actions:

• Anti-inflammatory (due to ursolic acid content)
• Astrigent
• Diaphoretic (bioflavonoids promote circulation)
• Diuretic (berries)
• Laxative (berries)

Clinical Indications:

• Otitis media
• Colds
• Hayfever
• Influenza
• Skin disorders when tissues are full, flabby and edematous

Contraindications:

• None known

Drug/Nutrient Interaction:

• Limited data

Chemical Constituents:

• Alkanes
• Bioflavonoids
• Cyanogenetic glycosides
  
  Sambunigrin
• Fixed oil, containing free fatty acids:
  
  Linoleic and linolenic acids
  Palmitic acid
• Flavonoids:
  
  Rutin
  Quercitin
  Kaempferol
• Phenolic acids:
  
  Chlorogenic acid
  Pectin
• Triterpenes:
  
  30-B-hydroxyursolic acid
  a- and B-amyrin
  Free and esterified sterols
  Oleanolic acid
  Ursolic acid
• Vitamin C

Toxicity:

• Sambunigrin is the toxic glycoside (cooking destroys the toxin)
• Signs of toxicity:
  
  Convulsions
  Diarrhea
  Dizziness
  Gastrointestinal distress
  Headache
  Nausea
  Tachycardia
  Vomiting
• Treatment:
  
  Amyl nitrite under nose or mouth 30 seconds each minute
  Cathartic
  Charcoal, after gastric lavage, preceded by endotracheal intubation
  IV diazepam
  IV sodium nitrite followed with sodium thiosulfate

Copyright 1998 - 2008 by L. Vicky Crouse, ND and James S. Reiley, ND. All rights reserved (ISSN 1527-0661).