PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 29 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Sambucus canadensis, also known as American elderberry, is a North American shrub valued for its bioactive compounds, particularly anthocyanins, which exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [PMID: 20836175, 25744406].
Background
Sambucus canadensis (American elderberry) is a plant native to North America [PMID: 27158183, 33297361]. It is increasingly cultivated for its edible and medicinal fruits and flowers [PMID: 27158183].
Traditional uses
Elderberry is most often used for influenza and immune stimulation [PMID: 30000895].
Active compounds
The fruits are rich in anthocyanins (approximately 80% of polyphenol content), including cyanidin-based pigments such as cyanidin 3-O-[6-O-(E-p-coumaroyl-2-O-(beta-D-xylopyranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside]-5-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside [PMID: 1367876, 37049909]. Other identified compounds include quercetin, rutin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin 3-O-glucoside [PMID: 30000895, 39314315].
Mechanism of action
Anthocyanins from S. canadensis may exhibit anti-aging effects by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which promotes the apoptosis of senescent cells and reduces mitochondrial-induced oxidative stress [PMID: 36675036]. Extracts have also demonstrated the ability to inhibit microglial activation, reducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) [PMID: 25744406].
Clinical evidence
Evidence BMild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial showed a trend toward better visuospatial construct flexibility in patients consuming American elderberry juice compared to placebo [PMID: 38673938, 40002317]
Evidence DInfectious diseases
S. canadensis extracts demonstrated some degree of antibacterial activity in screening assays [PMID: 12471432]
Safety & adverse effects
The bark, leaves, and root contain sambunigrin, a cyanogenic glycoside that is potentially toxic as it can release cyanide; however, cooked berries do not carry this risk [PMID: 30000895]. Allergic reactions to elderberry preparations have been reported rarely [PMID: 30000895].
Pregnancy & lactation
No data exist on the excretion of elderberry components into breastmilk or on the safety and efficacy of elderberry in nursing mothers or infants [PMID: 30000895].
Evidence summary
Evidence for S. canadensis consists primarily of in vitro studies and preliminary clinical trials. While antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are well-supported in laboratory settings, clinical evidence for cognitive improvement in MCI is preliminary and based on small sample sizes.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 30000895 (2006) — Cyanogenic Glycoside Analysis in American Elderberry. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
- 2.PMID: 20836175 (2007) — Anthocyanins and other polyphenolics in American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) and European elderberry (S. nigra) cultivars. · Journal of the science of food and agriculture
- 3.PMID: 38211940 (2024) — Elderberry, an Ancient Remedy: A Comprehensive Study of the Bioactive Compounds in Three Sambucus nigra L. Subspecies. · Annual review of food science and technology
- 4.PMID: 27182104 (2015) — 'Marge': a European Elderberry for North American Producers. · Acta horticulturae
- 5.PMID: 37049909 (2023) — Elderberry Extracts: Characterization of the Polyphenolic Chemical Composition, Quality Consistency, Safety, Adulteration, and Attenuation of Oxidative Stress- and Inflammation-Induced Health Disorders.