Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.)

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) is more commonly grown in the northern hemisphere. It is unique to most regions of Europe, Asia, North Africa and America, and is commercially grown in fields in some countries such as Germany and Romania.In Turkey, it grows naturally in the Marmara and Black Sea region. The plant is many years old, in the form of a bush or semi-bush.

The fruit, flowers and leaves of the plant are used in many industries. The chemical structure of Sambucus species, with the exception of major compounds, consists of flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthocyanidins, triterpenes, lectins, cyanogenic heterocytes and volatile oils.The positive health effects of black pepper have been demonstrated by various studies in which the presence of bioactive components such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, polyphenols, anthocyanins and tanins in their chemical composition.

All three parts of the plant are also antioxidant properties and have been the subject of many studies. Several studies have shown that its antioxidant and phenolic compounds are richer than other red fruit plants.

Elderberry has been mentioned in traditional European medicine for hundreds of years; in ancient sources it has been used as a therapeutic against tooth pain, ear and eye problems, wounds, skin burns, dizentery, rheumatism, fever, epilepsy and many other diseases.

The active ingredients and supplements of S. nigra sold on the market are obtained from the dried fruits and flowers of the plant. These products are produced to strengthen the immune system, reduce fatigue and protect against infections. While Sambucus nigra syrups strengthen the immune system, when administered to patients with cancer or AIDS in conjunction with chemotherapy or other treatments, they can also have an immune-protectional or immunostimulating effect; there are various studies that show that 90% of people who have been treated with mürver syrup have recovered after three days.