Sambucus canadensis: A Comprehensive Exploration of the American Elderberry The plant known scientifically as Sambucus canadensis, commonly referred to as the American Elderberry, is a versatile shrub renowned for its historical use in traditional medicine and its culinary applications. This exploration details the plant's profile, from its botanical standing and external characteristics to its wide array of healing properties and uses.
Herb's Introduction
Sambucus canadensis is a species of flowering plant in the family Adoxaceae (formerly Caprifoliaceae). It is a native of North, Central, and South America and is one of two main species of elderberry used commercially, the other being the European Elder (Sambucus nigra). Historically, elder species, including S. canadensis, have been highly valued by various cultures, earning the moniker "medicine chest of the common people" due to their diverse medicinal applications. The ripe berries and flowers are the most commonly used parts, while the raw berries, bark, and leaves are considered potentially toxic and must be properly prepared before use.
Name in Different Countries
While Sambucus canadensis is primarily an American species, it is closely related to the European elder, Sambucus nigra, which is widely known across Europe. The common names for S. canadensis include: English: American Elder, American Elderberry, Common Elderberry. International Common Names: American elder, Amerikaanse vlier (Dutch), kanadese vlier (South Africa). Nepali Name: Kanike phul (often associated with S. nigra var. canadensis in some Nepali literature). The user-provided list of names (Sabugueiro, Bez Černý, Hyld, etc.) largely refers to the closely related species, Sambucus nigra (European Elder), as indicated by the common name 'European elder' given in the input.
Terminology
Scientific Name: Sambucus canadensis L. Family: Adoxaceae / Caprifoliaceae (older classification). Synonyms: The species is closely related to Sambucus nigra, and some botanists treat it as a subspecies: Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis (L.) Bolli. Other synonyms include Sambucus bipinnata, Sambucus intermedia, Sambucus mexicana, Sambucus oreopola, and Sambucus simpsonii. The confusion between S. canadensis and S. nigra is evident, as many publications and medicinal uses often overlap or reference S. nigra even when discussing the American species. Common Terminology: Elderberry, Elder.
Availability
Sambucus canadensis is native to a large area of North America and southwards through the Americas to Bolivia. It is also considered an introduced species in parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia. Availability in Nepal: The plant is listed in the Annotated Checklist of the Flowering Plants of Nepal, suggesting its presence, either native or cultivated, in the region, particularly at elevations of 1000–1600 m. The local Nepali name Kanike phul is sometimes associated with Sambucus nigra var. canadensis, confirming its recognition within the country. While commercially cultivated American Elderberry products (syrups, tinctures) are widely available globally as dietary supplements, the availability of the raw plant material or specific cultivars for medicinal purposes in the local markets of Nepal would require a targeted search within the medicinal plants trade of the region.
External Look
The American Elder is typically a deciduous, woody, clump-like shrub or small tree that can reach a height of 2–5 meters (sometimes up to 10 meters). It often spreads by root suckers to form colonies. Stems/Bark: The stems are arching and spreading. Young stems are green and scarcely woody, while older stems have flaky, pale, brownish-grey, sulcate (grooved) bark with whitish pith. Leaves: Leaves are opposite and pinnate, generally composed of 5–7 (sometimes up to 11) elliptic to lance-shaped leaflets, each about 4–15 cm long and 1.5–3.5 cm wide, with a pointed tip and a toothed margin. Flowers: The flowers are small, white, and fragrant. They are arranged in broad, flat, umbrella-shaped (corymb-like cymes), branched clusters (inflorescences) that can be 5–30 cm wide (sometimes up to 50 cm). They bloom primarily in the summer. Fruit (Elderberry): The fruit is a small, fleshy berry that is red initially, maturing to a dark purple or purple-black color, about 3–5 mm in diameter. The berries are produced in drooping clusters in the fall and contain 3–5 seeds.
Healing Properties
Sambucus canadensis and its close relatives possess a rich profile of bioactive compounds, including high levels of Vitamin C, dietary fiber, phenolic acids, flavonols (like quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin), and anthocyanins (which give the berries their dark color). These compounds contribute to the plant's recognized medicinal actions: Antioxidant Activity: Rich in antioxidants, the flowers and berries help reduce damage from oxidative stress in the body. Antiviral Activity: Elderberry extracts have been found to help reduce the length and severity of symptoms caused by the influenza virus and show potential against other viruses. Anti-Inflammatory Activity: It exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, particularly noted in extracts of the leaves and flowers against conditions like rheumatism and local swellings. Chlorogenic acid has been isolated as a key anti-inflammatory principle in the related species S. ebulus. Diaphoretic/Sudorific: The flowers are known to induce sweating, beneficial for breaking fevers and treating colds. Diuretic: The flowers, berries, and inner bark act to increase urine flow, making them useful in treating dropsical complaints and kidney/urinary problems. Laxative/Aperient/Cathartic: The berries and inner bark have laxative and purgative effects, aiding in treating constipation. The leaves also have a strong, potentially violent, cathartic action. Immunomodulatory Activity: Studies suggest that its polyphenols may support immune defense by increasing white blood cell count.
Advantages
The advantages of using Sambucus canadensis and its products stem from its potent natural compounds and historical safety record (when prepared correctly): Natural Flu & Cold Remedy: It is widely used as a supplement to alleviate the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms, offering a natural alternative or complement to conventional treatments. Cardiovascular Support: May aid in reducing cholesterol, uric acid, and blood sugar levels, contributing to heart health. Topical Applications: The flowers and leaves can be used externally as an emollient and anti-inflammatory agent in ointments and washes for bruises, sprains, burns, skin problems, and to improve complexion. Culinary Versatility: The cooked ripe berries are delicious and highly nutritious, used to make wine, syrups, jams, jellies, and pies. The flowers are also used for teas and beverages. Multifaceted Medicinal Use: Different parts of the plant (flowers, berries, bark, leaves) offer a variety of effects (diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant), making it a comprehensive traditional remedy.
Uses
Infections: Used to treat cold, flu, bronchitis, and sinusitis symptoms. Pain Relief: Historically used for headaches, dental pain, nerve pain (neuralgia), and joint pain (rheumatism/gout). External/Skin: Used in washes or ointments for burns, wounds, sprains, bruises, boils, and to improve complexion. Digestive & Excretory: Employed as a diuretic for dropsy and kidney/urinary issues, and as a laxative for constipation. Immune Support: Used to boost the immune system and fight inflammation. Culinary: Ripe berries are cooked into jams, jellies, pies, sauces, and wine. Flowers are used to make tea, fritters, and flavored drinks.
Using way
Different parts of the elderberry require different methods of preparation: Plant Part Preparation Method Dosage/Application Primary Use Flowers Infusion/Tea 1 tsp dried flowers per cup of hot water, 3-4 times per day (taken warm to induce sweating, cold as a diuretic). Colds, fevers, diuretic, topical wash. Ripe Berries Syrup/Juice/Tincture Syrup: 1 tsp four times per day for flu symptoms. Tincture: 2–5 ml three to four times per day. Cooked into culinary products. Anti-influenza, antioxidant, laxative. Must be cooked before consumption (raw berries are toxic). Inner Bark/Root Bark Decoction/Tea Used as a strong diuretic and cathartic. Use with caution due to potent effects. Diuretic, laxative. Leaves Poultice/Ointment Externally applied as a poultice or infused in oil for ointment. Bruises, sprains, swellings, wounds. Not recommended for internal use due to violent cathartic action. Export to Sheets Important Safety Note: Raw, uncooked elderberries, the bark, and the leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides that can be poisonous and cause nausea, vomiting, or other strong symptoms. The berries must be cooked to neutralize these compounds. Only use ripe, blue/purple berries, as the red berries of other Sambucus species can be toxic.
Conclusion
Sambucus canadensis, the American Elderberry, is a highly significant plant in both traditional and modern herbalism. Its rich nutritional and phytochemical profile, characterized by strong antioxidant and antiviral properties, particularly supports its use in managing symptoms of colds and influenza. While its close relationship with the European Elder (S. nigra) sometimes leads to overlapping terminology, S. canadensis maintains a distinct profile as a robust North American native. Its extensive uses—from internal remedies like syrups and teas to external applications like poultices—cement its status as a valuable medicinal shrub. However, respecting the proper preparation methods and recognizing the toxicity of raw or unprocessed parts remains crucial for safe and effective utilization of this "medicine chest" of the natural world.
