08/26/2025
Elderberry
(Sambucus nigra and related species) contains a wide variety of bioactive constituents.
Here’s a breakdown of the main groups:
1. Anthocyanins (pigments, major active compounds):
Cyanidin-3-glucoside
Cyanidin-3-sambubioside
Cyanidin-3-sambubioside-5-glucoside
Cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside
(These give elderberry its deep purple-black color and are responsible for antioxidant properties.)
2. Flavonols and Other Phenolics:
Quercetin
Kaempferol
Isorhamnetin
Chlorogenic acid
Caffeic acid
3. Vitamins and Minerals:
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids)
B-complex vitamins (small amounts)
Minerals: potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron
4. Organic Acids:
Malic acid
Citric acid
5. Sugars and Polysaccharides:
Glucose
Fructose
Pectins
6. Proteins and Lectins:
Sambucus lectins (e.g., SNA — Sambucus nigra agglutinin)
(Note: some lectins can be toxic if berries are raw.)
7. Other Constituents:
Tannins
Essential oils (minor amounts)
Small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides (e.g., sambunigrin) – which can release cyanide if unripe or uncooked berries are consumed in large amounts.
👉 Important safety note:
Raw elderberries, their seeds, bark, and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides and lectins that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if eaten raw. Cooking or processing removes most of the toxic compounds.
Here’s a clear table of elderberry constituents and their effects:
Constituent Type Examples Main Effects
Anthocyanins Pigments (flavonoids) Cyanidin-3-glucoside, Cyanidin-3-sambubioside Strong antioxidant, immune support, anti-inflammatory, antiviral activity
Flavonols & Phenolics Plant compounds Quercetin, Kaempferol, Isorhamnetin, Chlorogenic acid Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, supports cardiovascular health
Vitamins Nutrients Vitamin C, Vitamin A (carotenoids), B-complex (trace) Immune support, skin/eye health, energy metabolism
Minerals Nutrients Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Iron Electrolyte balance, bone strength, oxygen transport
Organic Acids Natural acids Malic acid, Citric acid Digestive support, antioxidant, flavor profile
Sugars & Polysaccharides Carbohydrates Glucose, Fructose, Pectins Energy source, immune-modulating polysaccharides
Proteins & Lectins Glycoproteins Sambucus lectins (SNA) Potential antiviral properties but can be toxic if raw
Tannins Polyphenols Condensed tannins Antioxidant, antimicrobial, astringent effects
Essential Oils (trace) Volatile oils Minor terpenes Mild antimicrobial, aroma
Cyanogenic Glycosides Plant defense compounds Sambunigrin Can release cyanide → toxic when berries/leaves/bark are raw or unripe