Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Europe, for its immune-boosting and health benefits. Modern research highlights its rich content of anthocyanins, flavonoids, and B vitamins, which support immune function, heart health, and skin conditions, while also improving digestion and respiratory health. The primary active component, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects, and it may aid in managing obesity and metabolic disorders. Elderberry's popularity has surged in the global market, particularly in Europe and North America, where it is widely used in dietary supplements and functional beverages. However, it is recommended that pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and infants avoid consumption due to potential risks.
Elderberry: A Purple Fruit with Ancient Roots in Europe
Elderberry refers to the fruit of the European elder (Sambucus nigra L.), a plant belonging to the elderberry genus (Sambucus) of the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae). The fruit is deep purple in color. Initially classified under the honeysuckle family, elderberries thrive in soils rich in alkali, nitrogen, and phosphate and are widely distributed across Europe, North Africa, Asia, and the Americas, with around 20 species in total. The elderberry has a long history in Europe as a food source, and Canada has approved it as a natural health product ingredient.
The elderberry, often called “Sambucus,” has been used in traditional herbal medicine since the time of ancient Egypt. Notably, Hippocrates, the father of medicine, and the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder both recorded the pharmacological properties of elderberries. Elderberries were renowned for their ability to promote sweating, relieve constipation, and act as a diuretic. By the 4th century BC, elderberries were used in Western countries to alleviate symptoms of colds, fever, and coughs.
Modern Medical Findings on Elderberries
Modern scientific research has confirmed that elderberries contain anthocyanins, flavonoids, and B vitamins, which help enhance immunity, promote heart health, improve skin conditions, and support digestive and respiratory systems.
The anthocyanins in elderberries are processed through enzymatic hydrolysis, pressing, membrane filtration, sterilization, and drying. Key active substances include cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) and sambucusoside-3-glucoside, both of which are primarily responsible for its beneficial effects.
The Food Safety Standards and Monitoring and Evaluation Division recommends a daily intake of no more than 3.2 grams of elderberry anthocyanins (based on a concentration of 10 g of total anthocyanins per 100 g of product). To avoid risk, it is advised that infants, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers refrain from consuming elderberry.
Main Health Benefits of Elderberry Anthocyanins
Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) is one of the most important anthocyanins in elderberries, known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, liver-protective, heart-protective, and vision-protective properties. Modern research has confirmed the following health benefits of elderberry anthocyanins:
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Improvement of Age-Related Brain Damage
Age-related neurodegeneration can negatively affect brain health. Studies have found that supplementing with 50 mg/kg of C3G for eight weeks significantly reduces inflammation levels in aging mice, increases antioxidant enzyme activity, enhances the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factors, and suppresses the generation of amyloid-beta proteins—markers of brain damage. This effectively improves age-related brain damage.
References [1]
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Improvement of Lipid and Glucose Metabolism
A review article published in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications highlighted that C3G combats obesity by reducing lipid synthesis, promoting fatty acid oxidation, and inhibiting lipid accumulation. This suggests that C3G holds potential in addressing obesity-related metabolic disorders.
References [2]
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Regulation of the Immune System
A study confirmed that elderberry anthocyanins help modulate immune responses. The experiment found that elderberry polyphenol extracts significantly reduced the levels of three key cytokines (IL12p70, IL-10, TNF) in dendritic cells treated with various bacterial strains. As a core component of the extract, anthocyanins help prevent excessive immune reactions, maintaining immune system balance.
References [3]
Market Applications of Elderberry
Thanks to its immune-supporting properties, elderberry saw explosive growth in global markets, particularly in Europe and North America, starting in 2018. Data from SPINS indicates that U.S. multi-channel market sales soared from $113 million in 2019 (an 83.4% increase) to $265.8 million in 2020 (a 168.9% increase).
This upward trend is expected to continue. According to market research firm Technavio, from 2021 to 2025, the elderberry market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 6.52%.
Currently, immune support remains the most popular health benefit of elderberry. In Western markets, it is primarily used in dietary supplements and functional beverages. In addition to elderberry, products aimed at immune support often include other complementary ingredients such as echinacea, vitamin C, and zinc.
For example, Viva Naturals offers elderberry capsules that contain five ingredients beneficial for immune health: elderberry, vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D, and ginger.
References:
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Chen, Yuyu, Peng, Wenting, Song, Ge, Fang, Wei, Qi, Wentao, Wang, Yong. "Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside Modulates Gut Microbiota to Improve Brain Injury in Aged Mice." Food Science, 2025, 46(5): 170-181.
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Dounya Zad Oumeddour, Sam Al-Dalali, Liang Zhao, Lei Zhao, Chengtao Wang. "Recent Advances on Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside in Preventing Obesity-Related Metabolic Disorders: A Comprehensive Review." Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 2024, 150344.
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Valentina Taverniti, Cristian Del Bo', Walter Fiore, et al. "Combination of Different Probiotics and Berry-Derived (Poly)phenols Can Modulate Immune Response in Dendritic Cells." Journal of Functional Foods, 2022, (94): 105121.