American elder
Scientific names: Sambucus canadensis
Family: Adoxaceae/Sambucaceae
Alternate names: American Elderberry, Common Elderberry, Elder Flower, Elderberry, Sabugueiro, Saúco, Saúco de Canada, Sureau, Sureau Blanc, Sureau du Canada, Sweet Elder
Background
American elder (Sambucus canadensis) is a plant. Its flower and ripe fruit are used as medicine, but its stem contains toxic chemicals.
American elder flower and ripe fruit are rich sources of vitamin C. But its leaves, stems, and unripe fruit contain chemicals that can cause cyanide poisoning.
People sometimes use American elder for asthma, common cold, sore throat, headache, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse American elder with dwarf elder, elderberry, or elderflower. These are not the same.
American elder flower and ripe fruit are rich sources of vitamin C. But its leaves, stems, and unripe fruit contain chemicals that can cause cyanide poisoning.
People sometimes use American elder for asthma, common cold, sore throat, headache, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse American elder with dwarf elder, elderberry, or elderflower. These are not the same.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: American elder flowers and cooked, ripe fruit are commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if American elder flowers or cooked, ripe fruit are safe when used in larger amounts as medicine. Side effects might include dizziness, nausea, numbness, or vomiting.
American elder leaves, stems, or unripe fruit are possibly unsafe. They contain chemicals that can cause cyanide poisoning. Consuming large amounts of American elder juice can also be unsafe.
American elder leaves, stems, or unripe fruit are possibly unsafe. They contain chemicals that can cause cyanide poisoning. Consuming large amounts of American elder juice can also be unsafe.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: American elder leaves, stems, and unripe fruit are likely unsafe when taken by mouth while pregnant or breast-feeding. There isn't enough reliable information to know if the flower or cooked, ripe fruit are safe. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using American elder for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of American elder might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Lithium
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
American elder might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking American elder might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. American elder might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 17/12/2024 11:00:00. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
