Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.): an ethnopharmacological, phytochemical and biological review for a prospective nutraceutical plant

BACKGROUND: Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) has been traditionally implemented in diverse preparations such as herbal teas, syrups or juices as remedies for respiratory, febrile and other health conditions. Phytochemical and chromatographic analyses of different organs mapped their metabolite profiles and allowed identification, and sometimes isolation, of their main bioactive compounds. AIM OF THE STUDY: Inspired by the rich and effective literature of S. nigra, this review article aims to summarize and highlight its reported biological (traditional and research-based) and chemical profiles. METHODS: The Keywords used in the search included biological activities, pharmacological reports, phytochemistry, isolated compounds, taxonomy, botanical data, single or combination; traditional, traditionally, ethnopharmacology, folk uses, toxicity, LD50, interactions, side effects, clinical studies, elderberry, elder, Sambucus nigra. Using different bibliographic databases, Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Springer Link, and Science Direct with no specific limits. RESULTS: In this context, elderberry is deemed a rich source for a myriad of bioactive compounds, mainly phenolics, and was proven to exhibit a variety of health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-influenza, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties. This review also covers different analysis approaches applied for S. nigra characterization in addition to literature studies attempted to optimize its extract(s) preparation process in terms of different extraction solvents, temperatures or methodologies to enrich prepared extracts in beneficial and bioactive metabolites. CONCLUSION: Overall, elderberry holds substantial potential as a rich dietary source of bioactive metabolites. Future research into its application in functional foods and nutraceuticals may provide innovative strategies for the prevention and management of various chronic diseases. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER IN THE MANUSCRIPT: Not applicable.