Elderberry and Cancer
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Elderberry or black elderberry is a flowering shrub whose history of medicinal use dates back to ancient Egypt. There are various species, including American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) and dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus L), but European elderberry is the most extensively studied (Sambucus nigra).
Extracts obtained from elderberry fruits or other parts of the plant contain compounds such as anthocyanins, flavonoids and polyphenolics that give them their medicinal properties.
Although efficacy in humans is unclear, antiviral activity stands out in laboratory studies, and it is claimed that elderberry may protect against infections and potentially shorten the duration of symptoms.
The ability of some chemical constituents of elderberry extract to inhibit cell growth led to laboratory-based studies aimed at understanding their effects on cancer.
What studies have investigated elderberry use in cancer treatment?
Although studies using cancer cells in the laboratory have shown modest cancer-preventive effects of elderberry extract, there are not yet studies establishing its efficacy in animals or humans.
- In a study involving human keratinocytes (a type of skin cell), elderberry extract was found to reduce the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which plays an important role in the formation of new blood vessels for the tumor.
- Another study investigated the effect of elderberry extract on human colon cancer cells. Although its effect was smaller than that of purple corn, bird cherry, blueberry, purple carrot and grape extracts, favorable results were obtained because of its high content of anthocyanins, which inhibit cancer growth.
- Mouse melanoma models were used in a study that found elderberry extract suppressed melanoma cell growth, depending on the dose administered, by inducing apoptosis (controlled cell death).
- In a study using human breast and colon cancer cells, elderberry extract containing high levels of triterpenoid acids was found to cause cell death. In addition, reduced cell migration was observed in breast cancer cells with an elderberry extract containing oleanolic, and it was suggested that metastasis might also be inhibited.
What do these studies mean for us?
Although laboratory studies have identified modest anticancer properties of elderberry extract, its efficacy in cancer prevention or treatment is unknown because animal or human studies have not been conducted. It therefore cannot be recommended for cancer treatment or prevention. Despite the lack of scientifically proven efficacy, elderberry is used for various purposes in the community. Consuming it in large amounts and raw, or unknowingly consuming toxic parts of the plant, can also cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
In conclusion, although elderberry is a product that could be investigated for cancer treatment because of the bioactive chemicals it contains, preclinical and clinical studies are needed to establish its efficacy and safety.
Related topic
Herbal treatment, phytotherapy: sound science or big business?
Sources
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