The plant from the Cerrado that cures: phytochemistry and medicinal applications of Sambucus nigra L.

The Cerrado is a Brazilian biome whose distinctive characteristic is its ground cover composed of gramineous plants, shrubs and low trees with twisted trunks and stiff leaves. The species Sambucus nigra adapted well to the Cerrado soil, a fact that enabled its full development. S. nigra, whose common name is elderberry, is known as sabugueiro and sabugueirinho in Brazil. It has been used for helping to cure several respiratory infections, both viral and bacterial ones. Its fruit and flowers are rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and anthocyanins, which explain its high antioxidant capacity. The main compounds which have already been described by the literature in S. nigra are cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-sambubioside, quercetin-3-rutinoside, astragalin, pelargonidin, quercetin and kaempferol. A curious fact published by the European Herb Growers Association is that S. nigra (fruit and flowers) was the most collected medicinal plant sold to the phytopharmaceutical market and tea production in Bulgari and Romania. Although the species has been known by popular cultures worldwide, its pharmacological effects need to be better investigated. Therefore, this study aimed at introducing and discussing information on pharmacological, chemical and biological effects of S. nigra found in the literature. After inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, twenty-five papers comprised the sample of the study. Several biological activities were investigated by in vitro and in vivo assays. Since reports of adverse effects on human health are still scarce and controversial, further clinical investigations are needed to generate results which populations may rely on.