Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is a fruit species, native to western and central Europe and northern Africa. It belong to the familiy Sambucaceae. It grows in the form of a shrub and can reach a height of 5-6 meters. It grows well in fertile soil, rich in humus and nitrogen, both moist and partially dry soils. The flowers are hermaphroditic, have five petals and five stamens, and form a cymose umbel. Black elderberry flowers from May to June, depending on the altitude. The inflorescens contain various chemical compounds, mainly phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids.The aim of this thesis is to summarize information from previous studies on black elderberry and its inflorescens, focusing on the chemical compounds and medicinal properties of the flowers. Black elderberry is used in Europe as a food or as a traditional medicinal plant. The inflorescens are used to make syrups, juices, liqueurs, yoghurts and a fermented cordial drink. The effects of flavonoids and phenolic acids is sometimes considered beneficial against cancer, cardiovascular diseases or neuro-degenerative disorders. Elderflowers are also sometimes used to treat flu, cold or sinus congestion. Elderflowers also contain other chemical compounds, simple sugars, polysacharides, organic acids, cyanogenic glycosides, esters and spermidines.
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