Plant Comparison
Elecampane vs Elder
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Elecampane and Elder: they share 5 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, infection (general), inflammation (general), …); 1 pharmacological action in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Elecampane | Elder | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 2/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Elder |
| Infection (general) | 2/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Elder |
| Inflammation (general) | 2/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Elder |
| Respiratory support | 1/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for Elder |
| Skin irritation | 2/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Elder |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory principles of the root; the eudesmane core and the alpha,beta-methylene-lactone ring are essential for the antimicrobial activity.
A fructan polysaccharide abundant in the root (the genus Inula gives inulin its name).
Give the ripe berries their deep colour and much of their antioxidant activity.
Found in both flower and berry, contributing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
Present in raw berries, leaves, bark and stems; the basis for the caution to always cook berries before eating and avoid raw plant material.
Pharmacological Actions
Anti-inflammatory - sesquiterpene lactones (alantolactone, isoalantolactone) inhibit NF-kB and MAPK signalling and pro-inflammatory cytokines; total sesquiterpene lactones eased arthritis in animal models (potential in rheumatoid arthritis)
Antimicrobial, notably anti-staphylococcal (membrane-damaging) and anti-mycobacterial (active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro); supports respiratory and skin infection
Traditional & Indicated Uses
Anti-inflammatory - sesquiterpene lactones (alantolactone, isoalantolactone) inhibit NF-kB and MAPK signalling and pro-inflammatory cytokines; total sesquiterpene lactones eased arthritis in animal models (potential in rheumatoid arthritis)
Expectorant for productive cough and bronchitis (long-standing respiratory remedy)
inferred from anticancer action
Expectorant for productive cough and bronchitis (long-standing respiratory remedy); Soothes irritated airways / chronic catarrh (traditional)
Antimicrobial, notably anti-staphylococcal (membrane-damaging) and anti-mycobacterial (active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro); supports respiratory and skin infection
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from expectorant action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antiviral action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
The sesquiterpene lactones (especially alantolactone) are known skin sensitisers and can cause allergic contact dermatitis; people sensitive to the daisy family (Asteraceae) should be cautious.
Large doses can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea; safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established, so avoid medicinal doses.
The dark blue or purple berries are mildly poisonous in their raw state, but are edible after cooking.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus_nigra#cite_note-nccih-26https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus_nigra#cite_note-Fagan-2019-28 Components of the elderberry plant, including its fruit, contain diverse https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytochemical, such as https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkaloid, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lectin, and cyanogenic glycosides, which may be toxic if consumed raw.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus_nigra#cite_note-drugs-8 Consumption of berries, leaves, bark or stems, if not properly prepared, may cause https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nausea, vomiting, and severe https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diarrhea.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus_nigra#cite_note-nccih-26https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus_nigra#cite_note-drugs-8https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus_nigra#cite_note-msk-27 Elderberry plant constituents or products should not be consumed during pregnancy or by people with https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allergy or https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastrointestinal_disease.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus_nigra#cite_note-drugs-8https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus_nigra#cite_note-msk-27 Elderberry products may cause https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adverse_effect when used with https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prescription_drug.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus_nigra#cite_note-drugs-8https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus_nigra#cite_note-msk-27
Duke (2002) rates elderflower and elderberry as +++ with clinical evidence (score 2) for bronchostimulant, diaphoretic, and secretagogue activities, consistent with Commission E approval. Clinical use for colds, bronchitis, and fever is well-supported. Dose: dried flower: 3–5 g as tea three times daily. Important safety consideration: raw elderberries and elder bark contain sambunigrin (cyanogenic glycoside) and lectins — always cook berries before consumption, and avoid bark preparations for medicinal use without expert guidance (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Tall, robust perennial herb with large, coarse, hairy leaves - broadly oval near the base and progressively smaller up the stem - arising from a thick, aromatic rhizome. Large, shaggy, bright yellow daisy-like flower heads with numerous narrow ray florets are borne at the top of stout, branching stems.[12]
Deciduous shrub or small tree (Adoxaceae), 3-10 m tall (occasionally larger), with corky, furrowed grey-brown bark. Leaves are pinnate with 5-7 toothed leaflets. Abundant flat-topped clusters (corymbs) of small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers are followed by drooping clusters of small, glossy, purple-black berries.[11]
Habitat
Grows in damp meadows, pastures, roadsides and woodland margins on moist, rich soils; native to Europe and Western Asia and naturalised in North America.[12]
Native throughout Europe, western Asia and North Africa, extremely common in hedgerows, woodland edges, waste ground and disturbed sites, tolerating a wide range of soils.[11]
Harvesting
The root and rhizome are dug in autumn of the second or later year, when sesquiterpene lactone and inulin content is highest, then cleaned, sliced and dried.[12]
Flowers are picked in full bloom (late spring/early summer), ideally on a dry day, and dried quickly. Berries are picked in late summer/early autumn once fully ripe (deep purple-black) and always cooked before use, as raw berries - and all other parts of the plant - contain cyanogenic glycosides and should not be eaten raw.[11]
Traditional Uses
Elecampane root has a long European tradition, reflected in the old name 'elf dock', as a warming expectorant remedy for productive cough, bronchitis and chronic respiratory catarrh, and topically and internally as an antimicrobial for skin and wound infections.[12]
Elder has one of the most celebrated European folk-medicine reputations, described as a 'medicine chest' of the countryside. The flowers have official European herbal-monograph use for symptoms of the common cold, and the berries - cooked, or as a standardised extract - are widely used and clinically studied for upper respiratory and flu-like symptoms.[2, 11]
Preparations
Dried root simmered in water as a traditional expectorant and antimicrobial tea.
Dried flower steeped in hot water - the classic cold and flu remedy.
Cooked, sweetened berry preparation - the most widely used commercial and traditional form for immune and cold support.
The concentrated form used in influenza clinical trials.
References
Lookalikes Review
Dosage
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
References & Sources
- Gierlikowska, B., Gierlikowski, W., Bekier, K., Skalicka-Wozniak, K., Czerwinska, M.E. and Kiss, A.K (2019) 'Inula helenium and Grindelia squarrosa as a source of compounds with anti-inflammatory activity in human neutrophils and cultured human respiratory epithelium', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 249, pp. 112311. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2019.112311 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2019.112311 - Gao, S. and Wang, Q. and Tian, X.H. and Li, H.L. and Shen, Y.H. and Xu, X.K. and Wu, G.Z. and Hu, Z.L. and Zhang, W.D (2016) 'Total sesquiterpene lactones prepared from Inula helenium L. has potentials in prevention and therapy of rheumatoid arthritis', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, pp. 39--46. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.12.020 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.12.020 - Wang, Q., Gao, S., Wu, G., Yang, N., Zu, X., Li, W., Xie, N., Zhang, R., Li, C., Hu, Z. and Zhang, W (2018) 'Total sesquiterpene lactones isolated from Inula helenium L. attenuates 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in mice', Phytomedicine, 46, pp. 78-84. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2018.04.036 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2018.04.036 - Dao, T.T.P., Song, K., Kim, J.Y. and Kim, Y.S (2020) 'Igalan from Inula helenium (L.) suppresses the atopic dermatitis-like response in stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes via JAK/STAT3 signaling', Inflammation Research, 69(3), pp. 309-319. doi:10.1007/s00011-020-01322-4 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00011-020-01322-4 - He, X., Zhao, W., Shao, B., Zhang, B., Liu, T., Sun, C., Huang, H., Wu, J., Liang, J. and Ma, X (2020) 'Natural soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors from Inula helenium and their interactions with soluble epoxide hydrolase', International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 161, pp. 1465-1474. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.04.227 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.04.227 - Buza, V., Niculae, M., Hanganu, D., Pall, E., Burtescu, R.F., Olah, N., Matei-Latiu, M., Vlasiuc, I., Iozon, I., Szakacs, A.R., Ielciu, I. and Stefanut, L.C (2022) 'Biological Activities and Chemical Profile of Gentiana asclepiadea and Inula helenium Ethanolic Extracts', Molecules, 27(11), pp. 3560. doi:10.3390/molecules27113560 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27113560 - Zheng, X., Wu, Z., Xu, J., Zhang, X., Tu, Y., Lei, J., Yuan, R., Cheng, H., Wang, Q. and Yu, J (2021) 'Bioactive sesquiterpenes from Inula helenium', Bioorganic Chemistry, 114, pp. 105066. doi:10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105066 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105066 - Nder, A.E (2021) 'Efficacy of methanol-water extract of Inula helenium root against oxidative DNA damage', Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 41(2), pp. 293-300. Preclinical
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Efficacy%20of%20methanol-water%20extract%20of%20Inula%20helenium%20root%20against%20oxidative%20DNA%20damage - Chun, J., Song, K. and Kim, Y.S (2018) 'Sesquiterpene lactones-enriched fraction of Inula helenium L. induces apoptosis through inhibition of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 signaling pathway in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells', Phytotherapy Research, 32(12), pp. 2501-2509. doi:10.1002/ptr.6189 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6189 - Li, Y., Ni, Z., Zhu, M., Dong, M., Wang, S., Shi, Q., Zhang, M., Wang, Y., Huo, C., Kiyota, H. and Cong, B (2012) 'Antitumour activities of sesquiterpene lactones from Inula helenium and Inula japonica', Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung C, 67(7-8), pp. 375-380. doi:10.1515/znc-2012-7-804 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1515/znc-2012-7-804 - Yan, Y.Y., Zhang, Q., Zhang, B., Yang, B. and Lin, N.M (2019) 'Active ingredients of Inula helenium L. exhibits similar anti-cancer effects as isoalantolactone in pancreatic cancer cells', Natural Product Research, 34(17), pp. 2539-2544. doi:10.1080/14786419.2018.1543676 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2018.1543676 - Kenny, C.R., Stojakowska, A., Furey, A. and Lucey, B (2022) 'From Monographs to Chromatograms: The Antimicrobial Potential of Inula helenium L. (Elecampane) Naturalised in Ireland', Molecules. doi:10.3390/molecules27041406 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27041406 - Stojanovic-Radic, Z. and Comic, Lj. and Radulovic, N. and Blagojevic, P. and Denic, M. and Miltojevic, A. and Rajkovic, J. and Mihajilov-Krstev, T (2012) 'Antistaphylococcal activity of Inula helenium L. root essential oil: eudesmane sesquiterpene lactones induce cell membrane damage', European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 31(6), pp. 1015--1025. doi:10.1007/s10096-011-1400-1 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10096-011-1400-1 - Cantrell, C.L. and Abate, L. and Fronczek, F.R. and Franzblau, S.G. and Quijano, L. and Fischer, N.H (1999) 'Antimycobacterial eudesmanolides from Inula helenium and Rudbeckia subtomentosa', Planta Medica, 65(4), pp. 351--355. doi:10.1055/s-1999-14001 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-1999-14001
- Liu, D., He, X.Q., Wu, D.T., Li, H.B. and others (2022) 'Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.): Bioactive Compounds, Health Functions, and Applications', Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 70(14), pp. 4202-4220. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.2c00010 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.2c00010 - Hawkins, J., Baker, C., Cherry, L. and Dunne, E (2018) 'Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials', Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 42, pp. 361-365. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2018.12.004 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2018.12.004 - Uhl, K. and Mitchell, A.E (2024) 'Elderberry, an Ancient Remedy: A Comprehensive Study of the Bioactive Compounds in Three Sambucus nigra L. Subspecies', Annual Review of Food Science and Technology, 15(1), pp. 27-51. doi:10.1146/annurev-food-072023-034423 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-food-072023-034423 - Asgary, S. and Pouramini, A (2022) 'The Pros and Cons of Using Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) for Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19', Advanced Biomedical Research, 11, pp. 96. doi:10.4103/abr.abr_146_21 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.4103/abr.abr_146_21 - Ferreira, S.S., Martins-Gomes, C., Nunes, F.M. and Silva, A.M (2022) 'Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) extracts promote anti-inflammatory and cellular antioxidant activity', Food Chemistry: X, 15, pp. 100437. doi:10.1016/j.fochx.2022.100437 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fochx.2022.100437 - Dominguez, R., Pateiro, M., Munekata, P.E.S., Santos Lopez, E.M. and others (2021) 'Potential Use of Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) as Natural Colorant and Antioxidant in the Food Industry. A Review', Foods, 10(11), pp. 2713. doi:10.3390/foods10112713 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10112713 - Sanlier, N., Ejder, Z.B. and Irmak, E (2024) 'Are the Effects of Bioactive Components on Human Health a Myth?: Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) from Exotic Fruits', Current Nutrition Reports, 13(4), pp. 815-827. doi:10.1007/s13668-024-00572-6 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-024-00572-6 - Ulbricht, C., Basch, E., Cheung, L., Goldberg, H. and others (2014) 'An evidence-based systematic review of elderberry and elderflower (Sambucus nigra) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration', Journal of Dietary Supplements, 11(1), pp. 80-120. doi:10.3109/19390211.2013.859852 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3109/19390211.2013.859852 - Has, I.M., Teleky, B.E., Szabo, K., Simon, E. and others (2023) 'Bioactive Potential of Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.): Antioxidant, Antimicrobial Activity, Bioaccessibility and Prebiotic Potential', Molecules, 28(7), pp. 3099. doi:10.3390/molecules28073099 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28073099 - Kim, J., An, J., Song, Y., Jang, M. and others (2024) 'Effect of Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) Extract Intake on Normalizing Testosterone Concentration in Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome Rat Model Through Regulation of 17beta-HSD, 5alpha-Reductase, and CYP19A1 Expression', Nutrients, 16(23), pp. 4169. doi:10.3390/nu16234169 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234169 - European Medicines Agency (2018) 'European Union herbal monograph on Sambucus nigra L., flos'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=European%20Union%20herbal%20monograph%20on%20Sambucus%20nigra%20L.%2C%20flos - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - Zakay-Rones, Z., Thom, E., Wollan, T. and Wadstein, J (2004) 'Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections', 32(2), pp. 132--140. doi:10.1177/147323000403200205 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1177/147323000403200205 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Jimenez, P. and Gayoso, M. and Tejero, J. and Cabrero, P. and Cordoba-Diaz, D. and Basterrechea, J.E. and Girbes, T (2012) 'Toxicity in mice of lectin ebulin f present in dwarf elderberry (Sambucus ebulus L.)', Toxicon, 61, pp. 26-9. doi:10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.10.009 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2012.10.009 - Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (2023) 'Sambucus ebulus L., dwarf elder (Fermanagh species accounts)'. Available at: https://bsbi.org/in-your-area/local-botany/co-fermanagh/fermanagh-species-accounts/sambucus-ebulus-l Traditional / reference
https://bsbi.org/in-your-area/local-botany/co-fermanagh/fermanagh-species-accounts/sambucus-ebulus-l - Botanical-online (2024) 'Differences between elder and dwarf elder (Sambucus nigra vs Sambucus ebulus)'. Available at: https://www.botanical-online.com/en/botany/differences-sambucus-nigra-ebulus Traditional / reference
https://www.botanical-online.com/en/botany/differences-sambucus-nigra-ebulus
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.