Plant Comparison

Black Cumin 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.

First plant
Second plant
Show:
Plant ABlack CuminNigella sativaRanunculaceaeFull monograph →
Plant BElderSambucus nigraAdoxaceaeFull monograph →

At a glance

Black Cumin and Elder: they share 6 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cold & flu, infection (general), …); 2 pharmacological actions in common.

Black CuminElder
Constituents53
Pharmacological actions93
Indicated uses176
Safety notes22
Cited sources2417
Indicated uses
Only Black Cumin
Acid refluxBack painBloatingBlood sugar / diabetes supportCancer (anticancer research)HeadacheImmune supportIndigestionMetabolic supportPain (general)Wounds
Shared (6)
Arthritis / joint painCold & fluInfection (general)Inflammation (general)Respiratory supportSkin irritation
Only Elder
none
Pharmacological actions
Only Black Cumin
Analgesic (pain relief)Anticancer (preclinical)Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)AntimicrobialDigestive aidGastroprotectiveImmunomodulator / immune support
Shared (2)
Anti-inflammatoryAntioxidant
Only Elder
Antiviral

Evidence face-off — shared uses

ConditionBlack CuminElderVerdict
Arthritis / joint pain5/105/10Comparable evidence
Cold & flu5/108/10Stronger for Elder
Infection (general)5/105/10Comparable evidence
Inflammation (general)5/105/10Comparable evidence
Respiratory support5/108/10Stronger for Elder
Skin irritation5/105/10Comparable evidence

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

Thymoquinone[3, 9]

The principal bioactive constituent of the seed oil, responsible for much of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.

Volatile oil (nigellone, thymol, carvacrol)[3]

The aromatic fraction of the seed, contributing antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.

Essential (volatile) oilThymolCarvacrol
Fixed oil (linoleic acid, oleic acid)[1]

The bulk lipid fraction of the seed (roughly a third of seed weight by weight), the carrier for the fat-soluble thymoquinone.

Alkaloids (nigellicine, nigellidine)[1]

Minor isoquinoline-type alkaloids studied for antioxidant activity.

Alkaloids
Saponins (alpha-hederin)[1]

Triterpene saponin studied for anticancer and antiparasitic activity.

Saponins
Anthocyanins (cyanidin glycosides)[1]

Give the ripe berries their deep colour and much of their antioxidant activity.

Anthocyanins
Flavonoids (rutin, quercetin) and phenolic acids[1]

Found in both flower and berry, contributing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

FlavonoidsRutinQuercetinPhenolic acids
Cyanogenic glycosides (sambunigrin)[1]

Present in raw berries, leaves, bark and stems; the basis for the caution to always cook berries before eating and avoid raw plant material.

Glycosides

Pharmacological Actions

Analgesic (pain relief)[6, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]
Anti-inflammatory[1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]
Anticancer (preclinical)[7, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]
Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)[5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]
Antimicrobial[3, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]
Antioxidant[1, 3, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]
Digestive aid[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]
Gastroprotective[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]
Immunomodulator / immune support[4, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]
Anti-inflammatory[1, 5, 7, 11, 12, 13]
Antioxidant[1, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13]
Antiviral[1, 2, 4, 7, 11, 12, 13]

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Acid reflux[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from gastroprotective action

Evidence: 5
Label: Acid reflux
Arthritis / joint pain[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 5
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Back pain[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from analgesic action

Evidence: 5
Label: Back pain
Bloating[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from digestive action

Evidence: 5
Label: Bloating
Blood sugar / diabetes support[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from antidiabetic action

Evidence: 5
Label: Blood sugar / diabetes support
Cancer (anticancer research)[7]Good · 7/10

inferred from anticancer action

Evidence: 7
Label: Cancer (anticancer research)
Cold & flu[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from immunomodulator action

Evidence: 5
Label: Cold & flu
Headache[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from analgesic action

Evidence: 5
Label: Headache
Immune support[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]Moderate · 5/10
Evidence: 5
Label: Immune support
Indigestion[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from digestive action

Evidence: 5
Label: Indigestion
Infection (general)[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 5
Label: Infection (general)
Inflammation (general)[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 5
Label: Inflammation (general)
Metabolic support[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from antidiabetic action

Evidence: 5
Label: Metabolic support
Pain (general)[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]Moderate · 5/10
Evidence: 5
Label: Pain (general)
Respiratory support[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]Moderate · 5/10
Evidence: 5
Label: Respiratory support
Skin irritation[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 5
Label: Skin irritation
Wounds[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 5
Label: Wounds
Arthritis / joint pain[11, 12, 13]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 5
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Cold & flu[2, 11, 12, 13]Good · 8/10

inferred from antiviral action

Evidence: 8
Label: Cold & flu
Infection (general)[9, 11, 12, 13]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from antiviral action

Evidence: 5
Label: Infection (general)
Inflammation (general)[5, 11, 12, 13]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 5
Label: Inflammation (general)
Respiratory support[2, 4, 11, 12, 13]Good · 8/10
Evidence: 8
Label: Respiratory support
Skin irritation[11, 12, 13]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 5
Label: Skin irritation

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]Caution

Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials at doses up to 200 mg/day of oil for 90 days. Potential side effects may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulant effects. May interact with immunosuppressants and antidiabetic medications. Allergic reactions possible in sensitive individuals. Consult healthcare provider before use, especially with concurrent medications.

Safety note[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]Caution

Duke (2002) describes black cumin (Nigella sativa) as one of the most multi-active medicinal spices, with experimental evidence for bronchodilation, immunostimulation, hepatoprotection, and antihistaminic activity. The prophet Muhammad reportedly described it as 'a cure for all things except death.' Key bioactive compounds include thymoquinone and nigellone. Antihistaminic and bronchodilatory activity supports its traditional use in asthma and allergic conditions. Duke notes it is generally safe at culinary amounts but recommends caution with medicinal doses in pregnancy due to potential uterotonic effects (Duke, 2002).

Safety note[11, 12, 13]Caution

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

Safety note[11, 12, 13, 14]Caution

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

Gbif: 5371700
Wikidata: Q160575
Gbif: 2888728
Wikidata: Q22701

Botanical Description

Annual herb (Ranunculaceae), 20-90 cm tall, with an erect, branched stem and finely divided, pinnately dissected, fern-like leaves. Delicate pale blue-white (occasionally pale purple) flowers, each with 5-10 petal-like sepals, are surrounded by a feathery bract collar. The fruit is an inflated, many-celled capsule that dries and splits to release numerous small, black, angular seeds - the medicinal part.[1]

Height: 20-90 cm
Habit: Erect, branched annual herb
Leaves: Finely pinnately dissected, fern-like
Flowers: Pale blue-white (occasionally pale purple), 5-10 petal-like sepals, feathery bract collar
Stem: Erect, branched
Root: Slender taproot
Fruit: Inflated capsule splitting to release small black angular seeds
Flowering Period: June-August

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]

Height: 3-10 m (occasionally larger)
Habit: Deciduous shrub or small tree
Leaves: Pinnate, 5-7 toothed leaflets
Flowers: Small, fragrant, creamy-white, in flat-topped clusters (corymbs)
Stem: Corky, furrowed, grey-brown bark
Root: Fibrous, spreading root system
Fruit: Drooping clusters of small, glossy, purple-black berries
Flowering Period: May-June; berries ripen August-September

Habitat

Native to the Mediterranean basin, southern Europe, western Asia and North Africa, and widely cultivated as a spice and medicinal crop across the Middle East, South Asia and North Africa; grows in cultivated fields and on disturbed ground.[1]

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

Seed capsules are harvested once dried and brown (late summer), then threshed to release the small black seeds. Seed is stored whole and either used directly or cold-pressed for oil shortly before use to preserve the volatile thymoquinone-rich fraction.[1]

Parts: Seed
Season: Late summer, once capsules have dried

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]

Parts: Flower, Fruit
Season: Flower late spring/early summer; berries late summer/early autumn

Traditional Uses

One of the most celebrated medicinal seeds in Middle Eastern and Islamic traditional medicine - known as 'Habbatul Barakah' (the blessed seed) - black seed has traditionally been used for digestive complaints, respiratory conditions (asthma, cough), pain, inflammation, skin conditions and as a general tonic. Modern research on its principal constituent thymoquinone supports broad anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic and immunomodulatory activity.[1, 2, 9]

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

Whole or ground seed[1]

Seed eaten directly, sprinkled on food, or ground into a paste - the traditional culinary-medicinal form.

Cold-pressed seed oil[3, 9]

The form most used in clinical trials, taken orally in capsules or as a liquid.

Elderflower infusion (tea)[11]

Dried flower steeped in hot water - the classic cold and flu remedy.

Elderberry syrup[2]

Cooked, sweetened berry preparation - the most widely used commercial and traditional form for immune and cold support.

Standardised elderberry extract[2]

The concentrated form used in influenza clinical trials.

Dosage

Seed oil[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]

Clinical trials have generally been well tolerated at doses up to about 200 mg/day of oil taken for up to 90 days. Educational reference only, not a prescription; avoid medicinal doses in pregnancy.

Dried flower (tea)[11, 12, 13]

Duke (2002): dried flower, about 3-5 g as tea, three times daily. Educational reference only, not a prescription; always cook berries before eating and avoid bark preparations without expert guidance.

References

REF-2065, REF-2066, REF-2067, REF-2068, REF-2069, REF-2070, REF-2071, REF-2072, REF-2073, REF-2074, REF-2075
REF-1015, REF-1016, REF-1017, REF-1018, REF-1019, REF-1020, REF-1021, REF-1022, REF-1023, REF-1024

Drug Class Interactions

Safety note[20, 21, 22]Caution
Drug Class: antidiabetics
Mechanism: Black seed (Nigella sativa) lowers fasting blood glucose and HbA1c in trials in people with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (confirmed by meta-analysis); combined with diabetes medicines it may add to blood-sugar lowering, so monitor blood sugar.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03
Safety note[23, 24]Caution
Drug Class: antihypertensives
Mechanism: Black seed (Nigella sativa) modestly lowers blood pressure - two meta-analyses of randomised trials found reductions of roughly 3 mmHg systolic and 3 mmHg diastolic. Combined with blood-pressure medicines it may add to their effect, so monitor your blood pressure.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Not documented

Lookalikes Review

Outcome: none-known
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07
Outcome: has-lookalikes
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-06

Dangerous Lookalikes

Not documented

Safety note[15, 16, 17]Dangerous
Dangerous Plant: sambucus-ebulus
Confused Part: Flower heads and ripe black berries, gathered mistaking them for elderflower or elderberry.
Confusion Context: Dwarf elder (danewort) is a close relative of elder with very similar flat-topped white flower clusters and small black berries, and the two grow in the same hedgerows and waste ground. But all parts of dwarf elder are toxic — it contains ebulin, a ricin-related toxin, plus cyanogenic compounds — and eating the flowers or berries causes severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. (Even true elderberry must be cooked before eating.)
Distinguishing Features: Stem: elder is a woody shrub or small tree (up to several metres) with bark and woody stems that persist through winter; dwarf elder is herbaceous — soft green non-woody stems, no bark, about 1 to 2 m, dying back to the ground each year and re-sprouting in dense colonies. A woody, bark-covered stem means it is NOT dwarf elder., Anthers: dwarf-elder flowers have contrasting purple or dark-red anthers; elder flowers have cream-to-yellow anthers., Berries: elder's ripe berry clusters droop and hang down; dwarf elder holds its flower and fruit heads erect, facing upward.
Key Test: Check the stem: a hard, woody, bark-covered stem that persists year-round = elder (its cooked flowers and berries are a safe food). A soft, green, non-woody stem forming a dense colony that dies back each winter = dwarf elder — do not eat it. Purple anthers and upward-facing berry heads confirm dwarf elder.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-06

References & Sources

  1. Hannan, M.A., Rahman, M.A., Sohag, A.A.M., Uddin, M.J., Dash, R., Sikder, M.H., Rahman, M.S., Timalsina, B., Munni, Y.A. and Sarker, P.P (2021) 'Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.): A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemistry, Health Benefits, Molecular Pharmacology, and Safety', Nutrients, 13(6), pp. 1784. doi:10.3390/nu13061784 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061784
  2. Ahmad, A., Husain, A., Mujeeb, M., Khan, S.A., Najmi, A.K., Siddique, N.A., Damanhouri, Z.A. and Anwar, F (2013) 'A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle herb', Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 3(5), pp. 337-352. doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(13)60075-1 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1016/S2221-1691(13)60075-1
  3. Chatterjee, G., Saha, A.K., Khurshid, S. and Saha, A (2025) 'A Comprehensive Review of the Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Therapeutic Efficacies of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) Seed Oil and Its Thymoquinone', Journal of Medicinal Food, 28(4), pp. 325-339. doi:10.1089/jmf.2024.k.0149 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2024.k.0149
  4. Majdalawieh, A.F. and Fayyad, M.W (2015) 'Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory action of Nigella sativa and thymoquinone: A comprehensive review', International Immunopharmacology, 28(1), pp. 295-304. doi:10.1016/j.intimp.2015.06.023 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2015.06.023
  5. Shaukat, A., Zaidi, A., Anwar, H. and Kizilbash, N (2023) 'Mechanism of the antidiabetic action of Nigella sativa and Thymoquinone: a review', Frontiers in Nutrition, 10, pp. 1126272. doi:10.3389/fnut.2023.1126272 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.1126272
  6. Beheshti, F., Khazaei, M. and Hosseini, M (2016) 'Neuropharmacological effects of Nigella sativa', Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, 6(1), pp. 104-116. Meta-analysis / review
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Neuropharmacological%20effects%20of%20Nigella%20sativa
  7. Shafiq, H., Ahmad, A., Masud, T. and Kaleem, M (2014) 'Cardio-protective and anti-cancer therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa', Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 17(12), pp. 967-979. Meta-analysis / review
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Cardio-protective%20and%20anti-cancer%20therapeutic%20potential%20of%20Nigella%20sativa
  8. Bordoni, L., Fedeli, D., Nasuti, C., Maggi, F., Papa, F., Wabitsch, M., De Caterina, R. and Gabbianelli, R (2019) 'Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Nigella sativa Oil in Human Pre-Adipocytes', Antioxidants, 8(2), pp. 51. doi:10.3390/antiox8020051 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox8020051
  9. Gholamnezhad, Z., Havakhah, S. and Boskabady, M.H (2016) 'Preclinical and clinical effects of Nigella sativa and its constituent, thymoquinone: A review', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 190, pp. 372-386. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.06.061 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.06.061
  10. Ali, B.H. and Blunden, G (2003) 'Pharmacological and toxicological properties of Nigella sativa', Phytotherapy Research, 17(4), pp. 299-305. doi:10.1002/ptr.1309 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1309
  11. Al-Attass, S.A., Zahran, F.M. and Turkistany, S.A (2016) 'Nigella sativa and its active constituent thymoquinone in oral health', Saudi Medical Journal, 37(3), pp. 235-244. doi:10.15537/smj.2016.3.13006 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.15537/smj.2016.3.13006
  12. Ahmad A, Husain A, Mujeeb M, et al. A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle herb. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2013;3 (2013) ';3(5):337-352', 3(5). Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3642442/ Traditional / reference
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3642442/
  13. Darakhshan S, Bidmeshki Pour A, Hosseinzadeh Colagar A, Sisakhtnezhad S. Thymoquinone and its therapeutic potentials. Pharmacol Res. 2015;95-96:138-158. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4387230/ (2015) ';95-96:138-158'. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4387230/ Traditional / reference
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4387230/
  14. Forouzanfar F, Bazzaz BSF, Hosseinzadeh H. A review of ethnobotany, phytochemistry, antimicrobial pharmacology and toxicology of Nigella sativa L. Biomed Pharmacother. 2021;142:112040. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332221009665 (2021) ';142:112040'. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332221009665 Traditional / reference
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332221009665
  15. Gholamnezhad Z, Keyhanmanesh R, Boskabady MH. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory aspects of Nigella sativa for its preventive and bronchodilatory effects on obstructive respiratory diseases. Biomed Pharmacother. 2021;136:111240. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332221002778 (2021) ';136:111240'. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332221002778 Traditional / reference
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332221002778
  16. Hannan MA, Rahman MA, Sohag AAM, et al. Black cumin (2021) ';13(6):1784', 13(6). doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.625386/full Randomized trial
    https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.625386/full
  17. Kooti W, Hasanzadeh-Noohi Z, Sharafi-Ahvazi N, et al. Phytochemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic uses of black seed (2016) ';22(3):231-237', 22(3). Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8225153/ Traditional / reference
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8225153/
  18. Tavakkoli A, Mahdian V, Razavi BM, Hosseinzadeh H. Review on clinical trials of black seed (2017) ';20(3):179-193', 20(3). Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5633670/ Traditional / reference
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5633670/
  19. 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
  20. Saadati, S., Naseri, K., Asbaghi, O., Abhari, K., Zhang, P., Li, H.B. and Gan, R.Y (2022) 'Nigella sativa supplementation improves cardiometabolic indicators in population with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials', Frontiers in Nutrition, 9, pp. 977756. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.977756 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.977756
  21. Willcox, M.L., Elugbaju, C., Al-Anbaki, M., Lown, M. and Graz, B (2021) 'Effectiveness of Medicinal Plants for Glycaemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes: An Overview of Meta-Analyses of Clinical Trials', Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, pp. 777561. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.777561 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.777561
  22. Daryabeygi-Khotbehsara, R., Golzarand, M., Ghaffari, M.P. and Djafarian, K (2017) 'Nigella sativa improves glucose homeostasis and serum lipids in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 35, pp. 6-13. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2017.08.016 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2017.08.016
  23. Sahebkar, A., Soranna, D., Liu, X., Thomopoulos, C., Simental-Mendia, L.E., Derosa, G., Maffioli, P. and Parati, G (2016) 'A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of supplementation with Nigella sativa (black seed) on blood pressure', Journal of Hypertension, 34(11), pp. 2127-2135. doi:10.1097/HJH.0000000000001049 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1097/HJH.0000000000001049
  24. Kavyani, Z., Musazadeh, V., Safaei, E., Mohammadi Asmaroud, M., Khashakichafi, F., Ahrabi, S.S. and Dehghan, P (2023) 'Antihypertensive effects of Nigella sativa supplementation: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials', Phytotherapy Research, 37(8), pp. 3224-3238. doi:10.1002/ptr.7891 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7891
  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. European Medicines Agency (2018) 'European Union herbal monograph on Sambucus nigra L., flos'. Traditional / reference
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  12. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
    https://powo.science.kew.org
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
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  17. 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
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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.