All parts of the plant contain poisonous cyanogenic glycosides and should not be eaten raw. Cooking denatures the glycoside, otherwise symptoms of cyanide poisoning - nausea vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea,weakness and stupor. Plants from higher altitudes contain greater concentrations. See also Toxicity

Journal of the Science and Food of Agriculture - Sambucus Link

Full discussion of toxicity in European Medicnes Agency report

European Medicines Agency - Sambucus nigra Link

Toxicity due to sambunigrin cyanogenic glycoside.

Professor Anthony Dayan, 2021

Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten; fruits/flowers edible if cooked. HTA guidelines

HTA Guide to Potentially Harmful Plants, 3rd Edition (2022)

Fresh, aromatic, creamy-white flowers are used to make Elderflower cordial. See also Toxicity

The fruit is used to add flavour to preserves, jams, pies, sauces, and chutneys. It has been used to make wine. See also Toxicity

Plants for a Future - sambucus nigra http://www.pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Sambucus+nigra Link

Traditional Herbal Medicine Registration (THMR). Report of the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products. Not accepted as a Traditional Herbal remedy.

European Medicines Agency - Sambucus nigra Link

In traditional medicine elder has a very long history of household use as a medicinal herb and is also much used by herbalists. The plant has been called 'the medicine chest of country people'[Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984]. The flowers are the main part used in modern herbalism, though all parts of the plant have been used at times.It is used in the treatment of constipation and arthritic conditions[Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995].

Plants for a Future - sambucus nigra https://pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?latinname=Sambucus+nigra Link

Family changed from Caprifoliaceae to Viburnaceae

Plants of the World online, Kew Science http://plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30122169-2 Link

Africa, Macaronesia, Canary Is.

Africa, Northern Africa, Tunisia

Asia-Temperate, Caucasus

Asia-Temperate, Western Asia, Turkey

Asia-Temperate, Western Asia, Iran

Asia-Temperate, Western Asia, Iraq

Asia-Tropical, Indian Subcontinent, India

Europe, Eastern Europe

Europe, Middle Europe

Europe, Northern Europe

Europe, Southeastern Europe

Europe, Southwestern Europe

Northern America