# Elaeagnus umbellata (Autumn Olive) **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/elaeagnus-umbellata **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-31 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Fruit **Also Known As:** Russian olive, Japanese silverberry, umbellate oleaster, spreading oleaster, cardinal olive, silverberry ## Overview Elaeagnus umbellata (Autumn Olive) is a heritage fruit containing lycopene and other carotenoids, but lacks clinical evidence for health benefits. The berries are traditionally consumed as preserves, though no therapeutic effects have been scientifically documented. ## Health Benefits • No clinically proven health benefits - no human trials identified in available research • Berries consumed in traditional preserves - no evidence of therapeutic effects documented • Contains carbohydrates per ecological studies - no biomedical significance established • Nitrogen-fixing properties benefit soil ecology only - no human health applications found • Potential heavy metal contamination risk identified - may pose health concerns rather than benefits ## Mechanism of Action Elaeagnus umbellata berries contain lycopene and beta-carotene, carotenoids that theoretically could provide antioxidant activity through [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing mechanisms. However, no specific molecular pathways or receptor interactions have been studied for this fruit. The bioavailability and therapeutic significance of these compounds from Autumn Olive remain unestablished. ## Clinical Summary No human clinical trials have been conducted on Elaeagnus umbellata for health benefits. Available research consists primarily of ecological and agricultural studies examining the plant's nitrogen-fixing properties and basic nutritional composition. Traditional use is limited to food preservation methods without documented therapeutic applications. The absence of clinical evidence means health claims cannot be substantiated. ## Nutritional Profile Per 100g fresh berries (approximate values from analytical studies): Energy ~75–85 kcal; Water ~65–72%; Carbohydrates ~18–22g (primarily sugars: glucose and fructose); Protein ~1.5–2.5g; Fat ~1.0–1.8g (seed oil rich in oleic and linoleic acids); Dietary fiber ~3–5g. **Carotenoids/Lycopene:** Notable lycopene content reported at ~15–54 mg/100g fresh weight (significantly higher than raw tomatoes at ~3 mg/100g), though bioavailability from the berry matrix has not been clinically characterized and likely varies with processing and co-ingestion of dietary fat. **Vitamins:** Vitamin C ~12–30 mg/100g (variable by ripeness and growing conditions); Vitamin A activity from beta-carotene ~0.3–0.8 mg/100g; Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) ~1.5–3.5 mg/100g primarily concentrated in seed fraction. **Minerals:** Potassium ~250–350 mg; Calcium ~30–50 mg; Magnesium ~15–25 mg; Phosphorus ~25–40 mg; Iron ~0.5–1.2 mg (non-heme, lower bioavailability); Zinc ~0.3–0.6 mg. Trace amounts of manganese, copper, and selenium reported. **Phenolic compounds:** Total phenolics ~150–450 mg GAE/100g fresh weight; flavonoids including quercetin and kaempferol glycosides; phenolic acids including gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and ellagic acid. **Fatty acid profile (seed oil):** Oleic acid ~30–40%, linoleic acid ~25–35%, palmitic acid ~8–12%, alpha-linolenic acid ~5–10%. **Important caveats:** Nutritional values are derived primarily from limited analytical chemistry studies (not large-scale USDA-type databases); considerable variation exists between ecotypes, geographic populations, and ripeness stages. Nitrogen-fixing capacity of the plant does not translate to elevated nitrogen-containing nutrients in fruit. Heavy metal bioaccumulation potential (particularly cadmium, lead, and zinc) has been documented in plants growing on contaminated soils, and berries foraged from roadsides, industrial areas, or reclaimed mine sites may contain unsafe levels. No standardized bioavailability studies for lycopene or polyphenols from this specific fruit matrix have been conducted in humans. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges exist for any form of Elaeagnus umbellata (extract, powder, or standardized preparation), as no human trials have been conducted. The berries are occasionally consumed in jellies and jams, but no therapeutic doses have been established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Safety data for Elaeagnus umbellata consumption is limited to traditional food use patterns. No documented drug interactions, contraindications, or adverse effects have been reported in available literature. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established due to lack of studies. Standard precautions for novel fruits should be observed, particularly regarding allergic reactions. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or meta-analyses examining the biomedical effects of Elaeagnus umbellata were identified in the research. All available studies focus exclusively on its invasive ecology and herbicide control methods, with no PMIDs or clinical research documented. ## Historical & Cultural Context The research provides no information on historical or traditional medicinal uses of Elaeagnus umbellata in any medical systems. Its documented use is limited to modern consumption of fruit in preserves and its primary recognition as an invasive species in North America requiring herbicide control. ## Synergistic Combinations Not applicable - no biomedical research exists ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What compounds are found in Elaeagnus umbellata berries? Elaeagnus umbellata berries contain lycopene and beta-carotene along with basic carbohydrates. However, specific concentrations and bioavailability of these carotenoids have not been thoroughly studied. ### Are there any clinical studies on Autumn Olive health benefits? No human clinical trials have been conducted on Elaeagnus umbellata for health benefits. Available research focuses on ecological properties rather than therapeutic effects. ### How is Elaeagnus umbellata traditionally used? Autumn Olive berries are traditionally used in preserves and food preparations. These uses are culinary rather than medicinal, with no documented therapeutic traditions. ### Is Elaeagnus umbellata safe to consume? Elaeagnus umbellata appears safe based on traditional food use, but formal safety studies are lacking. No adverse effects have been documented in available literature. ### Can Elaeagnus umbellata interact with medications? No drug interactions have been reported for Elaeagnus umbellata. However, the lack of clinical research means potential interactions remain unstudied and unknown. ### What is the difference between fresh Elaeagnus umbellata berries and processed forms like extracts or powders? Fresh Autumn Olive berries are whole foods containing their natural fiber, while extracts and powders concentrate certain compounds but may alter nutrient profiles during processing. No clinical evidence currently compares the bioavailability or efficacy of different forms, making it unclear whether one form offers advantages over another. Processing may also affect potential contaminants like heavy metals, which may concentrate in powder or extract forms. ### Who should avoid Elaeagnus umbellata, and are there populations at higher risk from potential contaminants? Individuals with heavy metal sensitivities or those in regions where Autumn Olive accumulates environmental contaminants should exercise caution, though specific at-risk populations have not been formally identified in research. Pregnant and nursing women lack sufficient safety data specific to Autumn Olive supplementation. Those with existing kidney or liver conditions may be at higher risk if heavy metal bioaccumulation occurs, though this has not been clinically studied in humans. ### How does the nutritional content of Elaeagnus umbellata compare to other commonly consumed berries? Autumn Olive contains carbohydrates and various phytocompounds identified in ecological studies, but direct nutritional comparison with berries like blueberries or cranberries has not been systematically documented in biomedical literature. The relative concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to other berries remain unquantified in human nutrition research. Without standardized nutritional analysis, claims about Autumn Olive's superiority to other berry sources lack evidential support. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*