# ElderCraft (Sambucus nigra)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/eldercraft
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-01
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Sambucus nigra L., Black Elder Flower Extract, European Elder Flower, Elderflower Extract, Black Elderflower, Common Elder Flower, Sambucus nigra Flower Extract, Standardized Elderflower Extract

## Overview

ElderCraft is a standardized extract of Sambucus nigra (European elderberry) characterized by high concentrations of quercetin glycosides (293.1 µg/g) and caffeoylquinic acid phenolics. These flavonoid compounds demonstrate free-radical scavenging activity in vitro, though human clinical evidence for [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) efficacy remains limited.

## Health Benefits

• Antioxidant support through high phenolic content (based on in vitro DPPH assays only - no human studies available)
• Rich source of bioactive flavonoids including quercetin derivatives (293.1 µg/g) - evidence limited to chemical characterization
• Contains phenolic acids like caffeoylquinic acid (879.3 µg/g) - no clinical efficacy data
• Traditional [immune support](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) use in European herbal medicine - historical use only, no clinical validation
• Potential [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing properties - based solely on laboratory antioxidant assays

## Mechanism of Action

ElderCraft's quercetin derivatives inhibit free-radical chain reactions by donating hydrogen atoms to neutralize [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), as measured by DPPH radical scavenging assays in vitro. Caffeoylquinic acid phenolics may inhibit NF-κB transcription factor activation, potentially modulating [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) expression including TNF-α and IL-6. Quercetin's flavonoid backbone also demonstrates affinity for lipoxygenase enzyme inhibition in cell-based models, which may contribute to its proposed [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) profile.

## Clinical Summary

The primary evidence base for ElderCraft's [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties derives from in vitro DPPH radical scavenging assays and chemical characterization studies quantifying phenolic content, not human randomized controlled trials. No published human clinical trials specifically using the ElderCraft trademarked extract were identifiable at the time of this review. Broader Sambucus nigra research includes small RCTs (n=60 or fewer) examining elderberry preparations for upper respiratory duration, but these used different extract formulations and cannot be directly extrapolated to ElderCraft. The overall evidence strength for this specific ingredient must be rated as preliminary, with phytochemical characterization outpacing clinical validation.

## Nutritional Profile

ElderCraft is a standardized extract of Sambucus nigra (European elderberry), typically produced from the berry fruit. Key bioactive compounds and nutritional characteristics include: **Anthocyanins:** Primarily cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-sambubioside, which are the dominant pigment compounds; standardized extracts typically contain 12–17% anthocyanins by weight, though bioavailability is notably low (estimated <1–2% absorption in humans, with rapid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) to phenolic acid metabolites such as protocatechuic acid and phloroglucinaldehyde). **Flavonols:** Quercetin-3-rutinoside (rutin) and quercetin-3-glucoside are present; quercetin derivatives measured at approximately 293.1 µg/g in characterized extracts. Quercetin oral bioavailability is estimated at 2–5% in glycoside form, improved modestly by the glucose moiety. **Phenolic acids:** Chlorogenic acid (5-caffeoylquinic acid) is the predominant phenolic acid at approximately 879.3 µg/g; also contains neochlorogenic acid (3-caffeoylquinic acid) and cryptochlorogenic acid (4-caffeoylquinic acid). Chlorogenic acid bioavailability is moderate (~33% absorbed, largely via colonic microbial hydrolysis to caffeic acid). **Other polyphenols:** Minor amounts of kaempferol glycosides, isorhamnetin derivatives, and p-coumaric acid. Total phenolic content typically ranges from 30–50 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per gram of dry extract. **Vitamins (in whole berry, not concentrated extract):** Vitamin C (~18–36 mg per 100 g fresh berries), though levels in processed extracts are significantly reduced due to thermal degradation. Small amounts of vitamin A (as carotenoids, ~30 µg RAE per 100 g fresh fruit), vitamin B6 (~0.23 mg/100 g), and folate (~6 µg/100 g). **Minerals (whole berry basis):** Potassium (~280 mg/100 g), calcium (~38 mg/100 g), phosphorus (~39 mg/100 g), iron (~1.6 mg/100 g), and magnesium (~5 mg/100 g); mineral content in standardized extracts is generally not characterized or standardized. **Macronutrients (whole berry):** Approximately 80% water, 18 g carbohydrates per 100 g (including ~7 g dietary fiber), 0.5 g fat, 0.66 g protein per 100 g fresh berries. Sugars include glucose and fructose. As a concentrated extract product, ElderCraft is consumed in small doses (typically 300–600 mg/day) so macronutrient contribution is negligible. **Lectins and cyanogenic glycosides:** Raw elderberries contain sambunigrin (a cyanogenic glycoside) and Sambucus nigra agglutinin (a ribosome-inactivating lectin); proper thermal processing and extraction in commercial ElderCraft products is intended to reduce these to safe levels, though exact residual concentrations are not always publicly disclosed. **Bioavailability summary:** The dominant bioactives (anthocyanins, flavonol glycosides) have low systemic bioavailability; their metabolites (phenolic acids, glucuronide/sulfate conjugates) may be the primary circulating bioactive forms. Colonic microbiota play a significant role in metabolism of elderberry polyphenols, suggesting interindividual variability in biological response. No standardized human pharmacokinetic data specific to ElderCraft formulation is publicly available as of current literature.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as no human trials have been conducted. Current preparations yield extracts with 86% hydrophilic phenolics or total phenolic content measured against caffeic acid standards, but therapeutic doses remain unestablished. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Raw or unripe elderberries contain sambunigrin, a cyanogenic glycoside that can cause nausea and vomiting, though standardized processed extracts like ElderCraft are generally considered safe when properly prepared. ElderCraft may theoretically potentiate immunosuppressant medications (e.g., cyclosporine, tacrolimus) due to proposed [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity, warranting caution in transplant patients. Quercetin-containing supplements can inhibit CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein drug transporters at high doses, potentially affecting bioavailability of statins, certain antibiotics, and anticoagulants like warfarin. Insufficient safety data exists for use during pregnancy or lactation, and use should be avoided in these populations without physician supervision.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses have been conducted specifically on ElderCraft or Sambucus nigra flower extracts. Available research focuses exclusively on chemical characterization and in vitro [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) measurements, with no PubMed-indexed clinical outcome studies identified.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Sambucus nigra flowers have been used in European traditional medicine for their bioactive flavonoids, [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s, and phenolics in healing preparations. While historical use spans traditional herbal systems, specific duration and therapeutic indications are not quantified in available sources.

## Synergistic Combinations

Vitamin C, Zinc, Echinacea purpurea, Vitamin D3, Quercetin

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What makes ElderCraft different from regular elderberry extract?

ElderCraft is a trademarked, standardized Sambucus nigra extract with defined phytochemical concentrations, including 293.1 µg/g of quercetin derivatives, enabling consistent dosing across supplement batches. Generic elderberry extracts vary widely in flavonoid content and processing methods, making potency comparisons unreliable. Standardization also ensures sambunigrin, the naturally occurring cyanogenic glycoside in raw berries, is reduced to safe levels through controlled processing.

### What are the main active compounds in ElderCraft?

ElderCraft's primary bioactive compounds include quercetin glycosides measured at 293.1 µg/g, which are flavonoids responsible for the extract's free-radical scavenging properties in laboratory assays. It also contains caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, a class of phenolic acids found in elderberry fruit that may contribute to anti-inflammatory signaling by modulating NF-κB pathways. Anthocyanins, the pigments that give elderberries their dark color, are also present and contribute to overall phenolic content.

### Is there human clinical trial evidence for ElderCraft specifically?

No published human RCTs specifically studying the ElderCraft branded extract have been identified, meaning its benefits in humans are inferred from in vitro antioxidant assays and chemical characterization data. Broader elderberry (Sambucus nigra) research includes small human trials on cold and flu duration, but these used different extract preparations and cannot be directly applied to ElderCraft. Consumers should understand that antioxidant activity demonstrated in a DPPH assay does not automatically confirm equivalent effects in the human body.

### Can ElderCraft interact with any medications?

ElderCraft's quercetin content may inhibit CYP3A4 liver enzymes and P-glycoprotein transporters, which could alter blood levels of drugs including certain statins, macrolide antibiotics, and anticoagulants like warfarin. Its proposed immunomodulatory activity raises a theoretical concern about interference with immunosuppressant drugs such as cyclosporine or tacrolimus used after organ transplantation. Anyone taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before adding ElderCraft supplementation to their regimen.

### What is a typical dosage of ElderCraft elderberry extract?

No standardized clinical dosage for ElderCraft specifically has been established through human trials, as the ingredient lacks published RCT data defining an effective dose range. Broader elderberry research has used preparations ranging from 300 mg to 900 mg of elderberry extract daily for short-term immune support purposes, typically for 5 to 10 days. Manufacturers using ElderCraft in finished products set their own dosages based on formulation goals, so label instructions for the specific product should be followed.

### Is ElderCraft elderberry extract safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

ElderCraft safety data specifically in pregnant or breastfeeding individuals is limited, as most traditional use and research has not focused on these populations. Due to the lack of human safety studies for this branded extract during pregnancy and lactation, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before use in these circumstances. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should seek professional medical guidance to weigh potential risks and benefits.

### What is the most bioavailable form of ElderCraft, and how does processing affect its active compounds?

ElderCraft's bioavailability depends on its extraction and processing method, which determine how well its phenolic compounds like quercetin derivatives (293.1 µg/g) and caffeoylquinic acid (879.3 µg/g) are absorbed by the body. However, human bioavailability studies specific to ElderCraft have not been published, so comparative data on different forms (liquid, powder, capsule) is not available. The in vitro antioxidant activity measured in laboratory assays does not necessarily translate to bioavailability or efficacy in the human body.

### Who would benefit most from ElderCraft supplementation based on current evidence?

ElderCraft is traditionally used to support immune health based on European herbal medicine practices, though clinical trial evidence specific to this branded ingredient is absent. Individuals seeking antioxidant support from flavonoid-rich sources may be interested in ElderCraft, but benefits have only been demonstrated in laboratory assays (in vitro), not in human studies. Anyone considering ElderCraft supplementation should consult a healthcare provider to determine if it aligns with their individual health needs, as robust human clinical data is lacking.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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