El Sambucus ebulus, commonly known as I lie, elderberry or lesser elderberry, is a perennial plant that has aroused great interest in both botany and traditional medicine, mainly for its medicinal properties and toxicityBelow, we present a complete and detailed guide to its characteristics, history, traditional uses, active ingredients, differences with other species of the Sambucus genus, and all the medical and safety aspects necessary to understand the potential and risks of this unique plant.
Botanical description and habitat
El Sambucus ebulus It is a perennial herbaceous species of the Adoxaceae family, native to southern and central Europe and southwestern Asia. It can reach up to 1,5 meters high and has erect stems, generally unbranched, that emerge in dense groups from a system of widespread, perennial underground rhizomesIts leaves are opposite, odd-pinnate, between 15 and 30 cm long, with between 5 and 13 lanceolate leaflets, with serrated margins and a pronouncedly foul odor when rubbed. The stems end in corymbs of white flowers up to 10-15 cm in diameter. The fruit is a small, globose, black berry between 4 and 6 mm in diameter, appearing in upright clusters.
Habitat: Prefer roadsides, uncultivated land, and damp and shady areas, especially in clay soils. This plant is widely distributed throughout Europe and is often found in mountain valleys and riverside areas.
Common names and synonyms
- I am
- Elderberry
- Lesser elderberry
- Ayebo
- Actea, biezgo, ébulo, negrillo, sabuco, among others
All these names reflect popular tradition and the different regions where the plant is used or mentioned.
History and traditional uses
The yezgo has been known since ancient times and has been cultivated and harvested as a medicinal plant by peoples throughout Europe. However, its use in traditional medicine has been restricted due to its toxicity, which can even be lethal in inappropriate doses.
Traditionally, roots and leaves have been used in decoctions as diuretics to treat edema and kidney pathologies, and also as sudorific in fevers, colds and to combat malaria. Locally, they were used in compresses or friction to relieve rheumatic pain. Furthermore, the liquid from the decoction of the leaves It has been used as an insecticide or insect repellent.
However, its Dangerousness requires precise knowledge of the doses, since the plant contains multiple toxic compounds whose abuse can cause serious poisoning. Therefore, its use has been banned or severely restricted in many plant health regulations.
Chemical components and active ingredients
El Sambucus ebulus It contains a wide range of bioactive substances, including:
- Sambugrinina: highly toxic cyanogenic glycoside
- Tannins: with astringent and anti-inflammatory properties
- Saponins: responsible for diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects
- Essential oils
- Bitter principles and glycosides
- Cyanogenic heterosides: present in fresh leaves (up to 10 mg/% of CHN) and in green fruits (up to 0,80%)
These substances explain both the pharmacological activity and toxicity of the yezgo, especially evident in its fruits and seeds.
Medicinal properties attributed
From traditional medicine several have been identified medicinal properties for the yezgo, although we reiterate the importance of the caution in its use:
- Diuretic: promotes the elimination of fluids and has been used in kidney pathologies and edema.
- Sudorific: promotes sweating, useful in fevers and colds.
- Laxative/purgative: especially the roots and leaves, although their use is very delicate due to the risk of poisoning.
- Antirheumatic: compresses and rubs with leaf decoction to relieve joint and muscle pain.
- Healing: in topical applications for minor wounds.
- Natural insecticide: leaves and extracts to repel flies and fleas.
Some sources also cite alleged uses in infectious diseases such as malaria and antidote in certain poisonings, although these uses are not currently recommended due to the high risk they entail.
Toxicity: Warnings and Risks
The toxicity of Sambucus ebulus is very high., especially in fruits and seeds, due to the presence of sambugrinina and other cyanogenic glycosides. Even small amounts can cause serious poisoning, especially in children, since the fruits have a pleasant flavor and can be accidentally ingested.
Symptoms of poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Bloody diarrhea
- Severe headache and vertigo
- Cyanosis (bluish coloration of the mucous membranes)
- Loss of consciousness
- In severe cases, it can cause death.
La ingestion of unripe fruit, excessive root or stem decoctions, or the use of the fruit as a purgative are common causes of poisoning. It is essential not to use parts of the plant without expert knowledge and to avoid self-medication.
Yezgo is included in official regulations as a plant whose Public sale is prohibited or restricted due to its toxicity.
Differences between Sambucus ebulus and Sambucus nigra
The gender Sambucus includes several species. The main differences between Sambucus ebulus (I lie) and Sambucus nigra (common elder) are essential to avoid dangerous confusion. Some key distinctions are:
- Doors: The yezgo is a perennial herb, while the common elder is a woody shrub or small tree.
- Tallos: The yezgo does not have a woody trunk, its stems are annual and are renewed every year.
- Flores: Both species have white flowers, but in the elderberry the stamens have purple or violet anthers, while in the common elderberry they are yellow.
- Odor: the leaves of the yezgo give off a strong nauseating smell when rubbing.
- Fruits: Although similar in appearance, those of the yezgo are especially toxic.
This differentiation is of utmost importance to avoid erroneous collection and subsequent accidental consumption. You can find more details about elderberries and their properties.
Legal aspects and regulations
Due to its toxicity, the Sambucus ebulus It is included in various lists and regulations that prohibit or restrict their sale and use in herbal preparations intended for the general public. This is especially relevant in the European context, where health authorities have established specific lists of toxic plants to protect public health. Before any use, it is essential to consult the legislation in force in your country of residence.
Current applications and security recommendations
Despite its medicinal potential, the use of yezgo is limited to very controlled applications It has almost disappeared from modern herbal medicine in favor of safer alternatives. Homemade remedies with roots, leaves, flowers, or fruits are not recommended due to the high risk of acute poisoning.
Currently, pharmacological research is focused on the Identification of active compounds with therapeutic potential and the synthesis of safe derivatives, but no yeast-based preparation has been officially approved for widespread use.
Curiosities and ethnobotanical uses
Among the curiosities surrounding yezgo, it is worth noting that in ancient times, the roots were supposedly used as a remedy for rabid dog bites, although such use lacks scientific evidence and can carry serious risks due to the plant's toxicity. In ethnobotany, it is recognized as a plant that protects orchards due to its potential pest-repellent properties. However, popular knowledge already warned of the plant's dangers, and its use was reserved for those who carefully mastered the dosage and preparation methods.
False beliefs and common mistakes
A common confusion is the identification of the yezgo with the common elder. While the common elder (Sambucus nigra) It is widely used in gastronomy, phytotherapy and cosmetics, Sambucus ebulus Results highly toxic in all its parts. The absence of a woody trunk and the presence of annual stems should alert collectors. Furthermore, the fruits of the yezgo are especially dangerous for children, as their pleasant flavor masks their toxicity.
Distribution and ecology
El Sambucus ebulus It is distributed throughout much of Europe and Asia, preferring moist, cool, and fertile soils. It is a common colonizing plant in forest edges, riverbanks and disturbed terrain, where it forms dense clumps thanks to its rhizome system. In the Iberian Peninsula, it is most common in mountainous areas and river valleys, although it can be found throughout temperate Europe.
Comparison between Sambucus ebulus and other Sambucus species
Within the genre Sambucus There are several species with different applications and risks:
- Sambucus nigra (common elderberry): woody plant, less toxic, widely used to make syrups, jams, infusions and natural remediesIts flowers and ripe berries (seedless) can be eaten if prepared properly.
- Sambucus racemosa: a type of red fruit, also toxic when raw and less commonly used medicinally.
- Sambucus ebulus (stem): herbaceous plant, all its parts are toxic, very restricted medicinal use and always under expert supervision.
It is essential to avoid confusion between them, especially during home harvesting or preparations.
The interest in the Sambucus ebulus As a therapeutic resource, it is motivated by its powerful pharmacological effects historically recognized, but their high risk of toxicity requires extreme caution. Currently, herbal medicine and conventional medicine advise against its direct use, except in controlled settings, prioritizing safer alternatives. It should never be used without the exact prescription and supervision of qualified experts.
The yezgo is a fascinating species for its botanical properties and pharmacological potential, but it also represents an important reminder of the toxic power of certain medicinal plants and the need for rigorous knowledge before using them. While tradition has attributed diuretic, sudorific, laxative, and analgesic qualities to Sambucus ebulus, the reality is that its toxicity greatly limits its application. Botanical study and conservation continue to be relevant for this plant, whose observation and respect are essential for safely integrating traditional knowledge and scientific evidence.
