Is Elder compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Elder?

Elder

July 12, 2016 (Low Risk)

Bush. Bark, leaves, roots, flowers and fruits are used for medicinal purposes in traditional medicine (diuretic, laxative, anti-infective for cold relief ...) without any scientific evidence on effectiveness.
It contains flavonoids (quercetin, isoquercitin and rutin), phenolic acids, terpenes, minerals, tannins.

Quercetin is excreted in breast milk in a concentration which increases with diets that contain products like elderberry. In the elderberry as well as other plants are contained endocrine disruptors that could display pro or counter-estrogen activity.

Since it has no proven therapeutic benefit, it seems wise to avoid any consumption or doing it in very moderate way during lactation.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Black Elder
  • Bore Tree
  • European Elderberry

Writings

  • Sambucus arborescens (Latin, botanical name)
  • Sambucus medullina (Latin, botanical name)
  • Sambucus nigra (Latin, botanical name)
  • Sambucus vulgaris (Latin, botanical name)

Drug trade names

References

  1. Powers CN, Setzer WN. A molecular docking study of phytochemical estrogen mimics from dietary herbal supplements. In Silico Pharmacol. 2015Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  2. Romaszko E, Wiczkowski W, Romaszko J, Honke J, Piskula MK. Exposure of breastfed infants to quercetin after consumption of a single meal rich in quercetin by their mothers. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2014Abstract
  3. Ulbricht C, Basch E, Cheung L, Goldberg H, Hammerness P, Isaac R, Khalsa KP, Romm A, Rychlik I, Varghese M, Weissner W, Windsor RC, Wortley J. An evidence-based systematic review of elderberry and elderflower (Sambucus nigra) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. J Diet Suppl. 2014Abstract
  4. EMA. Sambucus nigra, fructus. Assessment report. 2014 Full text (in our servers)
  5. EMA. Sambucus Nigra, flos. Assessment report. 2014 Full text (in our servers)
  6. Song BJ, Jouni ZE, Ferruzzi MG. Assessment of phytochemical content in human milk during different stages of lactation. Nutrition. 2013Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  7. WHO. World Health Organization. Geneva. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume 2. WHO monographs. 1999 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)