Elderberry Seed Toxicity

Elderberries are believed to have many health benefits, however, the seeds of the at least some of the berries are at least slightly toxic. For this reason, they must be processed properly to avoid negative side effects.

Unripe Elderberries

• Elderberries that are raw or unripe contain a type of chemical called a cyogenic glycoside which bears similarities to cyanide, a known poison. It is recommended, therefore, that the fruit be completely ripe and cooked for consumption.

Elderberry Species

• The type of elderberry most frequently used for medicinal purposes is called European, Black or Common Elder. The Dwarf Elder should not be used as this plant may be toxic. In North America, the Dwarf Elder is found in New York, New Jersey and the Canadian province of Quebec. It resembles the Common Elder except that its stem is not woody and the flowers are whiter with a dark red anther not present in the Common variety of elder.

Red versus Black or Blue Elderberries

• Some sources state that the red elderberry is more toxic than the black. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture lists the red elderberry as being non-toxic and the black and blue as being moderately toxic.

Avoiding Toxicity

• To be sure to avoid toxicity, elderberries should be cooked before consuming. The University of Maryland Medical Center also recommends not giving elderberries to pregnant or breast-feeding women or to children without first talking to a pediatrician.