Exploring Sambucus nigra ssp cerulea (Blue Elderberry) Compounds:

Elderberry Wisdom Farm has been invited to participate in a Sambucus nigra ssp cerulea (blue elderberry) workshop with University of California - Davis scientists during the 19th Annual Elderberry Conference at University of Missouri this June. For the past two years, EWF’s founder Rose High Bear has been partnering with UM’s Center for Agroforestry faculty member Chung-Ho Lin, PhD and Postdoctoral Research Fellow Isa Kupke, PhD to learn more about the bioactive compounds in blue elderberry.

Rose established Blue Elderberry Farm in 2020 shortly after founding the Native American nonprofit, Elderberry Wisdom Farm in 2019. With the help of staff and interns, the team continues to tend the blue elderberry patch and the two-acre native plant nursery that serves as the backdrop for much of the experiential service-learning activities taking place at the nonprofit. She has been preparing Wisdom of the Elderberry Syrup for her friends and family for the past 12 years knowing that Elderberry’s healing properties support the immune system and so much more. However, very little research has been conducted on this species native to Oregon’s Willamette Valley. More people are seeking detailed information on its nutrients in addition to traditional knowledge so by having this research we hope to provide that information to supplement traditional knowledge.

A basket of harvested blue elderberries harvested in September 2023. Photo courtesy of Elderberry Wisdom Farm.

Our team is also aware of the importance of cultivating blue elderberry to enhance the ecosystem health on our land which is being restored to Oregon white oak woodland habitat. Planting this native species helps strengthen the biodiversity of the soil with its restorative/regenerative qualities, and attracts pollinators and lots of other wildlife. Some growers plant it in hedgerows which helps to buffer a farm and protect it’s soil health from outside pollution.

Our friend and colleague, Dr. Chung-Ho Lin expressed support of the work at Blue Elderberry Farm and our plans to produce locally sourced organic blue elderberry syrup for our local and regional community:

“I and my team here at University of Missouri’s Agroforestry Center have worked with Rose and their Native American team at Blue Elderberry Farm. We continue to be impressed with their enthusiasm and work ethic, and the organization’s vision of social and economic development. Our phytochemistry laboratory is fully equipped with advanced mass spectrometry and metabolomic tools for the identification and characterization of bioactive compounds.”

Research and analysis conducted in the Metabolomics Lab is run by Dr. Lin and his faculty at Center for Agroforestry and helps raise awareness of the full potential of blue elderberry for strengthening the immune system and an increasing number of other health issues. 

“Metabolomics can support traditional knowledge and provide a new scientific foundation for exploring applications of a plant, leading to the development of innovative and effective products,” said Dr. Isa Kupke. “It enables herbal medicines, dietary supplements, or other products to be created that harness the plant’s therapeutic potential. Through sustainable harvesting practices and strong scientific support, this knowledge will be shared exclusively with traditional knowledge holders to serve their communities.”