Black Elderberry Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 2,836 found this helpful

All parts of the plant, including cooked seeds, contain toxic cyanogenic glycosides, primarily sambunigrin.

Large ingestion can lead to severe symptoms including difficulty breathing, seizures, and hindlimb paralysis.

Ruminants are more sensitive to toxicity than monogastric animals due to differences in digestive pH.

FAQ

Is Black Elderberry toxic to Humans?

Vomiting, diarrhea; large ingestion may cause dyspnea, tachycardia, tremor, ataxia, hindlimb paralysis, seizures (Moderate)

Is Black Elderberry toxic to Cats?

No species-specific data available, expected to cause similar gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms as observed in humans (Moderate)

Is Black Elderberry toxic to Dogs?

No species-specific data available, expected to cause similar gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms as observed in humans (Moderate)

Is Black Elderberry toxic to Horses?

No species-specific data available, expected to cause similar gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms as observed in humans (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Moderate

Vomiting, diarrhea; large ingestion may cause dyspnea, tachycardia, tremor, ataxia, hindlimb paralysis, seizures

Cats

Moderate

No species-specific data available, expected to cause similar gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms as observed in humans

Dogs

Moderate

No species-specific data available, expected to cause similar gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms as observed in humans

Horses

Moderate

No species-specific data available, expected to cause similar gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms as observed in humans

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsEntire plant, including cooked seeds

Exposure RouteIngestion is the primary exposure route; skin contact is not associated with significant toxicity

Toxic CompoundsCyanogenic glycosides (primarily sambunigrin, 0.1% in toxic plant parts); Chlorogenic acid (present in fruits); Saponins

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Induce vomiting if ingestion occurred within 2 hours and the exposed individual is conscious
• Administer activated charcoal to bind unabsorbed toxins in the gastrointestinal tract
• Monitor for early signs of toxicity including vomiting, diarrhea, and rapid breathing

Contact Vet Immediately

• If large quantities of the plant have been ingested, even if no symptoms are present
• If severe symptoms including difficulty breathing, seizures, or paralysis develop
• If the exposed animal is a ruminant, as they face higher risk of severe toxicity

Prevention

• Keep the plant out of reach of children, pets, and livestock
• Avoid consuming raw plant parts or cooked seeds of black elderberry
• Confirm plant identity before harvesting edible elderberry products to avoid lookalike toxic species

Treatment & Prognosis

• Perform gastrointestinal decontamination and provide symptomatic supportive care per emergency guidelines
• For anoxia symptoms: administer 1% sodium nitrite solution at 20-25 mg/kg IV, followed by 25% sodium thiosulfate solution at 0.5-1.25 g/kg IV
• Repeat the antidote dose at half strength if anoxia symptoms persist

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameSambucus nigra L.

AliasesElder、Black elder、European elder、European elderberry、European black elderberry

Toxicity Grade

HumansModerate

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractRespiratory systemCardiovascular systemNervous system

Mechanism of Action

• Cyanogenic glycosides hydrolyze in the digestive tract to release cyanide, which causes cellular anoxia

• Cyanide-releasing hydrolytic enzymes are inhibited in acidic digestive environments, making ruminants with neutral rumen pH more sensitive

• Saponins cause gastrointestinal irritation leading to vomiting and diarrhea

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats): Higher sensitivity to toxicity than monogastric animals, as cyanide-releasing enzymes remain active in their neutral rumen pH, leading to faster, more severe cyanide exposure

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other elder species Other Sambucus spp.

Visually nearly identical to Sambucus nigra; many other Sambucus species have similar or higher toxicity levels, making differentiation difficult for non-experts

Rowan tree Sorbus aucuparia

Similar berry and leaf morphology to black elder; rowan is only weakly toxic, causing mild gastrointestinal symptoms, unlike the more toxic black elder

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Related Toxic Plants

American elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Moderately toxic

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Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.