Black Alder
OTHER NAME(S): Aulne Rouge, Aune, Aunette, Betula Alnus, Common Alder, English Alder, European Alder, European Black Alder, Owler, Alnus glutinosa, Betula glutinosa, Alnus barbata, Aliso Negro, Aulne Glutineux
Overview
Black alder is a tree. The bark and leaves are used to make medicine.
People take black alder for bleeding, sore throat, fever, swelling, constipation, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer.
Black alder is sometimes used as a gargle for sore throat, especially strep throat.
There isn't enough information to know how black alder works.
There isn't enough information to know how black alder works.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Bleeding.
- Cancer.
- Constipation.
- Fever.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Sore throat.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of black alder for these uses.
Precautions
There isn't enough information to know if black alder is safe or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough information to know if it safe to use black alder when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Doxorubicin (Adriamycin, others) interacts with Black AlderBlack alder may interfere with the action of the anti-cancer drug doxorubicin. This might make doxorubicin less effective for treating cancer.
- Cisplatin (Platinol AQ) interacts with Black AlderBlack alder may interfere with the action of the anti-cancer drug cisplatin. This might make cisplatin less effective for treating cancer.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of black alder depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for black alder. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- León-Gonzalez AJ, Acero N, Muñoz-Mingarro D, et al. Cytotoxic activity of hirsutanone, a diarylheptanoid isolated from Alnus glutinosa leaves. Phytomedicine 2014;21(6):866-70. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2014.01.008. Epub 2014 Feb 25.
- Dinic J, Novakovic M, Podolski-Renic A, et al. Antioxidative activity of diarylheptanoids from the bark of black alder (Alnus glutinosa) and their interaction with anticancer drugs. Planta Med 2014;80(13):1088-96. doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1382993. Epub 2014 Aug 19.