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Safety Overview
1.Black Alder — Plant Snapshot
Black Alder, scientifically known as Alnus glutinosa, is a resilient deciduous tree native to most of Europe, southwest Asia, and northern Africa, belonging to the Betulaceae family, which notably includes birches and hazels. This species typically attains an impressive height of 20 to 30 meters, with some venerable specimens reaching up to 40 meters and living for over a century.
Its growth is characterized by a straight, often unbranched trunk in its youth, supporting a broadly conical crown that progressively rounds out with age. The bark of young Black Alder trees is smooth and greenish-gray, marked by distinctive horizontal lenticels, gradually transforming into a dark brown or almost black hue with deep fissures and rugged plates as the tree matures.
The leaves of Alnus glutinosa are a vibrant dark green, broadly ovate to obovate, measuring 4 to 10 cm in length. They feature a unique blunt or notched apex, a rounded or cuneate base, and a finely double-serrated margin with 6-8 prominent pinnate vein pairs. A distinctive characteristic is their tendency to remain green late into autumn before abscising without significant autumnal coloration.
As a monoecious species, both male and female flowers are found on the same plant. Male catkins are slender, pendulous, and yellowish-green, appearing in clusters in late winter or early spring before the leaves emerge. Female catkins are smaller, ovoid, and reddish, borne upright in groups.
Post-pollination, these female catkins develop into woody, cone-like structures, approximately 1-2 cm long, which persist on the tree through winter, releasing small, winged seeds primarily adapted for water dispersal. Alnus glutinosa exhibits remarkable ecological adaptability, thriving predominantly in moist, cool, riparian environments, often acting as a pioneer species in disturbed wet areas.
Trusted Scientific References
Authoritative external sources for Alnus glutinosa:
1.1.Black Alder — Defining Traits
- ✓Common Name — Black Alder, European Alder, Common Alder.
- ✓Scientific Name — Alnus glutinosa.
- ✓Family — Betulaceae (Birch family).
- ✓Habitat — Moist to wet soils, riparian zones, often a pioneer species.
- ✓Nitrogen Fixer — Forms a symbiotic relationship with Frankia alni in root nodules, enriching soil.
- ✓Medicinal Parts — Primarily bark and leaves.
- ✓Key Phytochemicals — Diarylheptanoids, tannins, flavonoids.
- ✓Traditional Uses — Astringent, anti-inflammatory, febrifuge, antiseptic.
- ✓Distinctive Morphology — Cone-like woody fruits that persist through winter, green leaves late into autumn.
- ✓Ecological Role — Important for soil stabilization, riverbank protection, and wetland restoration.
1.2.Black Alder — At-a-Glance Summary
- ✓Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa) is a European riparian tree known for its ecological resilience and traditional medicinal uses.
- ✓Rich in tannins, diarylheptanoids, and flavonoids, it exhibits astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
- ✓Historically used for bleeding, sore throats, fevers, swelling, and digestive issues.
- ✓Preliminary research suggests potential anticancer activity from specific compounds.
- ✓Important contraindications include pregnancy, breastfeeding, and concurrent use with certain chemotherapy drugs.
- ✓Always consult a healthcare professional before using Black Alder due to limited scientific evidence on human efficacy and safety.
2.Black Alder — Scientific Identity
3.Black Alder — Categories & Tags
4.Black Alder — Plant Morphology
5.Black Alder — Ethnobotanical Uses
6.Black Alder — Bioactive Constituents
- ✓Diarylheptanoids — Key compounds include hirsutanone, oregonin, and platyphyllone, which are extensively studied for their cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, particularly in the bark and leaves.
- ✓Tannins — Predominantly gallotannins and ellagitannins, responsible for the plant's potent astringent and antiseptic properties, often found in high concentrations in the bark.
- ✓Flavonoids — Such as quercetin, kaempferol, and their glycosides, contributing to the plant's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasoprotective effects.
- ✓Phenolic Acids — Including caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and ferulic acid, which provide additional antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits.
- ✓Triterpenoids — Compounds like betulin, lupeol, and oleanolic acid derivatives, known for their anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and hepatoprotective potential.
- ✓Lignans — Syringaresinol and other related compounds, which exhibit antioxidant and potential anticarcinogenic activities.
- ✓Steroids — Beta-sitosterol and campesterol, contributing to anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering properties.
- ✓Salicin Derivatives — While less prominent than in Salix species, some salicin-like compounds may contribute to mild analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
- ✓Proanthocyanidins — Oligomeric and polymeric forms of flavan-3-ols, enhancing antioxidant capacity and vascular health.
7.Black Alder — Modern Studies
- ✓Astringent Properties — The bark and leaves are rich in tannins, which confer astringent qualities, making them useful for reducing minor bleeding, tightening tissues, and alleviating conditions like diarrhea.
- ✓Anti-inflammatory Action — Compounds like diarylheptanoids and flavonoids present in Black Alder may help mitigate inflammation, offering potential relief for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and general swelling.
- ✓Antimicrobial Effects — Traditional applications for sore throat suggest the presence of compounds with antimicrobial activity, which may help combat bacterial or viral pathogens.
- ✓Antipyretic Support — Historically, Black Alder has been employed as a febrifuge, assisting in the reduction of fever through its systemic effects.
- ✓Laxative Qualities — Certain traditional uses indicate a mild laxative effect, which could aid in relieving constipation and promoting bowel regularity.
- ✓Wound Healing — Applied topically, the astringent and antiseptic properties of Black Alder can support the healing of minor wounds, cuts, and skin irritations by promoting tissue regeneration and preventing infection.
- ✓Antioxidant Activity — The plant contains phenolic compounds, including diarylheptanoids and flavonoids, which act as powerful antioxidants, protecting cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage.
- ✓Oral Health Support — Due to its astringent and potential antimicrobial properties, Black Alder decoctions are traditionally used as a gargle to soothe sore throats, including strep throat, and improve overall oral hygiene.
- ✓Potential Anticancer Properties — Early preclinical research has identified specific diarylheptanoids, such as hirsutanone, exhibiting cytotoxic activity against various cancer cell lines, suggesting an area for further investigation.
- ✓Venotonic Effects — The presence of flavonoids may contribute to strengthening blood vessel walls, potentially offering benefits for conditions related to circulatory insufficiency.
7.1.Black Alder — Therapeutic Indications
8.Black Alder — Risk Profile
8.1.Black Alder — Warnings
- ✓Allergic Reactions — Individuals sensitive to plants in the Betulaceae family may experience allergic reactions such as skin rashes, itching, or respiratory symptoms.
- ✓Gastrointestinal Upset — High doses or prolonged internal use may lead to mild gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea, stomach ache, or diarrhea.
- ✓Drug Interactions — Black Alder may interact with certain chemotherapy drugs, specifically cisplatin and doxorubicin, potentially reducing their effectiveness.
- ✓Pregnancy and Breastfeeding — Due to insufficient safety data, use is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- ✓Unknown Long-Term Effects — Comprehensive human clinical trials on long-term use are lacking, therefore long-term safety is not fully established.
- ✓Hypotension Risk — Theoretical risk of lowering blood pressure with very high doses, though not well-documented.
- ✓Kidney/Liver Stress — While not specifically documented, caution is advised with pre-existing kidney or liver conditions due to potential processing of plant compounds.
8.2.Black Alder — Safety Profile
- ✓Consult Healthcare Professional — Always seek advice from a qualified healthcare practitioner before using Black Alder, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medication.
- ✓Pregnancy and Lactation Contraindication — Avoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of sufficient safety data.
- ✓Chemotherapy Interaction — Strictly contraindicated if taking anti-cancer drugs such as cisplatin or doxorubicin, as Black Alder may interfere with their efficacy.
- ✓Allergic Sensitivity — Individuals with known allergies to birch pollen or other Betulaceae family members should exercise caution due to potential cross-reactivity.
- ✓Dosage Adherence — Adhere strictly to recommended dosages and avoid self-medication, as appropriate dosing information is limited for Black Alder.
- ✓Children and Elderly — Use in children and the elderly should be approached with caution and under strict medical supervision due to insufficient specific safety data.
- ✓Quality Assurance — Ensure that any Black Alder products are sourced from reputable suppliers to guarantee purity, potency, and absence of contaminants.
9.Black Alder — Application Forms
- ✓Decoction (Bark) — Prepare by simmering 10-15g of dried bark in 500ml of water for 15-20 minutes. Used internally for bleeding, fever, or as a strong gargle for sore throats.
- ✓Infusion (Leaves) — Steep 5-10g of dried leaves in 250ml of hot water for 10-15 minutes. Used as a milder internal tonic or for topical applications like compresses.
- ✓Tincture — An alcohol extract of the bark or leaves, typically 1:5 ratio in 40-60% alcohol. Dosages vary, usually 2-5ml taken 2-3 times daily, under professional guidance.
- ✓Poultice — Crush fresh leaves or bark and apply directly to affected skin areas to reduce swelling, inflammation, or aid in wound healing.
- ✓Gargle/Mouthwash — A cooled bark decoction can be used frequently to soothe sore throats, alleviate gum inflammation, and improve oral hygiene.
- ✓Topical Compress — Soak a cloth in a strong bark decoction and apply to sprains, bruises, or rheumatic joints for anti-inflammatory relief.
- ✓Herbal Bath Additive — Add a large infusion or decoction of leaves and bark to bathwater to help soothe widespread skin irritations or muscle aches.
10.Black Alder — Growing Guide
- ✓Site Selection — Black Alder thrives in moist to wet soils, making it ideal for riparian zones, pond edges, and areas with high water tables; it tolerates full sun to partial shade.
- ✓Soil Requirements — Highly adaptable to various soil types, including heavy clay, poor, and waterlogged soils, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH.
- ✓Propagation — Primarily propagated by seeds, which require a period of cold stratification for optimal germination, or vegetatively through root suckers or stem cuttings.
- ✓Planting — Best planted in early spring or autumn. Ensure adequate spacing (typically 3-5 meters apart) to accommodate its mature size and root spread.
- ✓Water & Nutrients — Requires consistent moisture, especially during establishment. Benefits from its nitrogen-fixing capabilities, reducing the need for external nitrogen fertilization.
- ✓Maintenance — Generally low maintenance. Pruning can be done to shape the tree or remove dead/diseased branches. It is relatively resistant to pests and diseases.
- ✓Harvesting — Bark is typically harvested from branches in spring or early summer, while leaves can be collected throughout the growing season, ensuring sustainable practices.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
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Important medical disclaimer: This content is for educational and research purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Do not use any herb to self-treat a medical condition without professional guidance.
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and research purposes only and is not medical advice.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 28, 2026
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