Developed by world renowned virologist Madeleine Mumcouglu, Ph.D., Sambucol is the unique black elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) extract actually used in published clinical studies. No other elderberry brand can make the same claim. While working on her doctoral thesis, Dr. Mumcuoglu developed a proprietary method for black elderberry extraction.Sambucol is a natural health product trusted by millions of people with positive results being reported worldwide. Berry Flavor.