Medicinal:
The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers.
Edible:
Fruit - raw or cooked. Dry and mealy. Good when added to soups they also make an excellent jelly. The fruit must be fully ripe before it can be enjoyed raw, if even slightly under-ripe it will be quite astringent. The fruit contains a single large seed. Seed - raw or cooked. It can be eaten with the fruit though the seed case is rather fibrous.
Other Uses:
Because they fix atmospheric nitrogen, they enrich the soil and so make a very good companion hedge in orchards etc. The fibrous bark is used in weaving, it has been twisted to make strong ropes and has also been used to make blankets and clothing. Dried fruits are used as beads. The berries have been used to make a soap.
Source: http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Elaeagnus+commutata
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