Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials
Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials
Hawkins et al., 2019 | Complement Ther Med | Meta Analysis
Citation
Hawkins Jessie, Baker Colby, ... Dunne Elizabeth. Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials. Complement Ther Med. 2019-Feb;42:361-365. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2018.12.004
Abstract
Upper respiratory symptoms are often treated with over the counter drugs, antibiotics, and antiviral medications. Due to concerns about safety and efficacy, there is a demand for an alternative solution. Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has been used to treat cold and flu symptoms, but there are no large-scale studies or meta-analyses. This meta-analysis quantifies the effects of elderberry supplementation and evaluates moderators including vaccination status and the underlying pathology. This analysis included a total of 180 participants and evaluates moderators such as vaccination status and cause of the upper respiratory symptoms. Supplementation with elderberry was found to substantially reduce upper respiratory symptoms. The quantitative synthesis of the effects yielded a large mean effect size. These findings present an alternative to antibiotic misuse for upper respiratory symptoms due to viral infections, and a potentially safer alternative to prescription drugs for routine cases of the common cold and influenza.
Key Findings
These findings present an alternative to antibiotic misuse for upper respiratory symptoms due to viral infections, and a potentially safer alternative to prescription drugs for routine cases of the common cold and influenza.
Outcomes Measured
- Requires manual extraction
Population
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | See abstract |
| Sample Size | 180 |
| Age Range | See abstract |
| Condition | See abstract |
MeSH Terms
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Common Cold
- Dietary Supplements
- Female
- Humans
- Influenza, Human
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Phytotherapy
- Plant Extracts
- Sambucus nigra
- Young Adult
Evidence Classification
- Level: Meta Analysis
- Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
- Vertical: elderberry
Provenance
- PMID: 30670267
- DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.12.004
- PMCID: Not in PMC
- Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API
Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09