Elderberry
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Evidence Summary
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is primarily researched for its potential to treat and prevent viral respiratory infections. Overall, research suggests it can effectively reduce the duration and severity of symptoms associated with the common cold and influenza.
Evidence by Condition
Meta-analyses and RCTs indicate that elderberry supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms and reduces cold duration in travelers.
Clinical trials have demonstrated that oral elderberry extract can reduce the symptoms of influenza A and B infections.
Limited research is exploring the effect of elderberry in combination with other nutrients on dry eye disease and immunity.
Effective Doses
Dose ranges not specified in the provided research summaries.
Key Findings
- Black elderberry supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms (PMID: 30670267)
- Elderberry supplementation reduces cold duration and symptoms in air-travellers (PMID: 27023596)
- Oral elderberry extract is effective and safe in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections (PMID: 15080016)
Limitations
Much of the evidence is derived from specific populations, such as air travelers, and more large-scale, diverse clinical trials are needed to generalize findings.
Safety & Interactions
FDA adverse event reports have noted occurrences of headache; however, the provided data shows a small number of total reported events.
AI-generated summary from 12 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 100% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 91% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 41% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
| Approved Health | 0% | Tier A (FDA Approved Health Claim (21 CFR 101.9)) | ⚠️ Unsupported |
Research by Topic
⚠️ FDA Safety Data
Research Evidence (12)
**Hawkins et al., 2019** | Complement Ther Med | Meta Analysis Hawkins Jessie, Baker Colby, ... Dunne Elizabeth. Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlle...
**Tiralongo et al., 2016** | Nutrients | Rct Tiralongo Evelin, Wee Shirley S, Lea Rodney A. Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2016...
**Wieland et al., 2021** | BMC Complement Med Ther | Systematic Review Wieland L Susan, Piechotta Vanessa, ... Garritty Chantelle. Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2...
**Kesheh et al., 2022** | Virol J | Meta Analysis Kesheh Mina Mobini, Shavandi Sara, ... Ramezani Fatemeh. Effect of herbal compounds on coronavirus; a systematic review and meta-analysis. Virol J. 2022-May-21;19(1):87. doi:10.1186/s12985-022-01808-z...
**Schwermer et al., 2018** | Complement Ther Med | Systematic Review Schwermer Melanie, Längler Alfred, ... Zuzak Tycho Jan. Anthroposophic medicine in the treatment of pediatric pseudocroup: A systematic review. Complement Ther Med. 2018-Oct;40:185-...
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Dry eye disease (DED) significantly impairs quality of life, affecting physical, social, and psychological well-being, as well as reducing workplace productivity. While lutein and zeaxanthin supplements have been shown to impro...
**Vlachojannis et al., 2010** | Phytother Res | Systematic Review Vlachojannis J E, Cameron M, Chrubasik S. A systematic review on the sambuci fructus effect and efficacy profiles. Phytother Res. 2010-Jan;24(1):1-8. doi:10.1002/ptr.2729 The berries o...
**Ulbricht et al., 2014** | J Diet Suppl | Systematic Review Ulbricht Catherine, Basch Ethan, ... Wortley Jayme. An evidence-based systematic review of elderberry and elderflower (Sambucus nigra) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. J Diet...
**NCT ID**: NCT03831841 **Phase**: NA **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 110 **Completion**: 2019-12-04
**Zakay-Rones et al., 1995** | J Altern Complement Med | Rct Zakay-Rones Z, Varsano N, ... Mumcuoglu M. Inhibition of several strains of influenza virus in vitro and reduction of symptoms by an elderberry extract (Sambucus nigra L.) during an outbrea...
**Zakay-Rones et al., 2004** | J Int Med Res | Rct Zakay-Rones Z, Thom E, ... Wadstein J. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections. J Int Med Res. 2004;32(2):132-40 ...
**Source**: FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) Adverse Event Reporting System **Total Events**: 9 **Serious Events**: 4 **Date Range**: 20170214 to 20241110 - **Headache**: 2
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is elderberry and what is it used for?
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is a supplement primarily used to help treat and prevent viral respiratory infections. There is strong evidence that it can effectively reduce the duration and severity of symptoms associated with the common cold.
Does elderberry help with the flu?
There is moderate evidence that oral elderberry extract can reduce the symptoms of influenza A and B infections. While promising, more research is needed to fully confirm its effectiveness for all types of influenza.
Can elderberry reduce the length of a common cold?
Yes, there is strong evidence that elderberry supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms. Specifically, research shows it can reduce the duration of colds in travelers.
Is elderberry safe to take and are there side effects?
Elderberry is generally considered safe, though some FDA reports have noted occasional occurrences of headaches. There are no documented drug interactions, but you should consult a doctor before starting any new supplement.
What is the recommended dose of elderberry?
The provided research does not specify a standard effective dose range for elderberry. It is best to follow the instructions on the product label or consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Can elderberry help with dry eye disease?
There is currently insufficient evidence to determine if elderberry helps with dry eye disease. While some research is exploring its use in combination with other nutrients, more studies are required.
Who should avoid taking elderberry?
There are no documented drug interactions or specific groups identified as needing to avoid elderberry in the available research. However, anyone with underlying health conditions should consult a medical professional before use.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.