Uses & Effectiveness
Overview
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is the dark purple berry from the European elder tree. It has a long history of use for cold and flu.
Elderberry is a popular ingredient in supplements. It might affect the immune system, and also seems to have activity against viruses, including the flu.
Elderberry is commonly used for the common cold, flu, high cholesterol, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using elderberry for COVID-19.
Don’t confuse elderberry with American Elder, Elderflower, or Dwarf Elder. These aren’t the same and have different effects.
Elderberries are rich in vitamin C, containing up to 3 times more than oranges! This essential vitamin boosts the immune system, promotes collagen production, and improves skin health, making elderberry the perfect natural remedy for fighting colds and flu.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Elderberry is commonly consumed in foods. Elderberry extract is possibly safe when taken for up to 12 weeks. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use for longer than 12 weeks.
It is possibly unsafe to consume elder leaves or stems, or unripe or uncooked elderberries. Cooked elderberry seems to be safe, but raw and unripe fruit might cause nausea, vomiting, or severe diarrhea.
Interactions
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Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with ELDERBERRY
Elderberry can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking elderberry along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Special Precautions and Warnings
Children: Elderberry extract is possibly safe in children 5 years of age or older when taken by mouth for up to 3 days. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if it is safe for children younger than 5 years of age to take elderberry. Unripe or uncooked elderberries are possibly unsafe. Don’t give them to children.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if elderberry extract is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
“Autoimmune diseases” such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Elderberry might cause the immune system to become more active. This could increase the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it’s best to avoid using elderberry.
