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evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Herb

Elderberry

aka Sambucus nigra

Anthocyanin-rich berry used to shorten influenza and URI symptoms.

Immune Function

Overview

Anthocyanin-rich berry used to shorten influenza and URI symptoms.

Natural sources
  • Sambucus nigra
Common forms
  • Standardized syrup (Sambucol)

Mechanism of action

Anthocyanins block hemagglutinin and modulate cytokine release.

Pathways
  • · Hemagglutinin inhibition
  • · Cytokine modulation

Effects on the body

Decreases
Cold/flu duration

Organ system effects

Immune System

Reduces flu duration ~2–4 days.

Evidence-based benefits

Shortens influenza duration

Moderate evidence

Potential side effects

Common
    Rare
      Serious
      • · Raw berries: cyanogenic glycosides — must be cooked

      Drug interactions

      Immunosuppressants
      Theoretical antagonism.
      moderate

      Safety & non-supplemental interactions

      Educational summary — always confirm with your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining with prescription therapy.

      Avoid if you are
      • ·Pregnant or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
      • ·Children under 18 (unless directed by a clinician)
      Avoid with these conditions
      • ·Autoimmune disease (theoretical immune activation)
      • ·Autoimmune disease (theoretical)
      Avoid / monitor with these medications
      • ·Immunosuppressants
      • ·Diuretics
      • ·Laxatives
      Other notes
      • ·Raw/unripe berries are toxic — only use processed products.

      Supplement interactions

      Pairs well with

      None listed.

      Avoid combining with
      • Raw / unripe berries
        Cyanogenic glycosides.
      • Autoimmune flares
        Theoretical immune activation.

      Dosing & bioavailability

      Typical dose
      15 mL syrup × 4/d during illness

      Where to buy

      Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

      Herb
      Elderberry
      Amazon
      Wide selection · fast shipping
      Herb
      Elderberry
      iHerb
      Global delivery · curated brands
      Herb
      Elderberry
      Thorne
      Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

      Scientific evidence (8)

      Meta-analysisComplement Ther Med · 2019

      Elderberry for upper respiratory tract infections

      Hawkins J, et al.

      Meta-analysis of elderberry RCTs.

      Key findings

      Reduced URTI duration and severity.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Elderberry — Shortens influenza duration

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Elderberry Shortens influenza duration" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Elderberry and "Shortens influenza duration". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Elderberry — randomized controlled trial

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Elderberry randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Elderberry and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Elderberry — meta-analysis

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Elderberry meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Elderberry and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Elderberry — pharmacokinetics

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Elderberry pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Elderberry and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Elderberry — safety adverse events

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Elderberry safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Elderberry and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Elderberry — dose response

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Elderberry dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Elderberry and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

      Google Scholar: Elderberry — clinical evidence

      Live Scholar search

      Cross-database citation index for Elderberry as it relates to "clinical evidence".

      Key findings

      Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

      Open study
      Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.