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Certified Organic Elderberry

Also known as: Elderberry, European elderberry, black elderberry, Sambucus nigra

Overview

Elderberry, scientifically known as *Sambucus nigra*, is a deciduous shrub native to Europe and parts of North America. Its berries and flowers have been traditionally used and are now popular in dietary supplements. Rich in anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid, elderberry is valued for its potential antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is primarily utilized for immune support and for the prevention and treatment of viral respiratory infections, such as influenza and the common cold. While research is ongoing, several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews suggest promising benefits, though larger, more definitive studies are still needed to fully establish its efficacy and optimal usage.

Benefits

Elderberry has shown promising benefits, primarily in reducing the duration and severity of upper respiratory viral infections. Systematic reviews indicate that elderberry supplementation can reduce symptom duration by approximately 2-4 days compared to placebo in individuals with influenza-like illness. It may also help reduce symptom severity scores during colds and flu. These effects are considered clinically meaningful in acute viral illnesses. Additionally, elderberry exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by modulating cytokines like TNF-α and interleukins, which can help mitigate excessive inflammatory responses. The benefits are most pronounced when elderberry is taken early in the course of an illness, typically within 48 hours of symptom onset. While primarily studied in healthy adults, the evidence suggests a significant impact on acute viral illness recovery.

How it works

Elderberry exerts its effects through several biological pathways. Its primary mechanism involves antiviral activity, where it can inhibit viral replication and prevent viruses from attaching to host cells, as demonstrated in vitro against influenza viruses. It also acts as an immunomodulator, balancing the immune response by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, while potentially upregulating anti-inflammatory cytokines. This helps to prevent an overactive inflammatory response during infection. Elderberry primarily interacts with the immune system and the respiratory tract mucosa. The active compounds, particularly anthocyanins, are thought to target viral surface proteins and influence cytokine signaling pathways. The moderate bioavailability of anthocyanins suggests that formulations enriched in these compounds may enhance efficacy.

Side effects

Elderberry is generally considered safe when consumed within typical supplemental doses. The most common side effect reported is mild gastrointestinal discomfort, which occurs in a small percentage of users. Allergic reactions are rare but possible, particularly in individuals with sensitivities to plants in the Adoxaceae family. Serious adverse events have not been reported in high-quality clinical trials. While no well-documented drug interactions exist, caution is advised when co-administering elderberry with immunosuppressants due to its immunomodulatory effects. It is contraindicated in individuals with a known allergy to elderberry or related plants. The safety of elderberry during pregnancy and lactation has not been well established, so use in these populations should be approached with caution and under medical supervision.

Dosage

For acute respiratory illness, clinical trials often use elderberry extract doses equivalent to 300-600 mg of standardized anthocyanins daily. The optimal dosage range for treatment is typically 300-1000 mg/day of standardized extract, often divided into multiple doses throughout the day. While a maximum safe dose is not clearly defined, doses up to 1000 mg/day have been used safely in clinical trials. For best outcomes, supplementation should be initiated early in the illness, ideally within 48 hours of symptom onset. Standardized extracts with quantified anthocyanin content are preferred over crude preparations to ensure consistent potency. Anthocyanin bioavailability may be enhanced when taken with food, though no specific cofactors are required for its efficacy.

FAQs

Is elderberry effective for COVID-19?

Currently, there is no high-quality scientific evidence to support the use of elderberry for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19. Research is ongoing, but it is not recommended as a primary treatment.

Can elderberry be used preventively?

Some limited evidence suggests elderberry might reduce the incidence of colds when taken prophylactically. However, more robust data are needed to confirm its effectiveness for preventive use.

How soon do effects appear when taking elderberry for an illness?

When taken at the onset of symptoms, improvements in symptom severity and duration are typically observed within 2-4 days of starting elderberry supplementation during an acute illness.

Are there risks of overstimulating the immune system with elderberry?

While elderberry modulates cytokines, clinical trials have not shown evidence of harmful immune overstimulation. It appears to help balance the immune response rather than excessively stimulate it.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24409980/ – This systematic review analyzed multiple randomized controlled trials on elderberry's effects on respiratory infections. It concluded that elderberry reduced symptom duration and severity and was generally safe, though it noted limitations such as small sample sizes and heterogeneity in study designs. The review provides a comprehensive overview of early research on elderberry's efficacy.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8026097/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of four RCTs found that elderberry reduced the duration and severity of viral respiratory illness. It also highlighted elderberry's anti-inflammatory effects. While providing strong evidence, the authors acknowledged the limited number of included RCTs and some risk of bias in the studies.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09540105.2021.1978941 – This study, which included an ex vivo component, demonstrated that elderberry extract possesses antiviral activity and can modulate cytokine responses, specifically reducing TNF-α in blood assays. While the ex vivo data needs further clinical correlation, it provides preliminary, high-quality evidence supporting the proposed mechanisms of action for elderberry.