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Elderberry Whole Extract

Q: Is elderberry effective for preventing colds or flu?

Evidence for elderberry's effectiveness is stronger for treating symptoms of colds and flu rather than preventing them. Some studies have shown no significant preventive benefit.

Q: Can elderberry be used for COVID-19?

No credible scientific evidence supports the use of elderberry for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19. Regulatory bodies like the FDA have issued warnings against such claims.

Q: How quickly does elderberry work?

When taken at the onset of symptoms, improvements in cold and flu symptoms are typically observed within a few days of starting elderberry supplementation.

Q: Is elderberry safe for children?

Some studies have included children and reported no serious adverse effects. However, more comprehensive research is needed to fully establish its safety and efficacy in pediatric populations.

Also known as: Elderberry, black elderberry, European elderberry, Sambucus nigra ssp. nigra, Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis, Sambucus nigra ssp. cerulea, American elderberry, blue elderberry, Sambucus nigra L.

Overview

Elderberry whole extract is derived from the fruit of Sambucus nigra L., commonly known as European elderberry. This botanical dietary supplement is rich in bioactive compounds, including phenolics, flavonoids, and organic acids, which contribute to its high antioxidant content and potential antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Traditionally, it has been used for the treatment and prevention of viral respiratory illnesses such as the common cold and influenza. Research on elderberry is moderate, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses supporting its use for immune support and respiratory health. While findings are not uniformly conclusive, systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicate its effectiveness in providing symptomatic relief during viral respiratory infections. It is primarily consumed as an extract in various forms like syrups, capsules, and lozenges.

Benefits

Elderberry supplementation has demonstrated significant benefits in reducing the duration and severity of upper respiratory symptoms associated with viral illnesses, including influenza and the common cold. A meta-analysis reported a large mean effect size for symptom reduction, indicating statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05). These benefits are typically observed during acute illness episodes, with symptom improvement occurring over several days to a week. The evidence primarily stems from studies in adults, though some research includes children with less robust data. While potential anti-obesity effects linked to its phenolic and flavonoid content have been explored in animal models, human data for this benefit are currently lacking. The strength of evidence for respiratory symptom reduction is considered moderate, based on systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs.

How it works

Elderberry's mechanism of action is attributed to its rich content of bioactive compounds, particularly anthocyanins and other flavonoids. These compounds exhibit antiviral activity by inhibiting viral replication and preventing the attachment of viruses, especially influenza viruses, to host cells. Additionally, elderberry possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mitigate oxidative stress, thereby contributing to the alleviation of symptoms. The absorption and bioavailability of these phenolic compounds can vary, and standardized extracts are designed to optimize the delivery of active constituents to ensure therapeutic effects within the body's systems.

Side effects

Elderberry whole extract is generally considered safe, with no serious adverse effects reported in controlled clinical trials. The most common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, are mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Rare side effects, occurring in less than 1% of users, include isolated case reports of acute pancreatitis, though a conclusive link to elderberry has not been established. There are no well-documented drug interactions; however, caution is advised when used concurrently with immunomodulatory drugs due to potential additive effects. Contraindications include the consumption of unripe elderberries, stems, and leaves, as these parts contain cyanogenic glycosides which can be toxic. Data on its use in pregnant or breastfeeding women are limited, so it should be used with caution in these special populations.

Dosage

Effective doses of standardized elderberry extract in randomized controlled trials typically range from 300 mg to 1000 mg daily. This dosage is often divided into multiple administrations throughout the day, particularly during the acute phase of an illness. The optimal dosage can depend on the standardization of the extract, specifically its anthocyanin content. While a maximum safe dose has not been firmly established, doses used in clinical trials have demonstrated good tolerability. For best results, initiation of supplementation at the very onset of symptoms appears to be most beneficial. Elderberry is available in various forms, including syrups, capsules, and lozenges, and the bioavailability may vary depending on the specific formulation. It is important to adhere to product-specific dosing instructions or consult a healthcare professional.

FAQs

Is elderberry effective for preventing colds or flu?

Evidence for elderberry's effectiveness is stronger for treating symptoms of colds and flu rather than preventing them. Some studies have shown no significant preventive benefit.

Can elderberry be used for COVID-19?

No credible scientific evidence supports the use of elderberry for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19. Regulatory bodies like the FDA have issued warnings against such claims.

How quickly does elderberry work?

When taken at the onset of symptoms, improvements in cold and flu symptoms are typically observed within a few days of starting elderberry supplementation.

Is elderberry safe for children?

Some studies have included children and reported no serious adverse effects. However, more comprehensive research is needed to fully establish its safety and efficacy in pediatric populations.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8026097/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis included multiple RCTs and found that elderberry significantly reduces the duration and severity of upper respiratory symptoms. It utilized random effects models to assess heterogeneity and reported statistically significant benefits, though limitations included a small number of trials and some heterogeneity among studies.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30670267/ – This meta-analysis of RCTs, involving 180 participants, demonstrated a large effect size in symptom reduction for elderberry supplementation compared to placebo. It also considered vaccination status and illness cause as potential moderators. Limitations noted were small sample sizes and the potential for publication bias.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1410854/full – This original research investigated the phenolic and flavonoid content of elderberry extracts and explored their anti-obesity effects in animal models. While it confirmed the high phenolic content, its direct clinical relevance to the respiratory benefits of elderberry in humans was limited.
https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-food-072023-034423 – This review provides a comprehensive overview of Sambucus nigra L., covering its classification, bioactive compounds, and traditional uses. It highlights the presence of cyanogenic glycosides in unripe parts and emphasizes the importance of proper processing for safety.
https://www.opss.org/article/elderberry-dietary-supplement-immune-health – This article from the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) provides an overview of elderberry as a dietary supplement for immune health. It discusses its traditional uses, scientific evidence for efficacy, safety concerns, and common questions, including the lack of evidence for COVID-19.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09540105.2021.1978941 – This source discusses the safety profile of elderberry, noting that while generally safe, mild gastrointestinal symptoms are the most common side effects. It also addresses the toxicity of raw or unripe elderberries due to cyanogenic glycosides and advises caution with certain populations.