Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsNutritionUsesSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicityInteractionsHow to StoreSources & What To Look For
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Nutrition
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Toxicity
Interactions
How to Store
Sources & What To Look For
Elderberry is a dark purple berry that grows on the European or black elder tree, also known as the Sambucus nigra plant. It is a rich source of antioxidants known asanthocyaninsand is often used to support the immune system.
Elderberry is not the same as American Elder, Elderflower, or Dwarf Elder, and these will not provide the same intended benefit as elderberry.
Elderberry is often touted for use against viral infections such as the common cold or the flu. It is marketed for several other conditions as well, but research is lacking.
This article will review the potential uses of elderberry, how to safely use it, and possible concerns with using elderberry.
Elderberry Supplement FactsActive ingredient(s): Multiple anthocyanins and polyphenolsAlternate name(s): Black elder, European elder, elder flower, sambucusSuggested dose:No standard dose, however, 2 to 4 tablespoons daily given once or in 4 divided doses daily, depending on age, is the most common dosage used in researchSafety considerations: Avoid if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have an autoimmune disease, are taking immunosuppressants, and in children under 5 years of age
Elderberry Supplement Facts
Active ingredient(s): Multiple anthocyanins and polyphenolsAlternate name(s): Black elder, European elder, elder flower, sambucusSuggested dose:No standard dose, however, 2 to 4 tablespoons daily given once or in 4 divided doses daily, depending on age, is the most common dosage used in researchSafety considerations: Avoid if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have an autoimmune disease, are taking immunosuppressants, and in children under 5 years of age
Active ingredient(s): Multiple anthocyanins and polyphenols
Alternate name(s): Black elder, European elder, elder flower, sambucus
Suggested dose:No standard dose, however, 2 to 4 tablespoons daily given once or in 4 divided doses daily, depending on age, is the most common dosage used in research
Safety considerations: Avoid if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have an autoimmune disease, are taking immunosuppressants, and in children under 5 years of age
The ripe elderberry is tart and typically sweetened, similar to cranberries. One cup of elderberries provides the following nutrients:
Whiteway/Getty Images
Uses of Elderberry
Reduce Symptoms of Common Colds or Flu
Elderberry juice syrup has been used for centuries as a home remedy for viral illnesses like thecommon coldandflu.Some research has suggested that the syrup shortens the duration of some illnesses and makes them less severe; however, study findings have varied.
The following are some of the findings from elderberry research:
When evaluating the limited research available to date, it is important to keep in mind that:
Elderberry may reduce the symptoms associated with the common cold or the flu if taken early, but there is no evidence to suggest that elderberry can prevent infection. Further research is needed.
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Natural and Herbal Cold and Flu Treatments
Elderberry is also promoted for treating high cholesterol, relieving pain, having anti-inflammatory properties, and more.However, there is not enough evidence to support these claims. Additionally, dietary supplements should not be used to treat a condition or disease.
Is Elderberry Recommended To Prevent COVID-19?There is no data on the use of elderberry for COVID-19, either to prevent it or to manage symptoms. Avoid any elderberry products with unsubstantiated claims of effectiveness for COVID-19.
Is Elderberry Recommended To Prevent COVID-19?
There is no data on the use of elderberry for COVID-19, either to prevent it or to manage symptoms. Avoid any elderberry products with unsubstantiated claims of effectiveness for COVID-19.
What Are the Side Effects of Elderberry?
Ripe, cooked elderberry fruit is considered safe to eat in moderation. As with several other fruits, eating a lot of elderberry fruit can cause:
Elderberries should always be cooked and processed before they’re consumed. Other parts of the plant should be avoided as they contain a naturally occurring chemical compound calledcyanogenicglycoside, which releases the poison hydrogen cyanide.These parts include the the following:
Unripened, raw elderberries can release cyanide into your body and make you sick. Even ripe berries can contain trace amounts, so elderberriesmustbe cooked before you eat them.
Elderberry use is considered safe for up to 12 weeks. However, some groups of people should avoid elderberry.
Dosage: How Much Elderberry Should I Take?
There is no standard recommendation for dosing elderberry.
In some clinical trials, adults took 3 teaspoons (1 tablespoon) of elderberry extract in syrup form four times daily for five days. Since there is no standard dosage, however, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist and read the dosage directions on the product label before taking it.
There are no standard recommended amounts for elderberry in gummies, tablets, or teas.
Is It Safe To Take Elderberry Every Day?Commercially made elderberry supplements shouldn’t contain cyanide, so they’re considered safe for daily use. Only take the amount recommended on the label. Since homemade/artisan syrups might contain small amounts of cyanide, use them cautiously.
Is It Safe To Take Elderberry Every Day?
Commercially made elderberry supplements shouldn’t contain cyanide, so they’re considered safe for daily use. Only take the amount recommended on the label. Since homemade/artisan syrups might contain small amounts of cyanide, use them cautiously.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Elderberry?
Elderberry extract appears to be safe when taken in small doses. Taking amounts greater than recommended could be more likely to result in undesirable side effects.
Elderberries should always be cooked and processed before they’re consumed. Unripened, raw elderberries can release toxins into your body.Even ripe berries can contain trace amounts of cyanide, so you must cook elderberries before consumption.
Poisoning from elderberries is rarely life-threatening. But it may cause:
Get medical attention if you develop these symptoms after consuming elderberry.
Elderberry may reduce the effectiveness of immune suppressants, which are common medications for people who have undergone organ transplant procedures. Immunosuppressants are also used for other conditions.Common ones include:
How to Store Elderberry
Keep elderberry in a cool, dry place. Supplements should always be stored out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental consumption. Keep your supplements stored according to the instructions on the product label.
Fresh elderberries may last longer when refrigerated.
Sources of Elderberry & What to Look For
Elderberries have long been cultivated for food and to make natural medicines. Products are available in many forms, including:
In addition to the various forms, elderberry is available as a single supplement or in combination with other nutrients. For example, several forms are marketed for immune support that also contain vitamin C, zinc, vitamin A, or vitamin E.
One study evaluating elderberry products on the market found that many did not contain elderberry. Instead, they contained elderflower or were mixed with other ingredients, such as black rice extract or purple carrot extract.
Dietary supplements are not regulated like conventional food products or drugs in the United States. Look for products that have undergone independent testing to confirm that the contents match what’s on the label.
In 2021, the USP held a forum to discuss the need for standards in developing elderberry products.Once standards are available, supplement companies can be held accountable for the quality of the products they sell.
However, even if supplements are independently tested, that doesn’t mean they are necessarily safe for all or effective in general. Therefore, talking to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and checking in about potential interactions with other supplements or medications is important.
Food Sources of Elderberry
You can buy dried berries online and in health food stores.
If you want fresh berries, be sure you buy them from a reputable source. It’s never safe to eat unknown berries in nature, as they may have dangerous effects.If you have eaten an unknown berry and develop concerning symptoms, get immediate medical attention.
Summary
Elderberry is marketed mostly for immune support. Some research suggests it reduces the severity and duration of symptoms associated with the flu or common cold. However, it does not prevent infections or illnesses.
There is limited data on the uses of elderberry other than viral infection symptom management.
Unripe or unprocessed berries, as well as other parts of the plant, should not be consumed as they can be poisonous. However, elderberry extract in supplement form is generally safe to take in small doses.
If you are considering using elderberry, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about whether it is an appropriate supplement for you. Since there is no recommended dosage, follow the instructions on the product label or ask your provider how much you should use.
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25 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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