Evidence supporting the use of: American Elder
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

American Elder (Sambucus canadensis) is closely related to the European elderberry (Sambucus nigra), which has been more extensively studied. Both species contain similar bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids (notably anthocyanins) and phenolic acids, believed to contribute to antiviral effects. Elderberry extracts have a long history of traditional use for treating colds and influenza, with the proposed mechanism involving inhibition of viral entry and replication, particularly for influenza viruses.

Scientific studies, mostly conducted on the European species, have shown elderberry extract may reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms. For example, randomized controlled trials have found that elderberry syrup can reduce symptom duration by several days in influenza patients. In vitro studies demonstrate that extracts can inhibit several respiratory viruses, including influenza and some coronaviruses. There is less direct research specifically on American Elder, but because of the chemical similarity, it is plausible that it exerts comparable effects.

Overall, the evidence supporting elder (including American Elder) for colds is moderate (rated 3/5): there are positive clinical trials, but most are small, not always conducted with American Elder specifically, and more rigorous, large-scale studies are needed. Nevertheless, its use is based on both traditional practice and a reasonable scientific basis for antiviral activity.

More about American Elder
More about Colds (antiviral)

Other ingredients used for Colds (antiviral)

allspice
aloe vera
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
waterhyssop
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
bilberry
bisabolol
black cumin
black currant
black garlic
blueberry
Indian frankincense
cat's claw
catechins
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
clove
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
honeysuckle
knotweed
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lemon
licorice root
luteolin
mastic gum
monolaurin
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
pineapple
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
rhizome
rosemary
schizonepeta
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin D
wasabia japonica
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
hyssop
papaya
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
commiphora
buckthorn
pau d'arco
morus
lemongrass
chrysanthemum
ganoderma
morinda
oriental arborvitae
zanthoxylum
fulvic acid
goji berry
indigo leaves
soursop
Ash
Agastache
Autumn elaeagnus
Alpha-terpineol
Apigenin
Allicin
Anamu
AHCC
Andrographolide
Amentoflavone
Asam gelugor
Acacetin
Aureobasidium pullulans
Andrographis
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Atractylone
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bee hive
Basidiomycota
berry
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Baicalin
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Caffeic Acid
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Curry leaf
Chinese Mountain Ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Coriolus mushroom
Carrageenan
Carvacrol
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Citrus
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cistus
Common madia
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Celosia
Chondrus
Deoxyandrographolides
David's Milkberry
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Flavonoids
Flavonones
Goldthread
Garlic
Galangal
Sandalwood

Products containing American Elder

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.