Evidence supporting the use of: Elderberry
For the health condition: Colds (general)

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Synopsis

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

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has a long history of traditional use for treating colds and flu-like symptoms, but in recent years, some scientific studies have provided evidence supporting its effectiveness. Elderberry is rich in flavonoids, particularly anthocyanins, which are thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Several randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials have examined elderberry extracts (often syrups or lozenges) in the treatment of upper respiratory symptoms. For example, a notable 2004 study published in the journal Journal of International Medical Research found that elderberry extract reduced the duration and severity of cold symptoms in adults and children when taken within 48 hours of symptom onset. Other studies, including a 2016 meta-analysis, have supported these findings, indicating that elderberry supplementation may decrease the length and severity of cold symptoms, possibly by boosting immune response and inhibiting viral replication. However, while evidence is promising, most studies have been small and of varying quality. More large-scale, well-designed trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety. Overall, elderberry’s use for colds is supported by both tradition and a moderate level of scientific evidence, earning it a middle-tier rating for effectiveness in this context.

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Other ingredients used for Colds (general)

allspice
aloe vera
green chiretta
anthocyanins
apple
arabinogalactan
astragalus
waterhyssop
bamboo
barberry
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
berry flavor
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black garlic
black pepper
radish
black tea
blackberry
blueberry
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
bасора
capsaicinoids
carrot
cassia bark
caterpillar mushroom
chamomile
cinnamon
citrus oil
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coconut milk
colostrum
turmeric
dog rose
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
ginseng
gooseberry
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
horseradish
Indian tinospora
honeysuckle
jujube
l-cysteine
lactobacillus fermentum
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lemon
licorice root
lovage
lychee
marshmallow
mastic gum
milk
moringa
mustard seed
nettle
spruce
orange
oregano
oregon grape
pear
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
pineapple
plantain
plum fruit
pomegranate
pumpkin
quail egg
quercetin
raspberry
redcurrant
reishi mushroom
rhizome
rose hips
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
spirulina
thyme
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
wasabia japonica
water
yeast
zinc
sarsaparilla
squawvine
boneset
tangerine
typhonium
xanthium (cockleburs)
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
papaya
capsicum
mugwort
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
pistacia integerrima gall
commiphora
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
bee pollen
peony
lingusticum wallichii
boxthorne
buckthorn
lemongrass
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
siler root
flowering quince
dodder
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
morinda
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
birch
dulse leaf
purslane
fulvic acid
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
peach
paw paw
abies spectabilis
horehound
Sichuan pepper
algae
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
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acacia
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American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
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allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
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Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Baikal Skullcap
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black salt
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Buddha's Hand
Borassus aethiopum
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Bassia scoparia
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Boerhavia diffusa
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Cumin
Camellia sinensis
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Chinese Silkvine
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Chinese Mountain Ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cloudberry
coconut oil
Coriander
Chive
Carvacrol
Capillary Artemisia
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Curcuminoid
Citrus
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Capsaicin
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Chinese Raisintree
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Costus
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cola nut
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European Elder
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Elder
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Embelia
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