Evidence supporting the use of: Elderberry (unspecified)
For the health condition: Colds (prevention)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Elderberry (most commonly referring to Sambucus nigra) has been traditionally used in European folk medicine for the prevention and treatment of colds and influenza. Scientifically, elderberry extracts—especially standardized syrups—have been studied in a handful of randomized controlled trials. Some of these studies suggest that elderberry may reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms, likely due to its high content of flavonoids (such as anthocyanins) which may possess antiviral and immune-modulating properties.
For example, a 2016 meta-analysis in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine reviewed several small trials and concluded that elderberry supplementation appeared to reduce upper respiratory symptoms, but noted the studies’ methodological limitations and small sample sizes. Another study (Zakay-Rones et al., 2004) found that elderberry extract reduced the duration of flu symptoms compared to placebo. However, direct evidence for prevention of colds is limited; most studies focus on symptom relief after infection has occurred.
Overall, while traditional use is strong, scientific evidence supporting elderberry for the prevention of colds is limited and preliminary. The evidence is suggestive but not conclusive, and more rigorous, large-scale trials are needed to confirm preventive effects. Thus, the strength of evidence is rated as 2 out of 5.
More about Elderberry (unspecified)
More about Colds (prevention)
Other ingredients used for Colds (prevention)
allspicealoe vera
green chiretta
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
astragalus
waterhyssop
bamboo
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
Beta-Glucan
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
black tea
blackberry
bасора
camu camu
capsaicinoids
caterpillar mushroom
chamomile
chlorella
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coconut milk
colostrum
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
Indian tinospora
honeysuckle
lactobacillus brevis
lemon
licorice root
lovage
marshmallow
moringa
mustard seed
nettle
spruce
orange
oregano
oregon grape
pear
phenolic acids
pineapple
plantain
pollen
pomegranate
pumpkin
quercetin
reishi mushroom
rhizome
rose hips
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin C
vitamin D
seaweed
yeast
zinc
sarsaparilla
squawvine
tangerine
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
mugwort
nut grass
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
pistacia integerrima gall
blackboard tree
peony
buckthorn
lemongrass
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
siler root
flowering quince
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
goji berry
paw paw
algae
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
Aralia
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Ardisia
acacia
Allicin
Abrus
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Ajuga
Andrographolide
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Blackthorn
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bael
berry
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bioflavonoids
black salt
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Cinnamomum
Coriander
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Capsaicin
Chinese Raisintree
Chlorophytum
Cowherb
Cistus
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Celosia
Currant
Dianthus
Dragonhead
Dodeca-2E, 4E, 8Z, 10Z/Etetraenoic Acid Isobutylamide
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
European-Five Finger Grass
Flavonoids
Goldthread
Garlic
Mustard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Elderberry (unspecified)
Colds (antiviral)Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Infection (viral)
Influenza
Sinus Infection