Evidence supporting the use of: Sambucus Nigra (unspecified)
For the health condition: Colds (prevention)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Sambucus nigra, commonly known as elderberry, has a long history of traditional use for treating and preventing colds and flu-like symptoms. In recent decades, its use has been supported by a modest but growing body of scientific evidence. Several randomized controlled trials and laboratory studies have investigated elderberry extracts' effects on respiratory viruses. For example, a 2016 meta-analysis (Tiralongo et al., 2016) and a 2019 systematic review (Hawkins et al., 2019) found that elderberry supplementation may reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms in adults, particularly when taken at the onset of symptoms. Proposed mechanisms include inhibition of viral attachment and replication, as well as enhancement of immune responses, attributed to the plant’s rich content of flavonoids and anthocyanins. However, most studies are small, of short duration, and often use proprietary extracts, so results may not generalize to all Sambucus nigra products. While the evidence is not definitive, it suggests a potential benefit in cold prevention or mitigation, justifying a moderate evidence rating. More large-scale, independent clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy, optimal dosing, and safety, especially for long-term or preventive use.
More about Sambucus Nigra (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 Sambucus Nigra (unspecified)
ArthritisColds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Fever
Infection (viral)
Influenza
Sinus Infection
Sore Throat
Urinary Tract Infections