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

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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 illnesses, particularly those accompanied by fever. In recent years, its use has been partially supported by scientific studies. Elderberries are rich in bioactive compounds, especially flavonoids like anthocyanins, which are thought to have antioxidant and immune-modulating effects. Several small clinical trials have evaluated elderberry extracts (often in syrup form) for their ability to reduce the severity and duration of cold and influenza symptoms. For example, a 2004 randomized controlled trial published in the journal Journal of International Medical Research found that elderberry extract reduced the duration and severity of flu symptoms compared to placebo. A 2016 meta-analysis published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine concluded that elderberry supplements may reduce upper respiratory symptoms, though the number of high-quality studies remains limited.

Mechanistically, elderberry's antiviral effects are thought to stem from its ability to inhibit the attachment and replication of certain viruses, including influenza. It may also promote cytokine production and enhance immune response. However, while these results are promising, most studies have small sample sizes and are of short duration. Larger, more rigorous trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety, especially for treatment of colds with fever. In summary, elderberry’s use for cold and flu is supported by both tradition and preliminary scientific evidence, but more robust research is needed for conclusive recommendations.

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Other ingredients used for Colds (with fever)

Acacia
Aconite
Aerva lanata
Agastache
Ajuga
Aloe vera
alpinia galangal
Amomum
Amor seco
Andrographis
andrographolide
anthocyanins
Arani
Ardisia
Asam gelugor
Asarum heterotropoides
aster root
Asteraceae
atractylone
avens
Baccharoides anthelmintica
bael
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
basil
Bassia scoparia
bayleaf
bee products
bermuda grass
bilberry
bishop\'s weed
bitter grass
black cumin
black currant
black galingale
black nightshade
blackboard tree
blueberry
boxthorne
buckthorn
bur-reed
capillary artemisia
capsaicinoids
Celosia
chamomile
Chinese raisintree
chrysophanics
cinnamaldehyde
Cistus
clove
coconut milk
common madia
cowage seed
cowherb
dragonhead
Eclipta
elderberry
flavoglycosides
forsythia
fruit
gamma-terpinene
garlic bulb
ginger
Glechoma hederacea
Gnaphalium
grape
green chiretta
green tea
hemp
honey
Horsemint
hyacinth bean
Indian fagonia
indigo leaves
Isatis
isoquinoline alkaloids
Laggera pterodonta
lemon
Lewis's monkey flower
licorice root
Ligusticum
linalool
little ironweed
lodhtree
long pepper
luffa
mallow
Melia
Monoterpenes
Mugwort
Mushroom
nut grass
Onosma bracteatum
Oroxylum indicum
Oxystelma
Pansit-pansitan
Paris polyphylla
pear
Peucedanum
Phenylpropanoids
Piper nigrum
pistacia integerrima gall
plantain
pomegranate
quercetin
rhizome
rosemary
sage
Salvia
Scabrous Gentian
Sesbania
Sesquiterpenes
Shogaol
Sickle-leaf hare's ear
Smartweed
Solanaceae
Solanum indicum
Southern Tsangshu
Sphaeranthus indicus
Sweet Annie
sweet flag
Tamaricaceae
Tayuya
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thyme
Thymus
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turmeric
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Viola
vitamin C
vitamin D
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xanthium (cockleburs)
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