Evidence supporting the use of: European Elder
For the health condition: Infection (viral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
European Elder (Sambucus nigra) has been traditionally used in European folk medicine for managing colds and flu-like symptoms. In recent decades, several scientific studies have investigated its antiviral properties, especially elderberry extracts and syrups. Laboratory experiments have demonstrated that elderberry compounds can inhibit the replication of certain viruses, including influenza A and B, and may block viral entry into cells. Clinical trials, though small and sometimes methodologically limited, have shown that elderberry supplementation can reduce the duration and severity of symptoms in influenza and other viral respiratory infections compared to placebo. For example, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in 2004 found that elderberry extract significantly shortened the duration of flu symptoms in adults. However, the number of high-quality clinical studies remains limited, and most research has focused on influenza rather than a broad range of viral infections. Meta-analyses suggest a moderate benefit, but also highlight the need for larger, well-designed trials to confirm efficacy and safety. Overall, while traditional use is strong and scientific validation is emerging, the evidence is currently best described as moderate (3/5) for supporting the use of European Elder against viral infections.
Other ingredients used for Infection (viral)
2'-FucosyllactoseAbies spectabilis
Acemannan
Agarikon Mushroom
Agastache
Agave
AHCC
Ajoene
Alchornea
Alkylglycerols
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
alpha-pinene
Alstonia scholaris
Amor seco
anamu
Andrographis
andrographolide
apple cider vinegar
arabinogalactan
Artepillin C
Asarum heterotropoides
Asarum sieboldii
aucubin
Aureobasidium pullulans
babchi
Baccharis dracunculifolia
baicalin
Baphicacanthus cusia
barberry
Bauhinia
bee propolis
Belamcanda
berberine
beta-glucan
betel
betulinic acid
black cumin
Blepharis
boneset
Brazilian peppertree
burdock
calamus
Campsiandra angustifolia
carvacrol
cassia bark
casticin
cat's claw
Centipeda
Cistus
Coin-leaf desmodium
Coptis chinensis
coriolus mushroom
curcumin
cuspidatum root
Cymbidium goeringii
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
dialyzable leukocyte extract
Echinacea
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
eucalyptus
European Elder
fernbush
Flueggea suffruticosa
fucoidan
galangin
Gallesia
geranium
ginger
Globulins
Glucan peptides
golden shower tree
goldenseal
Graviola
honeysuckle
Houttuynia
Humic acid
Hypericin
immunoglobin G
Immunoglobulin G
iodine
Ivy
Java brucea
Kachnar
knotgrass
Labdanum
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lactoferrin
Lactoperoxidase
Lapachol
lauric acid
Lentinan
lichen
licorice root
liverwort
Lomatium
mangosteen
mangostin
Marsh Tea
Matapalo Tree
Microtea debilis
Milkweed
Monolaurin
Mountain horopito
Myrobalan
Naphthoquinones
oriental arborvitae
pau d'arco
Pelargonium
Phellodendron
phlorotannins
Phragmites
Piper retrofractum
pistacia integerrima gall
polysaccharides
Premna
Quebracho
ravinsara
reishi mushroom
Rhabdosia rubescens
Sambucus nigra
Sandalwood
Sanguisorba
sarsaparilla
selenium
Shikimic Acid
Shikonin
Simaruba
Smoketree
spirulina
Sulfated polysaccharide
sweet wormwood
Swertia
Tannins
Terpinen-4-ol
Thiosulfinate
Thuja
Trametes
Turkey tail mushroom
turmeric
Tylophorine
Verbascoside
Viscum coloratum
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
Xanthoparmelia
Xanthorrhizol
Yellow root
Yerba santa
Zinc
Zingerone
Other health conditions supported by European Elder
AbscessesAllergies (respiratory)
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Arthritis
Asthma
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Fever
Glands (swollen lymph)
Gout
Headache (general)
Infection
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Influenza
Insomnia
Itching
Laryngitis
Pain (general remedies for)
Psoriasis
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Rosacea
