Evidence supporting the use of: Elderberry
For the health condition: Urinary Tract Infections

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, primarily for respiratory ailments such as colds and influenza. In some folk traditions, elderberry has also been used as a general diuretic and for "purifying" the urinary system, but there is limited documentation specifically regarding its use for urinary tract infections (UTIs). The historical evidence for elderberry’s application in UTIs is largely anecdotal, with references found in some herbal texts and ethnobotanical records. However, these uses are much less prominent compared to its reputation for supporting immune function and managing cold symptoms.

From a scientific perspective, there is very little direct evidence to support the use of elderberry in the prevention or treatment of UTIs. Most research on elderberry focuses on its antiviral and immunomodulatory properties, especially concerning influenza viruses. Elderberry does contain antioxidants and may have mild anti-inflammatory effects, but no clinical trials or robust preclinical studies specifically address its efficacy against the bacteria commonly responsible for UTIs, such as Escherichia coli. Consequently, while elderberry may have some traditional use for urinary complaints, its role in UTI management is not well substantiated by either strong historical precedent or modern scientific research.

More about elderberry
More about Urinary Tract Infections

Other ingredients used for Urinary Tract Infections

Abrus
Abuta
Achyranthes
Adzuki bean
Aerva lanata
Agave
Agrimonia pilosa
Agrimony
Akebia
Alchemilla
Alchornea
Alfalfa
Alisma
Allium tuberosum
Aloe vera
Amor seco
anamu
Angelica
anthocyanins
apple cider vinegar
arbutin
Aronia melanocarpa
asafoetida
asparagus
astragalus
aucubin
bacillus subtilis
bael
baicalin
baobab
barberry
Bauhinia
bearberry
berberine
Berberis (unspecified)
Bergenia
bergenin
big quaking grass
birch
black currant
black gram
bottle gourd
buchu
carambola
cardamom
carvacrol
cassia bark
celery
chanca piedra
Cistus
Clerodendrum phlomidis
cloudberry
Coconut Water
Coin-leaf desmodium
coix
coriander
corn
cornsilk
couch grass
cranberry
Crinum latifolium
cubeb
cucumber
Cucurbita
currant
Cynodon dactylon
D-mannose
dandelion
Desmodium
dong quai root
dwarf morning glory
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
Euryale seed
fennel
fenugreek
fleabane
fruit blend (proprietary)
fu ling
Galium
goji berry
gokhru
goldenrod
goldenseal
gravel root
Graviola
green tea
Guazuma ulmifolia
heather
hibiscus
honeysuckle
horse gram
Houttuynia
hydrangea
hydroxyquinoline
Indian gum arabic tree
Java tea
Job\'s tears
juniper berries
Kachnar
knotgrass
knotweed
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus brevis
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus crispatus
Lactobacillus fermentum
Lactobacillus gasseri
Lactobacillus jensenii
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactobacillus pentosus
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus salivarius
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lespedeza capitata
lime
lingonberry
Lomatium
Long Buchu
Longleaf buchu
lophatherum leaf
Lophira lanceolata
Loranthus
Lysimachia
mannose
manzanita
Marsh Tea
Melon
Methenamine
Methyl arbutin
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Mormon Tea
Mulberry
Mung bean
okra
Oldenlandia diffusa
ophiopogon root
Ovate Buchu
Palo Azul
Pareira
Pata de Vaca
pau d'arco
Pedalium
Pedra hume
Pelargonium
Pepper Bark Tree
Phragmites
Pipsissewa
pumpkin
purslane
pygeum
Pyrola
radish
Rhus coriaria
Rosa laevigata
rosthorn snake gourd
Rumex acetosa
sage
Sambucus nigra
saponins
sarsaparilla
Scirpus
Semecarpus anacardium
sheep's sorrel
shepherd's purse
Shilajit
smilax
Spiny Restharrow
Stachytarpheta cayennensis
Stone Root
Swertia
Tannins
Taraxacum
Taraxol
Tribuloside
Vasicine
vitamin C
Watercress
Watermelon
Withanolides