Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

European elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has a long history of traditional use for treating colds and flu-like symptoms, but there is also some scientific evidence supporting its antiviral effects against common cold viruses. Several small randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials have investigated elderberry extracts—typically standardized extracts of the berries—showing that supplementation may reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms if taken at the onset of illness. For example, a 2016 double-blind trial found that air travelers who took elderberry extract had fewer and less severe cold episodes compared to placebo. Other studies, mostly in adults, have demonstrated similar benefits, though these studies are generally limited by small sample sizes and potential bias.

Laboratory research has demonstrated that elderberry constituents—including anthocyanins and flavonoids—can inhibit replication of some common respiratory viruses in vitro, such as influenza and some cold-causing coronaviruses. However, most clinical research has focused on influenza rather than the common cold specifically, and not all studies have found benefit. Major systematic reviews (e.g., Cochrane, 2023) highlight the need for larger, high-quality studies before firm conclusions can be drawn. Side effects are generally mild, but raw elderberry components can be toxic and commercial extracts should be used.

In summary, there is moderate evidence from small clinical trials and laboratory studies supporting elderberry’s antiviral effects and potential to reduce cold symptoms, justifying a scientific rating, though more robust research is needed to confirm efficacy.

More about European elderberry constituents (unspecified)
More about Colds (antiviral)

Other ingredients used for Colds (antiviral)

Allspice
Aloe vera
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
Waterhyssop
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
bilberry
bisabolol
black cumin
black currant
black garlic
blueberry
Indian frankincense
cat's claw
catechins
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
clove
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
honeysuckle
knotweed
Lactoferrin
Lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lemon
licorice root
luteolin
Mastic gum
Monolaurin
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic compounds
pineapple
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
rhizome
rosemary
schizonepeta
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin D
Wasabi
Zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
hyssop
papaya
Mugwort
Neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
commiphora
buckthorn
pau d'arco
Morus
lemongrass
chrysanthemum
ganoderma
Morinda
oriental arborvitae
zanthoxylum
fulvic acid
goji berry
indigo leaves
soursop
ash
Agastache
Autumn elaeagnus
alpha-terpineol
apigenin
Allicin
anamu
AHCC
andrographolide
amentoflavone
Asam gelugor
Acacetin
Aureobasidium pullulans
Andrographis
Asteraceae
Allyl sulfide
Allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
atractylone
bee propolis
black seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
balsam
bishop\'s weed
black galingale
bitter grass
bee hive
Basidiomycota
berry
bee products
back nightshade
Bombax
baicalin
Bassia scoparia
borneol
caffeic Acid
Camellia sinensis
coconut
curry leaf
Chinese mountain ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coriolus mushroom
carrageenan
carvacrol
capillary artemisia
citron
Citrus
Chinese raisintree
cowherb
Cistus
common madia
cinnamaldehyde
costus
Celosia
Chondrus
deoxyandrographolides
David\'s milkberry
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
essential oil blend
fruit
flavonoids
fungus
flavonones
flavones
goldthread
glyceryl monolaurate
gamma-terpinene
garlic
Gallesia
gallotannin
Glycyrrhetinic acid
Galangal
Glycyrrhizin
honey
Hedyotis
Houttuynia
honey loquat syrup
Himalaya berry
Isatis
Indian kinotree
Litsea
Lomatium
lichen
Laggera pterodonta
ligustilides
luffa
Ligustrum
labrador tea
liverwort
Ligusticum
Mineral ascorbate
Melia
Monoterpenes
mangostin
Mushroom
Neoandrographolides
Naphthoquinones
Nymphaea nouchali
Osha
Osmanthus
Oxystelma
Propolis
Phellodendron
Phyllanthus
Phenylpropanoids
Phaeophyceae
Paris polyphylla
Piper nigrum
Patrinia
Polygonum
Petiveria
ravinsara
reed herb
Sophora
Smartweed
Solanaceae
Sesquiterpenes
Salvia
Solanum indicum
Sambucus nigra
Shogaol
Sandalwood
saponins
Shikimic Acid
Terpenoids
Tea
Thymus
Tamaricaceae
Triterpenes
Tayuya
Theaflavin
Trametes
Tagetes
Thiosulfinate
Visnea Mocanera
Violet
Verbascoside
Viola
White Tea
Xanthorrhizol
Zingiberene

Other health conditions supported by European elderberry constituents (unspecified)

Colds (antiviral)
Infection
Infection (viral)
Influenza
Sinus Infection
Urinary Tract Infections

Products containing European elderberry constituents (unspecified)

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.