Evidence supporting the use of: Sambucus nigra
For the health condition: Influenza

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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 colds and influenza-like illnesses. More recently, scientific studies have begun to investigate its efficacy for influenza. Several in vitro studies indicate that elderberry extracts may inhibit the replication of influenza viruses and modulate immune responses. Notably, a few small randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have reported reduced duration and severity of influenza symptoms among participants taking elderberry syrup compared to placebo. For example, a 2004 double-blind RCT (Zakay-Rones et al.) found that elderberry extract reduced the duration of influenza symptoms by about four days. However, although these results are promising, the number of high-quality studies is limited, sample sizes have generally been small, and some studies have methodological limitations. Systematic reviews (e.g., Hawkins et al., 2019) conclude that elderberry appears to be effective for reducing upper respiratory symptoms, but emphasize the need for larger, well-designed clinical trials to confirm efficacy and safety. Overall, the use of Sambucus nigra for influenza is supported by both tradition and preliminary scientific research, but current scientific evidence is moderate and not yet definitive.

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