Elderberry
Elderberry is the dark purple berry of the European or black elder tree. It has been used in folk medicine for colds and flu. Some preliminary research suggests it may relieve symptoms of flu, colds, or other upper respiratory infections.
Elderberry is the dark purple berry of the European or black elder tree. It is promoted as a dietary supplement for colds, flu, and other conditions.
Where to get it
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Traditional & historical use
Elder has been used in European folk medicine for centuries, with elderberries and elderflowers used as remedies for colds, flu, fever, and respiratory complaints. NCCIH notes that elderberry has a long history of use as a food and medicine.
Active compounds & mechanisms
Key compounds: anthocyanins (especially cyanidin-3-glucoside), flavonoids, quercetin, rutin, vitamin C, phenolic acids
Elderberries are rich in anthocyanins, dark-pigment antioxidants that have been shown in lab studies to bind directly to flu virus particles and block their entry into cells. They also stimulate cytokine production, which activates immune cells. Whether these mechanisms translate into meaningful clinical benefit in humans is still under investigation — preliminary studies show some shortening of cold and flu duration, but larger trials are needed.
Research & evidence
Strong support Some support Weak or no supportColours show how well the sources back each point. The reason is next to each one.
NCCIH says a small number of studies have evaluated elderberry for colds, flu, and other upper respiratory infections. Some preliminary research suggests that elderberry may relieve symptoms of flu, colds, or other upper respiratory infections.
Limited evidenceSome support. Based on one or a few small trials
Study details
NCCIH (What Have We Learned?): "Some preliminary research suggests that elderberry may relieve symptoms of flu, colds, or other upper respiratory infections." | NCCIH (Research Findings): "A small number of studies have evaluated elderberry for colds, flu, and other upper respiratory infections."
Source: NCCIH, Elderberry (Last Updated November 2024), What Have We Learned? View source
NCCIH says elderberry has also been promoted for COVID-19, but there is no good evidence to support its use. It says there is insufficient evidence to know if it can help with symptoms.
Limited evidenceSome support. Reviewers rated the certainty low
Study details
NCCIH (Overview / Background): "It has also been promoted for COVID-19, but there is no good evidence to support its use." | NCCIH (Keep in Mind): "There is insufficient evidence to know if it can help with symptoms."
Source: NCCIH, Elderberry (Last Updated November 2024), Overview / Background View source
NCCIH says there's not enough information to show whether elderberry is helpful for any other health purposes, and that little research has been done in people on other uses of elderberry.
Limited evidenceSome support. Reviewers rated the certainty low
Study details
NCCIH (What Have We Learned?): "There's not enough information to show whether elderberry is helpful for any other health purposes." | NCCIH (Research Findings): "Little research has been done in people on other uses of elderberry."
Source: NCCIH, Elderberry (Last Updated November 2024), What Have We Learned? View source
Dosage
| Form | Amount |
|---|---|
| Any form | No clinically established dose. |
Side effects
NCCIH warns of poisonous cyanide-producing substances that can cause nausea, vomiting and severe diarrhea. Cooking eliminates this toxin, and large quantities may cause serious illness. Little is known about safety in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you take any medicine, talk with your health care provider before using elderberry.
Well documented Reported (case reports, anecdotal or one study) None reportedThe circle shows how well documented an effect is, not how serious it is. A rarely reported effect can still be serious, so always read ‘When to stop’.
| Effect | Frequency | When to stop |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea, vomiting and severe diarrhea (from poisonous cyanide-producing substances)Well documentedListed plainly by NIH, MSK or LiverTox | Not stated | Stop and seek medical attention if you experience severe nausea, vomiting, or dizziness — these may indicate a reaction to cyanogenic glycosides in raw or unripe plant material. |
Safety & interactions
Safety
NCCIH warns of poisonous cyanide-producing substances that can cause nausea, vomiting, and severe diarrhea. It says cooking eliminates this toxin, and that large quantities of the toxin may cause serious illness. NCCIH also says that if you take any type of medicine, you should talk with your health care provider before using elderberry or other herbal products.
Contraindications
NCCIH says little is known about whether it's safe to use elderberry for health purposes during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. NCCIH notes that some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways.
Drug interactions
Established: stated plainly by an authoritative source. Documented: supported by case reports or trial data. Theoretical: based on mechanism, animal data, or a cautious listing. Always check with your pharmacist or prescriber.
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