Elderberry is dark purple fruit from the elderberry shrub. It's a rich source of antioxidants known as anthocyanins.
Some claims about elderberry's benefits have more scientific backing than others. These include:
- Treating the common cold and the flu (influenza)
- Pain relief
- Disease prevention
Traditional uses with less evidence behind them are for:
In addition to the fruit itself, you can get elderberry through commercial supplements in the form of gummies, lozenges, syrups, teas, and more.
In this article, you'll learn about the evidence behind elderberry's benefits and how to take it plus the possible side effects, drug interactions, and other potential dangers you should be aware of before using this fruit medicinally.
Verywell / JR Bee
Table of Contents
Health Benefits
The European elder (black elderberry, Sambucus nigra) is the species most often used in supplements. Other elder species also produce anthocyanin-rich berries, as well.
Many of elderberry's health benefits are linked to anthocyanins. Some research suggests they may:
- Clear your body of free radicals (unstable molecules that damage cells and may cause disease)
- Have antiviral properties that prevent or reduce the severity of some common infections
- Have anti-inflammatory benefits due to changing your body's immune response
Colds and Flu
Elderberry juice syrup has been used for centuries as a home remedy for viral illnesses like the cold and flu. Some researchers have concluded that this syrup shortens the duration of some illnesses and makes them less severe.
Some preliminary evidence from small studies appears promising.
- In a 2019 study on elderberry for cold and flu, it appeared to greatly reduce upper airway symptoms.
- A 2012 study suggested elderberry could help prevent influenza by stimulating an immune response.
- A 2016 study on airline passengers suggested using elderberry extract for 10 days before and five days after a flight led to milder symptoms and 50% fewer sick days from the cold.
In the air travel study, while it appeared to lower the duration and severity of the illness, it didn't appear to prevent it. Both the elderberry group and placebo group had about the same infection rate.
Pain Relief
Anthocyanins are known to reduce inflammation. Those in elderberry do so by blocking nitric oxide production in your immune system.
Nitric oxide tells the immune system to cause inflammation, which is part of its response to illness or injury. Elderberry seems to slow down the inflammatory response, which may lower swelling and the pain it can cause.
Topical elderberry tinctures and salves have long been used in folk medicine to treat:
Few studies have investigated elderberry's anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving benefits in humans. Evidence should be considered preliminary.
Disease Prevention
Some alternative healthcare providers say elderberry's antioxidant effects can reduce your risk of cancer and heart disease.
While it's true that antioxidant-rich diets may offer such benefits, no studies have been done that directly link elderberry consumption to better disease outcomes.
Nutritional Data
One cup of elderberries provides:
- 106 calories
- 1 gram of protein
- 27 grams of carbohydrate
- 10 grams of fiber
When it comes to the recommended daily allowance of vitamins and minerals, a cup of elderberries contains:
- Vitamin C - 58% 29% of the RDA
- Vitamin B6 - 20%
- Iron - 13%
- Potassium - 9%
Possible Side Effects
Ripe, cooked elderberry fruit is considered safe to eat in moderation. As with several other fruits, eating a lot can cause:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach ache
- Abdominal cramping
Poisoning
Elderberries should always be cooked before they're consumed. Certain parts of the plant contain a poison called known as cyanogenic glycoside—cyanide. It's in the:
- Leaves
- Roots
- Bark
- Stems
- Unripe, raw berries
Unripe elderberries can release cyanide into your body and make you sick. Even ripe berries contain trace amounts, so elderberries must be cooked before you eat them.
Poisoning Symptoms
Poisoning from elderberries is rarely life-threatening. But it may cause:
Get medical attention if you develop these symptoms after consuming elderberry.
Who Shouldn’t Take It
Elderberries may not be safe for some groups of people. No safety information is available about elderberry use:
- In children
- During pregnancy
- While breastfeeding
Don't consume elderberries if:
- You have an autoimmune disease
- You've had an organ transplant
- You're taking medication for diabetes
Drug Interactions
Elderberry products may interact with drugs that suppress the immune system and make them work less efficiently. Examples of these drugs are:
Forms and Dosages
Elderberries have long been cultivated for food and to make natural medicines. Products are available in many forms, including:
- Syrups
- Teas
- Capsules
- Gummies
- Tonics
- Tinctures
- Topical ointments
The ripe berry is tart and typically sweetened (like cranberries).
For Cold and Flu Symptoms
Treatment should start no later than 48 hours after the first cold or flu symptoms appear. As a general rule, you shouldn't take more than what the manufacturer recommends on the label.
Many commercial syrup manufacturers recommend taking 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of elderberry syrup four times a day to treat cold or flu symptoms. Elderberry lozenges (175 milligrams) can be taken twice daily.
Keep in mind that elderberry should never be used as a substitute for conventional medical care. Self-treating a condition and delaying standard medical treatment may have serious consequences.
What to Look For
Elderberry-based medications are classified as dietary supplements by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Under this classification, they're not meant to be sold or marketed as a treatment for any medical condition.
Because supplements aren't required to undergo rigorous research or testing, they can vary significantly in quality. To ensure quality and safety, only buy supplements that are certified by an independent certifying body, such as:
- U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP)
- NSF International
- ConsumerLab
This certification doesn't mean the product is effective, only that it's not contaminated and actually contains what the label says it does.
Safety Warning
If you eat fresh berries, be sure you buy them from a reputable source. It's never safe to eat unknown berries in nature, as they may have dangerous effects. If you have eaten an unknown berry and develop concerning symptoms, get immediate medical attention.
Summary
Elderberry is a fruit that's long been used in traditional medicine and appears to have some medicinal benefits. These include treating the cold and flu, relieving pain, and possibly helping prevent disease due to their antioxidant activities.
You can take elderberry supplements in several forms, including gummies, syrups, teas, and capsules. Don't eat unripened berries in any form, as they can make you sick. Ripe berries should always be cooked before consumption.
