Elderberry for Immune Support: What the Evidence and Safety Guidance Say

By HollyHerman.com Editorial Team

Table of Contents

What Elderberry Is

Sambucus nigra is often called elderberry. NCCIH reports that it has been studied for colds, flu, and other upper respiratory infections.

What Human Studies Show

Some early studies looked at elderberry for colds and flu. The results are limited. They do not prove that elderberry prevents or treats illness.

The evidence is preliminary. It does not establish one sure result or a standard dosing schedule.

Forms and Dose Questions

Elderberry is promoted as a dietary supplement. According to the FDA’s dietary-supplement guidance, dietary supplement labels must list the dietary ingredients and the amount per serving. Read the label before you buy.

The captured sources do not establish an effective elderberry dose or dosing schedule for preventing or treating respiratory illness. NCCIH reports that only a small number of studies have evaluated elderberry for colds, flu, and other upper respiratory infections.

Safety Basics

Do not eat raw or unripe elderberries, leaves, or stems. These parts can contain poisonous cyanide-producing substances that may cause nausea, vomiting, and severe diarrhea; large quantities may cause serious illness. NCCIH says cooking may help reduce this toxin.

Ask a health professional before use if you take medicine, are pregnant, or are nursing. Herbs and medicines can interact in harmful ways.

How to Read a Label

Check the Supplement Facts label for the listed dietary ingredients and the amount per serving. A label does not by itself establish that elderberry provides a health benefit.

See Holly Herman's guides to FDA regulation of dietary supplements and reading a supplement label. Ask a health professional before use if you take medicine.