Elderberry for Cold and Flu Symptoms: Preliminary Evidence

Medical note: This article discusses foods and researched botanicals. It does not claim to prevent, treat, or cure disease. Supplements are not a substitute for food, and studied amounts are not personal prescriptions.

Common Names

elderberry, black elderberry, European elder, common elder

Latin Names

Sambucus nigra

Background

Elderberry is the dark purple berry of the European or black elder tree, which grows in Europe, North America, Western Asia, and North Africa.

Elderberry has been used in folk medicine to treat colds and flu.

Elderberry is promoted as a dietary supplement for colds, flu, and other conditions. It has also been promoted for COVID-19, but there is no good evidence to support its use.

How Much Do We Know?

A small number of studies have evaluated elderberry for colds, flu, and other upper respiratory infections. Little research has been done in people on other uses of elderberry.

What Have We Learned?

Some preliminary research suggests that elderberry may relieve symptoms of flu, colds, or other upper respiratory infections.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Federal Trade Commission have taken action against companies that marketed elderberry products with unsubstantiated claims of effectiveness for COVID-19.

There’s not enough information to show whether elderberry is helpful for any other health purposes.

What Do We Know About Safety?

Raw or unripe elderberries and other parts of the elder tree, such as the leaves and stem, contain poisonous cyanide-producing substances that can cause nausea, vomiting, and severe diarrhea; cooking eliminates this toxin. Large quantities of the toxin may cause serious illness.

If you take any type of medicine, talk with your health care provider before using elderberry or other herbal products; some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways.

Little is known about whether it’s safe to use elderberry for health purposes during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Keep in Mind

Don’t rely on elderberry for prevention or treatment of COVID-19. There is insufficient evidence to know if it can help with symptoms.

Take charge of your health—talk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions.

Source: Elderberry — NCCIH. This publication is in the public domain. Source last updated: November 2024.