Remedy · herb
Elderberry
Also: Sambucus nigra, black elderberry, sambucus
A popular cold/flu remedy with small, mixed trial support — and raw berries that are toxic uncooked.
Active compounds Anthocyanins
Evidence by condition
Each grade reflects the research for Elderberry and that condition specifically.
- CCommon cold
Small trials suggest elderberry shortens cold symptom duration (roughly halved in air travellers), but the evidence base is small and partly industry-linked, and a later influenza RCT found no benefit.
2 citation s
- Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials Meta-analysis 2019 · n=180 · Complementary Therapies in Medicine · PMID 30670267 · DOI 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.12.004
- Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial Randomized trial 2016 · n=312 · Nutrients · PMID 27023596 · DOI 10.3390/nu8040182
- Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials
Standardized elderberry products are well tolerated and may modestly shorten colds, but the evidence is small and inconsistent — a 2021 influenza trial found nothing. Note that raw elderberries and plant parts are toxic and must be cooked or properly processed first.