Research · Meta-analysis
Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials
What it found
Elderberry substantially reduced upper respiratory symptoms in pooled small trials — but the evidence base is small and partly industry-linked, and a later influenza RCT found no benefit.
- Design
- Meta-analysis
- Year
- 2019
- Sample size
- 180
- Population
- people with cold or influenza (4 RCTs, 180 participants)
- Intervention
- black elderberry extract vs placebo
- Outcome
- upper respiratory symptom burden/duration
- Journal
- Complementary Therapies in Medicine
Citation last checked 2026-06-21.