Rankings / Immune & Inflammation
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
Immune & Inflammation · Anthocyanin-rich extract
Tier C+
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) as C+ (5.5/10) based on weak evidence, low-med benefit magnitude, and a low for processed products-risk safety profile.
Popular flu-season supplement with modest but consistent small-trial signal.
Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: 10-15 mL syrup 2-4x/day (Sambucol standard) or capsule equivalent — OTC; not individualized guidance.
What the evidence says
Popular flu-season supplement with modest but consistent small-trial signal. COVID-era cytokine storm warnings were largely overblown. Human studies use commercially prepared products; raw or unripe berries contain toxic cyanogenic glycosides.
Mechanism
Anthocyanin-rich berry extract (cyanidin-3-glucoside and derivatives); proposed antiviral activity against influenza via hemagglutinin binding; anti-inflammatory
Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route
10-15 mL syrup 2-4x/day (Sambucol standard) or capsule equivalent
This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.
Citations
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Common questions
- What does the evidence show about Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)'s effects?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) as Weak and the benefit magnitude as low-med, producing an overall grade of C+ (5.5/10). Popular flu-season supplement with modest but consistent small-trial signal.
- What safety findings are reported for Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)?
- Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has a low for processed products risk profile in the database. Low for processed products; raw or unripe berries contain cyanogenic glycosides; rare theoretical cytokine storm concerns — largely unfounded) Legal status: OTC.
- What doses or routes are reported for Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)?
- 10-15 mL syrup 2-4x/day (Sambucol standard) or capsule equivalent This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
- How does Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) work?
- Anthocyanin-rich berry extract (cyanidin-3-glucoside and derivatives); proposed antiviral activity against influenza via hemagglutinin binding; anti-inflammatory
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.