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-risk safety profile.
Popular flu-season supplement with modest but consistent small-trial signal.
Typical use: 10-15 mL syrup 2-4x/day (Sambucol standard) or capsule equivalent — OTC.
What this is
Popular flu-season supplement with modest but consistent small-trial signal. COVID-era cytokine storm warnings were largely overblown. Use commercially prepared products (syrup, lozenge, capsule) — never raw/unripe berries, which are toxic.
Mechanism
Anthocyanin-rich berry extract (cyanidin-3-glucoside and derivatives); proposed antiviral activity against influenza via hemagglutinin binding; anti-inflammatory
Dose & route
10-15 mL syrup 2-4x/day (Sambucol standard) or capsule equivalent
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27023596/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30670267/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7024731/
Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.
Common questions
- Does Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) work?
- 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.
- Is Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) safe?
- Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has a low risk profile in published human data. Legal status: OTC. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
- What is the typical dose for Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)?
- 10-15 mL syrup 2-4x/day (Sambucol standard) or capsule equivalent
- 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.