Therefore, doctors recommend exercising caution before consuming elderberries. Ulcerative colitis UC is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects between ,—, people in the United States.

Some individuals with UC may be interested in complementary approaches to help manage their condition. Elderberries could support the immune system, and retailers selling extracts of the fruit claim that they treat several health conditions.

This article discusses elderberry and its medicinal properties. It also explains how it may help UC and the potential risks of taking it with medication. Finally, it provides tips about consuming other types of berries with UC.

Elderberry is the common name for a type of shrub. The black elderberry, Sambucus nigra, is the species people commonly use in herbal preparations.

However, these berries are toxic if people consume them raw. But they can pick ripe fruit and boil it to make extracts, syrups, or jellies. Research indicates that Sambucus nigra contains several immune-modulating components, including:. A study suggests that anthocyanins may benefit UC, as they protect against inflammation and gut permeability and improve the microbiota.

Elderberry can interact with medication that doctors prescribe for UC. Therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor before consuming them when taking other drugs or supplements.

Cytokines are proteins that white blood cells make to help regulate inflammation and fight off infections, which are essential roles in the immune system. Other studies indicate that elderberry extracts increase proinflammatory cytokines, causing a shift in the immune response.

Examples of these medications include:. Biologic medications also have immunosuppressive effects. These medications include:. However, elderberries may stimulate the immune system and counteract the effects of immunosuppressants.

Therefore, people should seek advice before consuming elderberries or taking them as a supplement. Research indicates that historically, people used all parts of the plant for herbal remedies to apply topically for issues such as wounds, sprains, or bruises.

In traditional medicine, people have used flowers to reduce bleeding , diarrhea , and congestion. Additional research also promotes elderberry as a dietary supplement for colds , flu , and COVID However, there is currently insufficient evidence to support its use.

In addition, research suggests that the berries of the black elder have the following properties:. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health cautions that raw, unripe elderberries and other parts of the plant, such as the leaves and stem, contain toxic substances.

These substances include the compound sambunigrin. If people eat them, they may cause nausea, vomiting , and diarrhea. Furthermore, consuming large quantities of these plant parts may cause serious illness. If you want to consume daily elderberry supplements, make sure you get the clear from your healthcare provider first.

The best time to add elderberry to your diet is during the winter as flu season ramps up. You should never eat the berries raw. There is limited data on how elderberry interacts with other drugs.

There is also not much research on how elderberry works in conjunction with other drugs or supplements to treat bacterial sinusitis or other respiratory infections. Certain allergies, such as an allergy to honeysuckle, may pose a risk of adverse reactions with elderberry consumption, Jones said.

Additionally, pregnant women should always discuss supplement use with their healthcare provider before incorporating elderberry into their diet.

Supplementing with elderberries may benefit you, especially during the colder months of the year, when your risk of contracting infections, viruses, or the flu is at its peak. The most effective way to use elderberry to treat a cold or upper respiratory infection is by taking it at the onset of symptoms until you begin to feel relief.

Porter RS, Bode RF. A review of the antiviral properties of black elder sambucus nigra l. products: Antiviral properties of black elder sambucus nigra l. Phytother Res. doi: Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central. Elderberries, raw.

Vujanović M, Majkić T, Zengin G, et al. Elderberry Sambucus nigra L. juice as a novel functional product rich in health-promoting compounds. RSC Adv.

Published Dec Ginwala R, Bhavsar R, Chigbu DI, Jain P, Khan ZK. Potential role of flavonoids in treating chronic inflammatory diseases with a special focus on the anti-inflammatory activity of apigenin. Antioxidants Basel. Published Feb 5. Sidor A, Gramza-Michałowska A.

Advanced research on the antioxidant and health benefit of elderberry Sambucus nigra in food - a review. Journal of Functional Foods. Wieland LS, Piechotta V, Feinberg T, et al. Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: A systematic review.

BMC Complement Med Ther. Kirichenko TV, Sobenin IA, Markina YV, et al. Clinical effectiveness of a combination of black elder berries, violet herb, and calendula flowers in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: The results of a double-blinded placebo-controlled study.

Ho GTT, Kase ET, Wangensteen H, Barsett H. Phenolic elderberry extracts, anthocyanins, procyanidins, and metabolites influence glucose and fatty acid uptake in human skeletal muscle cells. J Agric Food Chem. Harnett J, Oakes K, Carè J, et al. The effects of Sambucus nigra berry on acute respiratory viral infections: A rapid review of clinical studies.

Advances in Integrative Medicine. In , the USP held a forum to discuss the need for standards in developing elderberry products. Once standards are available, supplement companies can be held accountable for the quality of the products they sell.

Dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration FDA does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed.

When possible, choose a supplement tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLab, or NSF. However, even if supplements are third-party tested, that doesn't mean they are necessarily safe for all or effective in general.

Therefore, talking to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and checking in about potential interactions with other supplements or medications is important.

You can buy dried berries online and in health food stores. If you want fresh berries, be sure you buy them from a reputable source. If you have eaten an unknown berry and develop concerning symptoms, get immediate medical attention. Elderberry is marketed mostly for immune support.

Some research suggests it reduces the severity and duration of symptoms associated with the flu or common cold. However, it does not prevent infections or illnesses. There is limited data on the uses of elderberry other than viral infection symptom management. Unripe or unprocessed berries, as well as other parts of the plant, should not be consumed as they can be poisonous.

However, elderberry extract in supplement form is generally safe to take in small doses. If you are considering using elderberry, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about whether it is an appropriate supplement for you. Since there is no recommended dosage, follow the instructions on the product label or ask your provider how much you should use.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Młynarczyk K, Walkowiak-Tomczak D, Łysiak GP. Bioactive properties of Sambucus nigra L. as a functional ingredient for food and pharmaceutical industry.

J Funct Foods. Department of Agriculture: FoodData Central. Elderberries, raw. Sidor A, Gramza-Michałowska A. Advanced research on the antioxidant and health benefit of elderberry Sambucus nigra in food — a review.

Porter RS, Bode RF. A review of the antiviral properties of black elder Sambucus nigra L. Phytother Res. Wieland LS, Piechotta V, Feinberg T, et al. Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review. BMC Complement Med Ther. Macknin M, Wolski K, Negrey J, Mace S.

Elderberry extract outpatient influenza treatment for emergency room patients ages 5 and above: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med. Hawkins J, Baker C, Cherry L, Dunne E. Black elderberry Sambucus nigra supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials.

Complement Ther Med. Tiralongo E, Wee SS, Lea RA. Elderberry supplementation reduces cold duration and symptoms in air-travellers: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Zakay-Rones Z, Thom E, Wollan T, Wadstein J. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections.

J Int Med Res. Appenteng MK, Krueger R, Johnson MC, et al. Cyanogenic glycoside analysis in American elderberry.

Sidor A, Gramza-Michalowska A. Martini N. J Prim Health Care. Ulbricht C, Basch E, Cheung L, et al. An evidence-based systematic review of elderberry and elderflower Sambucus nigra by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.

J Diet Suppl.

This site has limited support for your browser. We recommend switching to Edge, Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. by Daniela Larsen Aug 09, The benefits of black elderberry syrup are wide-ranging.

Elderberries are full of important antioxidants known to have anti-inflammatory properties. These antioxidants can help fight free radicals in the body and may help support a healthy immune system. Elderberries and elderberry syrup have been used in traditional folk remedies for centuries because of their amazing immune-supporting properties.

The Haschberg variety of black elderberry Sambucus nigra , grown mainly in Central Europe, is an especially powerful plant. These berries grow in exceptional conditions: fertile soils and peak elevations.

They've also been cultivated over generations for their super dark, purple-black color. This is the only kind of black elderberry used in all of Sambucol's products , like our Original Black Elderberry Syrup.

You probably already know that antioxidants are important for your health. But do you know why? Without getting too scientific, antioxidants help fight free radicals, which can cause damage to the cells in your body when left unchecked.

Antioxidants help fight inflammation, strengthen your immune system, and improve overall health and wellbeing. There are different kinds of antioxidants, and we get them mostly from the foods we eat.

Black elderberries are rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are what give black elderberries their deep purple color. They are a type of flavonoid, the same antioxidant found in foods like dark chocolate, apples, onions, and red cabbage. Anthocyanins in elderberries can help fight inflammation, support a healthy immune system, promote heart and blood vessel health, and promote brain health, including boosting focus and memory.

Other benefits of elderberries are flavonoids. A cup of elderberry provides Vitamin C also maintains cellular function and promotes healthy skin. Freshly pressed elderberry juice is high in antioxidant compounds like protocatechuic and chlorogenic acid, and various phytonutrients nutrients found in plants like the flavonoids quercetin and rutin.

Elderberry is rich in antioxidants, which can help lower inflammation as well as cholesterol and blood pressure. Elderberry may also help reduce blood pressure by lowering the amount of uric acid in the blood.

Having elevated uric acid levels in your blood has been found to predict consistently the development of hypertension high blood pressure. The inflammation-fighting properties of elderberries may help reduce stress and improve your well-being and mood. Consuming elderberries may help you recover from respiratory illnesses faster.

A study published in Biology found that elderberry may alleviate symptoms in people with COPD when combined with other compounds. However, more research is needed to draw conclusive findings about how elderberry helps lung conditions. Elderberry may help people with diabetes control their blood sugar.

Research found that elderberry shortened the duration and severity of colds and influenza, as well as respiratory infection symptoms when consumed in lozenge or extract form. Benefits were most prevalent when participants had taken elderberry within 48 hours of developing symptoms.

When combined with other ingredients, you may find elderberry beneficial for treating a cough. A study published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements suggests gargling with elderberry, sage, lemon juice, honey, and vinegar. The nutritional value of elderberry may vary depending on the brand.

Be sure to cook raw elderberries before eating them. Consuming raw elderberries can put you at risk of cyanide poisoning resulting in nausea , vomiting, and diarrhea.

These parts of the plant can have a laxative and diuretic effect, causing abdominal pain and diarrhea. You can also find elderberry gummies in supplement form. If you want to consume daily elderberry supplements, make sure you get the clear from your healthcare provider first.

The best time to add elderberry to your diet is during the winter as flu season ramps up. You should never eat the berries raw. There is limited data on how elderberry interacts with other drugs. There is also not much research on how elderberry works in conjunction with other drugs or supplements to treat bacterial sinusitis or other respiratory infections.

Certain allergies, such as an allergy to honeysuckle, may pose a risk of adverse reactions with elderberry consumption, Jones said. Additionally, pregnant women should always discuss supplement use with their healthcare provider before incorporating elderberry into their diet.

Supplementing with elderberries may benefit you, especially during the colder months of the year, when your risk of contracting infections, viruses, or the flu is at its peak.

The most effective way to use elderberry to treat a cold or upper respiratory infection is by taking it at the onset of symptoms until you begin to feel relief. Porter RS, Bode RF.

A review of the antiviral properties of black elder sambucus nigra l. products: Antiviral properties of black elder sambucus nigra l.

Phytother Res. doi: Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central. Elderberries, raw. Vujanović M, Majkić T, Zengin G, et al. Elderberry Sambucus nigra L.

juice as a novel functional product rich in health-promoting compounds. flowers and fruits. Acta Periodica Technologica, 52 , A comparison of fruit characteristics among diverse elderberry genotypes grown in missouri and oregon.

Journal of Berry Research, 3 3 , Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 21 1. Enhancement of innate and adaptive immune functions by multipleechinaceaspecies.

Journal of Medicinal Food, 10 3 , Vitis vinifera l. and sambucus nigra l. extracts attenuate oxidative stress and inflammation in femoral ischemia. Farmacia, 69 1 , Asn Neuro, 6 6 , Ashwagandha attenuates tnf-α- and lps-induced nf-κb activation and ccl2 and ccl5 gene expression in nrke cells.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 15 1. The efficacy of administering fruit-derived polyphenols to improve health biomarkers, exercise performance and related physiological responses.

Nutrients, 11 10 , Elderberry sambucus nigra l. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 70 14 , Elderberry extracts: characterization of the polyphenolic chemical composition, quality consistency, safety, adulteration, and attenuation of oxidative stress- and inflammation-induced health disorders.

Molecules, 28 7 , Inhibition of microglial activation by elderberry extracts and its phenolic components.

Life Sciences, , Sinigrin and its therapeutic benefits. Molecules, 21 4 , Instagram Youtube Facebook. Sammie — Deodorant Customer. Elderberry Plus Inflammation Relief. Elderberry With Extra Anti-Inflammatory Properties.

Only take the amount recommended on the label. Elderberry extract appears to be safe when taken in small doses. Taking amounts greater than recommended could be more likely to result in undesirable side effects. Unripened, raw elderberries can release toxins into your body. Even ripe berries can contain trace amounts of cyanide, so you must cook elderberries before consumption.

Poisoning from elderberries is rarely life-threatening. But it may cause:. Get medical attention if you develop these symptoms after consuming elderberry. Elderberry may reduce the effectiveness of immune suppressants, which are common medications for people who have undergone organ transplant procedures.

Immunosuppressants are also used for other conditions. Common ones include:. Keep elderberry in a cool, dry place. Supplements should always be stored out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental consumption. Keep your supplements stored according to the instructions on the product label.

Fresh elderberries may last longer when refrigerated. Elderberries have long been cultivated for food and to make natural medicines. Products are available in many forms, including:. In addition to the various forms, elderberry is available as a single supplement or in combination with other nutrients.

For example, several forms are marketed for immune support that also contain vitamin C, zinc, vitamin A, or vitamin E. One study evaluating elderberry products on the market found that many did not contain elderberry. Instead, they contained elderflower or were mixed with other ingredients, such as black rice extract or purple carrot extract.

Dietary supplements are not regulated like conventional food products or drugs in the United States. Look for products that have undergone third-party testing to confirm that the contents match what's on the label.

In , the USP held a forum to discuss the need for standards in developing elderberry products. Once standards are available, supplement companies can be held accountable for the quality of the products they sell.

Dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration FDA does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed.

When possible, choose a supplement tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLab, or NSF. However, even if supplements are third-party tested, that doesn't mean they are necessarily safe for all or effective in general.

Therefore, talking to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and checking in about potential interactions with other supplements or medications is important. You can buy dried berries online and in health food stores.

If you want fresh berries, be sure you buy them from a reputable source. If you have eaten an unknown berry and develop concerning symptoms, get immediate medical attention.

Elderberry is marketed mostly for immune support. Some research suggests it reduces the severity and duration of symptoms associated with the flu or common cold. However, it does not prevent infections or illnesses.

There is limited data on the uses of elderberry other than viral infection symptom management. Unripe or unprocessed berries, as well as other parts of the plant, should not be consumed as they can be poisonous.

However, elderberry extract in supplement form is generally safe to take in small doses. If you are considering using elderberry, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about whether it is an appropriate supplement for you.

Since there is no recommended dosage, follow the instructions on the product label or ask your provider how much you should use. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Młynarczyk K, Walkowiak-Tomczak D, Łysiak GP.

Bioactive properties of Sambucus nigra L. as a functional ingredient for food and pharmaceutical industry. J Funct Foods. Department of Agriculture: FoodData Central. Elderberries, raw.

Sidor A, Gramza-Michałowska A. Advanced research on the antioxidant and health benefit of elderberry Sambucus nigra in food — a review. Porter RS, Bode RF. A review of the antiviral properties of black elder Sambucus nigra L. Phytother Res. Wieland LS, Piechotta V, Feinberg T, et al. Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review.

BMC Complement Med Ther. Macknin M, Wolski K, Negrey J, Mace S. Elderberry extract outpatient influenza treatment for emergency room patients ages 5 and above: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Gen Intern Med. Hawkins J, Baker C, Cherry L, Dunne E. Black elderberry Sambucus nigra supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials.

Complement Ther Med. Tiralongo E, Wee SS, Lea RA. Elderberry supplementation reduces cold duration and symptoms in air-travellers: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Zakay-Rones Z, Thom E, Wollan T, Wadstein J. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections.

J Int Med Res. Appenteng MK, Krueger R, Johnson MC, et al. Cyanogenic glycoside analysis in American elderberry. Sidor A, Gramza-Michalowska A. Martini N.

J Prim Health Care. Ulbricht C, Basch E, Cheung L, et al. An evidence-based systematic review of elderberry and elderflower Sambucus nigra by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.

J Diet Suppl. Avula B, Katragunta K, Wang YH, et al. Chemical profiling and UHPLC-QToF analysis for the simultaneous determination of anthocyanins and flavonoids in Sambucus berries and authentication and detection of adulteration in elderberry dietary supplements using UHPLC-PDA-MS.

Further studies found that rats that were fed foods containing polyphenols extracted from elderberry had reductions in blood pressure Furthermore, elderberries may reduce levels of uric acid in the blood.

Elevated uric acid is linked to increased blood pressure and negative effects on heart health 4 , Given that type 2 diabetes is a major risk factor for heart and vascular disease, blood sugar management is important in preventing these conditions 4 , 9.

A study found that elderberry flowers inhibit the enzyme alpha-glucosidase α -glucosidase , which may help lower blood sugar levels. Also, research on rats with diabetes given elderberry showed improved blood sugar control 4 , 16 , Despite these promising results, a direct reduction in heart attacks or other symptoms of heart disease has not yet been demonstrated, and further studies in humans are needed.

Elderberry has some benefits for heart health, such as reducing cholesterol, uric acid, and blood sugar levels. However, further research is needed to demonstrate if these effects are significant in humans.

There are many other reported benefits of elderberry, though most of these have limited scientific evidence:. While these results are interesting, further research is needed in humans to determine if the effects are truly significant.

Therefore, determining the effects of currently available products may be difficult Elderberry is associated with many additional health benefits, such as fighting cancer and bacteria, immune support, UV protection, and diuretic effects.

However, these claims have limited evidence, and further research is needed. While elderberry has some promising potential benefits, there are also some dangers associated with its consumption.

The bark, unripe berries, and seeds contain small amounts of substances known as lectins , which can cause stomach problems if too much is eaten 2. In addition, the elderberry plant contains substances called cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide in some circumstances. This is a toxin also found in apricot seeds and almonds 1 , 3 4.

There are 3 mg of cyanide per grams of fresh berries and 3—17 mg per grams of fresh leaves. However, commercial preparations and cooked berries do not contain cyanide, so there are no reports of fatalities from eating these. Symptoms of eating uncooked berries, leaves, bark, or roots of the elderberry include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea 2.

There is one report of eight people falling ill after drinking the juice from freshly picked berries, including the leaves and branches, from the S.

mexicana elder variety. They experienced nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, numbness, and stupor Luckily, toxic substances found in the berries can be safely removed by cooking. However, the branches, bark, or leaves should not be used in cooking or juicing 2.

If you are collecting the flowers or berries yourself, ensure that you have correctly identified the plant as American or European elderberry, as other types of elderberry may be more toxic.

Also, be sure to remove any bark or leaves before use. Elderberry is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years old, or pregnant or lactating women. While no negative events have been reported in these groups, there is not enough data to confirm that it is safe 2. The uncooked berries, leaves, bark, and roots of the elderberry plant contain the chemicals lectin and cyanide, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Cooking the berries and seeds will remove the cyanide. While elderberry has been associated with many promising health benefits, most of the research has only been conducted in a lab setting and not tested extensively in humans.

Also, it may support heart health, improve antioxidant status, and have a variety of anti-cancer, anti-diabetes, and anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, elderberry is a flavorful addition to a healthy diet and a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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Nutrition Evidence Based Elderberry: Benefits and Dangers. Medically reviewed by Amy Richter, RD , Nutrition — By Elise Mandl, BSc, Msc, APD — Updated on February 2, What Is It?

Health Benefits Risks and Side Effects Bottom Line Elderberry is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world. What is elderberry?

Health benefits of elderberry. Health risks and side effects. The bottom line. How we reviewed this article: History.

Feb 2, Written By Elise Mandl BSc, Msc, APD. Mar 9, Medically Reviewed By Amy Richter, MS, RD. Share this article.