Elderberry - Deltasone (Prednisone) Interaction
Herbal: Elderberry
Also Known As: Sambucus nigra, Arbre de Judas, Baccae, Baises de Sureau, Black-Berried Alder, Black Elder, Black Elderberry, Boor Tree, Bountry, Common Elder, Elder, Elder Berry, Elderberries, Elderberry Fruit, Ellanwood, Ellhorn, European Alder, European Black Elder
Drug: Prednisone
Brand names:
Deltasone, Cortan, Orasone, Prednisone, Prednicen-M, Meticorten, Sterapred, Rayos
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jul 22, 2023
Interaction Details
Prednisone is classified as belonging to the following category: Immunosuppressants
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Elderberry has immunostimulant activity, increasing the production of cytokines, including interleukin and tumor necrosis factor.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Pharmacist Analysis
It must be noted that elderberry is purported to have immune-stimulating effects, which could theoretically interact with the immunosuppressant effects of prednisone.
The potential interaction between elderberry and prednisone will be based on the medical reason you are taking prednisone for.
If you are taking prednisone for a short amount of time for its antiinflammatory actions (e.g., to help treat bronchitis or painful inflammation, etc...), there generally is no concern about combining it with elderberry.
However, if you are taking prednisone for its ability to suppress the immune system, elderberry should be used cautiously as it could conflict in this way.
It must be noted that elderberry is purported to have immune-stimulating effects, which could theoretically interact with the immunosuppressant effects of prednisone.
The potential interaction between elderberry and prednisone will be based on the medical reason you are taking prednisone for.
If you are taking prednisone for a short amount of time for its antiinflammatory actions (e.g., to help treat bronchitis or painful inflammation, etc...), there generally is no concern about combining it with elderberry.
However, if you are taking prednisone for its ability to suppress the immune system, elderberry should be used cautiously as it could conflict in this way.
- Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmDReferences
- Barak V, Halperin T, Kalickman I. The effect of Sambucol, a black elderberry-based, natural product, on the production of human cytokines: I. Inflammatory cytokines. Eur Cytokine Netw 2001;12:290-6..
Elderberry Overview
Elderberry (Sambucus) is a plant that belongs to the Adoxaceae family. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North America, and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. The Elderberry plant has distinctive dark purple or black berries, which are often used in different types of food, including jams, jellies, and syrups. In traditional medicine, elderberry is one of the most popular over-the-counter supplements due to its purported immune-stimulating effects and is used to treat colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. Some studies have suggested that elderberry may have antiviral and immune-boosting properties, but more research is needed to confirm these effects. It is important to note that there are several different species of elderberry, including American elder (Sambucus canadensis) and black elder (Sambucus nigra). Black elder is more commonly used in dietary supplements.
Prednisone Overview
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Prednisone is used alone or with other medications to treat the symptoms of low corticosteroid levels (lack of certain substances that are usually produced by the body and are needed for normal body functioning). Prednisone is also used to treat other conditions in patients with normal corticosteroid levels. These conditions include certain types of arthritis; severe allergic reactions; multiple sclerosis (a disease in which the nerves do not function properly); lupus (a disease in which the body attacks many of its own organs); and certain conditions that affect the lungs, skin, eyes, kidneys blood, thyroid, stomach, and intestines. Prednisone is also sometimes used to treat the symptoms of certain types of cancer. Prednisone is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works to treat patients with low levels of corticosteroids by replacing steroids that are normally produced naturally by the body. It works to treat other conditions by reducing swelling and redness and by changing the way the immune system works.
Elderberry - More Interactions
Elderberry interacts with 111 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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