Elderberry Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is Elderberry Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Elderberry is generally considered safe when consumed orally in the amounts typically found in foods. However, caution should be exercised when consuming unripe or uncooked elderberries, as well as the leaves and stems of the elder tree, as they contain a cyanide-producing chemical that can be toxic. Cooking eliminates the toxin.

How Is Elderberry Thought To Work? What Is the Mechanism of Action?

Elderberry works through several mechanisms of action. The ripe fruit of elderberry contains various flavonoids, including anthocyanidins and pelargonidin glucosides, as well as phenolic acids and flavonols. These compounds contribute to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of elderberry. Elderberry also exhibits antiviral properties by inhibiting the replication of influenza viruses A and B, including the H1N1 "swine" flu virus. It is believed that elderberry flavonoids bind to the H1N1 virions, preventing their entry into host cells. Additionally, elderberry extract and anthocyanidins have immunomodulating effects, influencing the immune system's response.

Pharmacokinetics

After oral consumption, the anthocyanidins in elderberry are detected in the plasma within 30 minutes. The peak concentrations occur around 3-4 hours. The anthocyanidins are excreted in the urine as glucuronide and sambubioside conjugates. The estimated half-life of elderberry anthocyanidins ranges from 2 to 6 hours.

Common Side Effects to Watch For

Elderberry extracts prepared from ripe fruit are generally well tolerated when taken orally. However, adverse effects can occur if raw and unripe elderberries or other plant parts, such as seeds and leaves, are ingested. These may cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, weakness, dizziness, numbness, and stupor. Cooking the elderberries eliminates the toxin.

• Gastrointestinal effects
• Hepatic effects
• Immunologic effects
• Neurologic/CNS effects

Are Supplements Standardized?

A proprietary elderberry extract called BerryPharma, prepared from the Haschberg variety of elderberry, has been standardized to contain 22% polyphenols, including quercetin, and 15% anthocyanins, including cyanidin and pelargonidin glycosides. This extract also contains magnesium at a concentration of 3.97 mg/gram.

What Is Elderberry Used For as a Dietary Supplement?

• Possibly Effective: Influenza - Some small clinical studies suggest that elderberry extracts can improve influenza symptoms in otherwise healthy adults. However, a study involving adults and children with or without high-risk medical conditions showed that elderberry did not reduce the duration of symptoms.
• Insufficient Reliable Evidence to Rate:
• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) - Limited information is available on the clinical effects of elderberry for allergic rhinitis.
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) - The benefit of elderberry in CVD is unclear. One small study did not show any alteration in disease markers.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - Elderberry has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients, and its effect when used alone is unclear.
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) - Insufficient reliable information is available on the clinical effects of elderberry for CFS.
• Common cold - Oral elderberry extract may not prevent colds when taken as a prophylactic measure, but it may reduce the duration and severity of existing colds.
• Gingivitis - Elderberry has been evaluated as a mouthwash or patch in combination with other ingredients, and its effect when used alone is unclear.
• HIV/AIDS - Limited information is available on the clinical effects of elderberry for HIV/AIDS.
• Hyperlipidemia - It is unclear if elderberry is beneficial for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.
• Lower respiratory tract infections - Oral elderberry extract has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients, and its effect when used alone is unclear.
• Obesity - Elderberry has been studied for weight loss in combination with other ingredients, and its effect when used alone is unclear.
• Respiratory tract infections - Oral elderberry has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients, and its effect when used alone is unclear.
• Rhinosinusitis - Limited information is available on the clinical effects of elderberry for rhinosinusitis.
• Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) - Oral elderberry has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients, and its effect when used alone is unclear.

More evidence is needed to rate elderberry for these uses.

Drugs that interact with Elderberry