Elderberry - Amoxicillin 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: Amoxicillin
Brand names:
Amoxil Capsules, Trimox, Wymox, Amix, Amoram, Amoxident, Galenamox, Rimoxallin, Amoxil Injection
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jun 29, 2025
Interaction Details
There were no interactions found between Amoxicillin and Elderberry. This does not mean the potential for an interaction does not exist, however. There is often a lack of studies and data surrounding traditional medicine, especially concerning drug interactions, so it is important to always consult your provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.
Pharmacist Analysis
Clinical studies involving elderberry suggest that the risk of significant drug interactions between it and other drugs is relatively low.
Elderberry has not been shown to affect any liver CYP enzymes to a clinically significant degree. This suggests that the potential for elderberry to interact with medications that are metabolized by these enzymes (e.g., CYP3A4, CYP2D6, etc...) is generally not a concern.
However, elderberry is purported to have immunostimulant activity and has been shown to increase the production of cytokines such as interleukin and tumor necrosis factor. These cytokines play a critical role in the immune response and can potentially counteract the effects of immunosuppressant drugs, which are used to treat autoimmune disorders and prevent rejection in transplant patients.
Additionally, drugs that affect some of these substances (e.g, Humira) could theoretically interact with elderberry, but this has not been seen in any human trials.
Amoxicillin, an amino-penicillin antibiotic, is not known to be affected by elderberry, and is generally considered safe to take with it.
Clinical studies involving elderberry suggest that the risk of significant drug interactions between it and other drugs is relatively low.
Elderberry has not been shown to affect any liver CYP enzymes to a clinically significant degree. This suggests that the potential for elderberry to interact with medications that are metabolized by these enzymes (e.g., CYP3A4, CYP2D6, etc...) is generally not a concern.
However, elderberry is purported to have immunostimulant activity and has been shown to increase the production of cytokines such as interleukin and tumor necrosis factor. These cytokines play a critical role in the immune response and can potentially counteract the effects of immunosuppressant drugs, which are used to treat autoimmune disorders and prevent rejection in transplant patients.
Additionally, drugs that affect some of these substances (e.g, Humira) could theoretically interact with elderberry, but this has not been seen in any human trials.
Amoxicillin, an amino-penicillin antibiotic, is not known to be affected by elderberry, and is generally considered safe to take with it.
- Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmDElderberry 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.
Amoxicillin Overview
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Amoxicillin is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as pneumonia; bronchitis (infection of the airway tubes leading to the lungs); and infections of the ears, nose, throat, urinary tract, and skin. It is also used in combination with other medications to eliminate H. pylori, a bacteria that causes ulcers. Amoxicillin is in a class of medications called penicillin-like antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
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Antibiotics such as amoxicillin will not work for colds, flu, and other viral infections. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
Elderberry - More Interactions
Elderberry interacts with 112 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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