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Dietary supplement

Black Elderberry Alcohol-Free Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herb Pharm

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Black Elderberry Alcohol-Free is a dietary supplement by Herb Pharm with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for colds, flu (influenza), other respiratory infections.Based on those ingredients, 121 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are BLACK ELDERBERRY. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Black Elderberry Alcohol-Free by Herb Pharm

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 1 active ingredient.

This product contains one active ingredient: black elderberry extract in liquid form. The inactive ingredients are vegetable glycerine, distilled water, and black elderberry extractives, which help deliver the active compound.

Does it work?

Insufficient evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Insufficient

There isn't enough reliable clinical evidence to rate this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: immune support and respiratory health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Lower respiratory tract infections, Respiratory tract infections, Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), Rhinosinusitis, colds, flu — and 1 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Elderberry is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Respiratory tract infections (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Elderberry is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Rhinosinusitis, Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), Lower respiratory tract infections.

The evidence for black elderberry isn't established in our data. We don't have reliable evidence to rate it for hay fever, cardiovascular disease, chronic fatigue, COPD, cognitive function, or respiratory tract infections.

That doesn't mean it doesn't work—it means the research we hold doesn't support a rating either way. If you're considering it for a specific condition, talk with your pharmacist about what the broader research shows.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Elderberry

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Properly prepared elderberry extracts like this one are generally well tolerated. The main caution: raw or unripe berries, seeds, leaves, and bark can be toxic because they contain compounds that cause nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, and dizziness—but cooking destroys that toxin.

Since this is a prepared extract, that's not a concern here. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, there isn't enough reliable safety information, so the data advises against use.

If you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Elderberry

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Elderberry.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: immunosuppressants / transplant drugs.
  • For scale: 121 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check your medications against this product if you take immunosuppressants (drugs that lower your immune system on purpose) or pazopanib (Votrient). Both carry moderate concerns with elderberry's immune-boosting activity.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with insufficient evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Black Elderberry Alcohol-Free is a single-ingredient extract that's generally well tolerated when properly prepared. The main consideration is if you take immunosuppressants or pazopanib—check your medications first.

If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any prescription drugs, talk with your pharmacist.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 25, 2013.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Black Elderberry Alcohol-Free, straight from the product label.

Brand Herb Pharm
Net contents 8 fl. Oz.
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 25, 2013
DSLD ID 23025
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Black Elderberry Alcohol-Free by Herb Pharm, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
30 Drop(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
40 Drop(s)
IngredientAmount% DV
BLACK ELDERBERRY0 NP--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Glycerine, distilled Water, Black Elderberry extractives

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Shake Well Before Dispensing From This Bottle

SUGGESTED USE Shake Well Before Using Two to four times per day take 30 to 40 drops in a little water.

General Statements

HERBAL GLYCERITE EXTRACT

We prepare our Black Elderberry Glycerite from the fully-ripened berries of Sambucus nigra trees which are Certified Organically Grown and/or Custom Wildcrafted(TM) in their natural wild habitat. To assure optimal extraction of Black Elderberry's bioactive compounds, the berries are hand-harvested only when fully mature, are carefully shade-dried to retain their full color & aroma, and are then thoroughly extracted. Our Elderberries are never fumigated or irradiated.

401765-1R49

Formulation

ALCOHOL-FREE

CONTAINS NO ALCOHOL

FDA Statement of Identity

HERBAL DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

Precautions

Keep Out of the Reach of Children

General

005

See for yourself

Black Elderberry Alcohol-Free by Herb Pharm label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Black Elderberry Alcohol-Free by Herb Pharm

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size30 Drop(s) Dosage formLiquid Amounts shown are per serving.

BLACK ELDERBERRY

Interacts with
121 drugs
0 NP per serving

Elderberry is a popular herbal supplement, mainly taken to help with colds and flu. Some small studies suggest it may modestly shorten cold or flu sym...

BLACK ELDERBERRY monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Glycerine, Distilled Water, Black Elderberry extractives. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Black Elderberry Alcohol-Free by Herb Pharm Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Black Elderberry Alcohol-Free?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
121Drugs
121 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Black Elderberry Alcohol-Free with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

BLACK ELDERBERRY2 drug types · 121 drugs

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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Pazopanib (Votrient)

Theoretically, elderberry might interact with pazopanib, potentially increasing the risk of adverse effects.
In one case, a 65-year-old patient taking pazopanib for 4 weeks for soft-tissue sarcoma developed severe nausea, loose stools, and elevated alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels and was diagnosed with grade 3 liver injury. The patient reported taking elderberry supplements for 2 years, dose unspecified, and was also taking a multivitamin and a calcium supplement. The patient's symptoms and liver enzyme levels improved upon discontinuation of pazopanib and all supplements. Pazopanib treatment was re-initiated, at a lower dose, with no further evidence of liver injury. It was unclear in this case report if the elderberry supplements were derived from the berry, the flower, or the combination.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Black Elderberry Alcohol-Free, from the product label.

Herb Pharm

See all Herb Pharm products
Name
Herb Pharm
City
Williams
State
OR
ZipCode
97544
Phone Number
800-348-4372
Web Address
www.herb-pharm.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Black Elderberry Alcohol-Free by Herb Pharm: Common Questions

Does Black Elderberry Alcohol-Free by Herb Pharm interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Black Elderberry Alcohol-Free has a known interaction with 121 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Black Elderberry Alcohol-Free contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is this safe to take while I'm pregnant?
The safety data advises against elderberry supplements during pregnancy because there isn't enough reliable information. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist—they can help you decide what's right for you.
What if I'm breastfeeding?
There isn't enough reliable safety information for breastfeeding either, so the data recommends avoiding it. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
Could I get side effects from this?
Properly prepared elderberry extracts like this one are generally well tolerated. Raw or unripe berries and other plant parts can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but this product is a prepared extract, so that's not a concern. One case linked nausea and vomiting to a combination product with elderberry and echinacea, though it's unclear which ingredient caused it.
Does elderberry actually work for colds or the flu?
We don't have reliable evidence to rate elderberry for respiratory tract infections. That means the research we hold doesn't support a rating—not that it definitely doesn't work. Talk with your pharmacist about what the broader research says.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Black Elderberry Alcohol-Free is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Black Elderberry Alcohol-Free label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Black Elderberry Alcohol-Free’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Black Elderberry Alcohol-Free's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 6 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Elderberry 6 references
  1. 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..
  2. Elderberry (Sambucus species). The Poison Plant Patch, Novia Scotia Museum, 2007. Available at: http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/?section=species&id=117 (Accessed 16 October 2009).
  3. European elder. Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System. Available at: http://www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/pp/ppack.jump?p_null=all&p_psn=121&p_type=all&p_sci=comm&p_x=px (Accessed 16 October 2009).
  4. Raus K, Pleschka S, Klein P, Schoop R, Fisher P. Effect of an echinacea-based hot drink versus oseltamivir in Influenza treatment: a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, multicenter, noninferiority clinical trial. . Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2015;20;77:6 PubMed
  5. Ramachandran A, Antala D, Pudasainee P, Panginikkod S, Gupta H. A Plausible Association Between the Use of Elderberry and Autoimmune Hepatitis. Cureus 2022;14(4):e24250. PubMed
  6. Agarwal N, Mangla A. Elderberry interaction with pazopanib in a patient with soft-tissue sarcoma: A case report and literature review. Mol Clin Oncol 2024;20(5):36. PubMed

See these in context on the Elderberry monograph →

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

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