Black Elderberry Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Gaia Herbs
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Black Elderberry against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Black Elderberry is a dietary supplement by Gaia Herbs with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for vitamin c source, immune support, antioxidant support.Based on those ingredients, 247 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Acerola Fruit Extract, Black Elderberry Fruit Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Black Elderberry by Gaia Herbs
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Black Elderberry by Gaia Herbs
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.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This product contains 2 active ingredients: acerola fruit extract and black elderberry fruit extract. Acerola is a tropical fruit rich in vitamin C, included here to help bridge vitamin C intake.
Black elderberry is a traditional herbal extract used in supplements for immune support. The capsules also contain acacia gum and hypromellose, which are inactive ingredients that help hold the formula together.
Does it work?
Insufficient evidence
The evidence for what this product actually does is limited. Acerola is possibly effective for vitamin C deficiency, but for other uses—common cold, diarrhea, atherosclerosis—the data we have isn't strong enough to say it works.
For black elderberry, the studies don't yet support claims about hay fever, heart health, fatigue, lung disease, memory, or respiratory infections. The evidence simply isn't established in our data for most of what these ingredients are marketed to do.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Properly prepared elderberry extracts (made from ripe, cooked fruit) are generally well tolerated. Raw or unripe elderberries, seeds, leaves, and bark contain compounds that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and dizziness—but cooking removes this risk, and this product uses an extract, so that's not a concern.
For acerola, food amounts are safe, but concentrated supplements haven't been well studied. High doses of vitamin C (above 2,000 mg daily) can cause loose stools and stomach upset.
One rare case report described a person who reacted to acerola with a rash, difficulty breathing, and increased heart rate; he had a history of latex allergy and oral allergy syndrome, suggesting he was unusually sensitive. Elderberry is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.
No pregnancy or breastfeeding safety information is on file for acerola.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Check with your pharmacist if you take immunosuppressants (used after transplant or for autoimmune disease), pazopanib (a cancer drug), estrogen-based birth control or hormone replacement therapy, aspirin, warfarin (a blood thinner), or any chemotherapy drugs including alkylating agents or antitumor antibiotics. For acerola specifically, the vitamin C content is likely too low to cause major problems, but it's worth a quick verification of your exact medications.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with insufficient evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
If you take immunosuppressants, pazopanib, estrogen-based birth control or hormone therapy, or blood thinners like warfarin, you should check this product with your pharmacist before starting. Properly prepared elderberry is generally well tolerated, but the evidence that either ingredient actually works for its intended use is weak.
Talk to your pharmacist if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or on any prescription medication.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Mar 22, 2024.
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
General information
Key facts about Black Elderberry, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Gaia Herbs |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 751063150613 |
| Net contents | 120 Vegan Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Mar 22, 2024 |
| DSLD ID | 309552 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten Free, Dairy Free |
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 by Gaia Herbs, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Acerola Fruit Extract | 550 mg | -- |
| Black Elderberry Fruit Extract | 158 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Acacia Gum, Hypromellose
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
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.
General Statements
Enter ID# at meetyourherbs.com
Facebook Instagram gaiaherbs.com/@gaiaherbs
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested use Adults take 1 capsule 2 times daily between meals. For additional support take 2 capsules 2 times daily.
Precautions
Not for use during pregnancy. If you have a medical condition or take medications, please consult with your doctor before use.
Store away from children.
Use only as directed on label. Safety-sealed for your protection.
Storage
Store away from children. Keep bottle capped at all times and store in a cool, dry place.
Formulation
Vegan
Gluten free
Immune support
Seals/Symbols
Certified B Corporation
Brand IP Statement(s)
Gaia Herbs Est 1987
Formula
10 g elderberries per serving Each serving contains 10,112 mg of black elderberry fresh herb equivalent.
FDA Statement of Identity
Herbal Supplement
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Black Elderberry by Gaia Herbs label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Black Elderberry by Gaia Herbs
These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.
Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.
Acerola Fruit Extract
Interacts with128 drugs
Acerola is a small tropical fruit prized for its very high natural vitamin C content, and it is mostly used as a food-based source of vitamin C and an...
Acerola Fruit Extract monograph & interactionsBlack Elderberry Fruit Extract
Interacts with121 drugs
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 Fruit Extract monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Acacia Gum, Hypromellose. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Black Elderberry by Gaia Herbs Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Gaia Herbs Black Elderberry has documented interactions with a number of medications.
The most serious concern is elderberry's potential to interfere with immunosuppressants—drugs given after organ transplant or for severe autoimmune conditions. Because elderberry stimulates immune activity, it may work against these medications and reduce their effectiveness.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Acerola fruit extract, the other active ingredient, contains vitamin C and may theoretically reduce how well certain chemotherapy drugs work, including alkylating agents and antitumor antibiotics. It may also increase the effects of estrogens (birth control pills and hormone therapy), and there's a small theoretical risk it could affect how your body clears aspirin or warfarin (a blood thinner).
Its vitamin C content is generally considered too low for major effects, but it's worth checking if you take any of these.
Additionally, there's a case report of a patient on pazopanib (a cancer drug) who developed severe nausea, loose stools, and liver injury after taking elderberry—though it's unclear whether elderberry caused it or made an existing condition worse.
Altogether, these interactions span 243 individual medications. Use the search tool below to check your exact prescriptions before starting this product.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Black Elderberry?
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 checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Black Elderberry interact with 247 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
2 of the 2 ingredients in Black Elderberry interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Acerola Fruit Extract Black Elderberry Fruit Extract
6-mercaptopurinePurinethol
How 6-mercaptopurine interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry Fruit ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Fruit Extract + 6-mercaptopurine interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry Fruit ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Fruit Extract + Abrocitinib interactionAdalimumabHumira
How Adalimumab interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry Fruit ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Fruit Extract + Adalimumab interactionAdalimumab-adazHyrimoz
How Adalimumab-adaz interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry Fruit ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Fruit Extract + Adalimumab-adaz interactionAdalimumab-adbmCyltezo
How Adalimumab-adbm interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry Fruit ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Fruit Extract + Adalimumab-adbm interactionAdalimumab-afzbAbrilada
How Adalimumab-afzb interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry Fruit ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Fruit Extract + Adalimumab-afzb interactionAdalimumab-attoAmjevita
How Adalimumab-atto interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry Fruit ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Fruit Extract + Adalimumab-atto interactionAdalimumab-bwwdHadlima
How Adalimumab-bwwd interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry Fruit ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Fruit Extract + Adalimumab-bwwd interactionAdalimumab-fkjpHulio
How Adalimumab-fkjp interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry Fruit ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Fruit Extract + Adalimumab-fkjp interactionAlefaceptAmevive
How Alefacept interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry Fruit ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Fruit Extract + Alefacept interactionAlemtuzumabCampath
How Alemtuzumab interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry Fruit ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Fruit Extract + Alemtuzumab interactionAltretamineHexalen
How Altretamine interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Acerola Fruit ExtractAlkylating Agents Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of acerola might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
Read the full Acerola Fruit Extract + Altretamine interactionAnifrolumab-fniaSaphnelo
How Anifrolumab-fnia interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry Fruit ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Fruit Extract + Anifrolumab-fnia interactionAntithymocyte GlobulinThymoglobulin
How Antithymocyte Globulin interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry Fruit ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Fruit Extract + Antithymocyte Globulin interactionAtezolizumabTecentriq
How Atezolizumab interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry Fruit ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Fruit Extract + Atezolizumab interactionAzamuneImmunoprin
How Azamune interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry Fruit ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Fruit Extract + Azamune interactionAzathioprineAzamune, Imuran
How Azathioprine interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry Fruit ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Fruit Extract + Azathioprine interactionBasiliximabSimulect
How Basiliximab interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry Fruit ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Fruit Extract + Basiliximab interactionBeclometasone DipropionateBecotide
How Beclometasone Dipropionate interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry Fruit ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Fruit Extract + Beclometasone Dipropionate interactionBeclomethasoneBeclovent, Vanceril
How Beclomethasone interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry Fruit ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Fruit Extract + Beclomethasone interactionBeclomethasone DipropionateQNASL, Qvar
How Beclomethasone Dipropionate interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry Fruit ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Fruit Extract + Beclomethasone Dipropionate interactionBendamustineBelrapzo, Treanda, Vivimusta
How Bendamustine interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Acerola Fruit ExtractAlkylating Agents Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of acerola might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
Read the full Acerola Fruit Extract + Bendamustine interactionBendamustine HydrochlorideBendeka
How Bendamustine Hydrochloride interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Acerola Fruit ExtractAlkylating Agents Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of acerola might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
Read the full Acerola Fruit Extract + Bendamustine Hydrochloride interactionBetamethasoneCelestone, Diprolene AF, Diprosone
How Betamethasone interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry Fruit ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Fruit Extract + Betamethasone interactionBetamethasone DipropionateSernivo
How Betamethasone Dipropionate interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry Fruit ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Fruit Extract + Betamethasone Dipropionate interactionBetamethasone Dipropionate, CalcipotrieneEnstilar, Wynzora
How Betamethasone Dipropionate, Calcipotriene interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry Fruit ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Fruit Extract + Betamethasone Dipropionate, Calcipotriene interactionBetamethasone ValerateLuxiq
How Betamethasone Valerate interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry Fruit ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Fruit Extract + Betamethasone Valerate interactionBimekizumab-bkzxBimzelx
How Bimekizumab-bkzx interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Black Elderberry Fruit ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, elderberry might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy due to its immunostimulant activity.
Read the full Black Elderberry Fruit Extract + Bimekizumab-bkzx interactionBleomycinBlenoxane
How Bleomycin interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Acerola Fruit ExtractAntitumor Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of acerola might reduce the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
Read the full Acerola Fruit Extract + Bleomycin interactionBusulfanBusulfex, Myleran
How Busulfan interacts with Black Elderberry — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Acerola Fruit ExtractAlkylating Agents Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of acerola might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
Read the full Acerola Fruit Extract + Busulfan interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Black Elderberry with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Acerola Fruit Extract
Alkylating Agents
Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of acerola might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
Acerola contains vitamin C, an antioxidant. There is concern that antioxidants might reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals, such as alkylating agents. In contrast, other researchers theorize that antioxidants might make alkylating chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.
Antitumor Antibiotics
Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of acerola might reduce the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
Acerola contains vitamin C, an antioxidant. There is concern that antioxidants might reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals, such as antitumor antibiotics. In contrast, other researchers theorize that antioxidants might make antitumor antibiotic chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effects, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on antitumor antibiotic chemotherapy.
Aluminum
Theoretically, concomitant use of acerola with aluminum salts might increase the amount of aluminum absorbed.
Acerola contains vitamin C. It is thought that vitamin C chelates aluminum, keeping it in solution and available for absorption. In people with normal renal function, urinary excretion of aluminum likely increases, making aluminum retention and toxicity unlikely. However, patients with renal failure who take aluminum-containing compounds, such as phosphate binders, should avoid acerola in doses that provide more vitamin C than the recommended dietary allowances.
Aspirin
Theoretically, acerola might reduce the clearance of aspirin; however, its vitamin C content is likely too low to produce clinically significant effects.
Acerola contains vitamin C. It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C can decrease the urinary excretion of salicylates, increasing plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion. The vitamin C content of acerola is typically about 2000 mg per 100 grams. Thus, a clinically significant interaction between acerola and aspirin is unlikely.
Estrogens
Theoretically, concomitant use of acerola with estrogens might increase estrogenic effects.
Acerola contains vitamin C. Increases in plasma estrogen levels of up to 55% have occurred under some circumstances when vitamin C is taken concurrently with oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, including topical products. It is suggested that vitamin C prevents oxidation of estrogen in the tissues, regenerates oxidized estrogen, and reduces sulfate conjugation of estrogen in the gut wall. When tissue levels of vitamin C are high, these processes are already maximized and supplemental vitamin C does not have any effect on estrogen levels. However, increases in plasma estrogen levels may occur when women who are deficient in vitamin C take supplements.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Theoretically, acerola might reduce the effectiveness of warfarin; however, its vitamin C content is likely too low to produce clinically significant effects.
Acerola contains vitamin C. High doses of vitamin C may reduce the response to warfarin, possibly by causing diarrhea and reducing warfarin absorption. This occurred in two people who took up to 16 grams daily of vitamin C, and resulted in decreased prothrombin time. Lower doses of 5-10 grams daily of vitamin C can also reduce warfarin absorption, but this does not seem to be clinically significant. The vitamin C content of acerola is typically about 2000 mg per 100 grams. Thus, a clinically significant interaction between acerola and warfarin is unlikely.
Black Elderberry Fruit Extract
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.
Pazopanib (Votrient)
Theoretically, elderberry might interact with pazopanib, potentially increasing the risk of adverse effects.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Black Elderberry, from the product label.
Gaia Herbs
See all Gaia Herbs products- Name
- Gaia Herbs, Inc.
- Street Address
- 101 Gaia Herbs Drive
- City
- Brevard
- State
- NC
- ZipCode
- 28712
- Web Address
- www.gaiaherbs.com
Black Elderberry by Gaia Herbs: Common Questions
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How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
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Can this help me get enough vitamin C?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Black Elderberry is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
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.
The Full Monographs Behind Black Elderberry’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Acerola
Interacts with 128 drugsAcerola is a small tropical fruit prized for its very high natural vitamin C content, and it is mostly used as a food-based source of vitamin C and antioxidants. While vitamin C itself has w...
Read the full Acerola monograph → Herb & supplement monographElderberry
Interacts with 121 drugsElderberry is a popular herbal supplement, mainly taken to help with colds and flu. Some small studies suggest it may modestly shorten cold or flu symptoms, but the evidence is limited and n...
Read the full Elderberry monograph →Sources & How We Checked
Black Elderberry'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.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
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 26 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.
Acerola 20 references
- Back DJ, Breckenridge AM, MacIver M, et al. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;282:1516.
- Morris JC, Beeley L, Ballantine N. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man [letter]. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;283:503.
- Labriola D, Livingston R. Possible interactions between dietary antioxidants and chemotherapy. Oncology 1999;13:1003-8.
- Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
- Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://www.nap.edu/books/0309069351/html/.
- Rosenthal G. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1971;215:1671. DOI
- Hume R, Johnstone JM, Weyers E. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1972;219:1479. DOI
- Smith EC, Skalski RJ, Johnson GC, Rossi GV. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1972;221:1166. DOI
- Domingo JL, Gomez M, Llobet JM, Richart C. Effect of ascorbic acid on gastrointestinal aluminum absorption (letter). Lancet 1991;338:1467.
- Domingo JL, Gomez M, Llobet JM, Corbella J. Influence of some dietary constituents on aluminum absorption and retention in rats. Kidney Int 1991;39:598-601. PubMed
- Partridge NA, Regnier FE, White JL, Hem SL. Influence of dietary constituents on intestinal absorption of aluminum. Kidney Int 1989;35:1413-7. PubMed
- Mc Leod DC, Nahata MC. Inefficacy of ascorbic acid as a urinary acidifier (letter). N Engl J Med 1977;296:1413. DOI
- Hansten PD, Hayton WL. Effect of antacid and ascorbic acid on serum salicylate concentration. J Clin Pharmacol 1980;20:326-31. PubMed
- Vihtamaki T, Parantainen J, Koivisto AM, et al. Oral ascorbic acid increases plasma oestradiol during postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy. Maturitas 2002;42:129-35. PubMed
- Feetam CL, Leach RH, Meynell MJ. Lack of a clinically important interaction between warfarin and ascorbic acid. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1975;31:544-7. PubMed
- Weintraub M, Griner PF. Warfarin and ascorbic acid: lack of evidence for a drug interaction. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1974;28:53-6. PubMed
- Prasad KN. Rationale for using high-dose multiple dietary antioxidants as an adjunct to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. J Nutr 2004;134:3182S-3S. PubMed
- Conklin KA. Cancer chemotherapy and antioxidants. J Nutr 2004;134:3201S-3204S. PubMed
- Denadai R, Souza FM, Valle MR. Fecal impaction by rectal acerola bezoar. Indian J Pediatr 2013;80(5):432-3. PubMed
- Raulf-Heimsoth M, Stark R, Sander I, et al. Anaphylactic reaction to apple juice containing acerola: cross-reactivity to latex due to prohevein. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2002;109(4):715-6. PubMed
Elderberry 6 references
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- 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).
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