Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 1 of 2 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Elderberry Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson

Elderberry label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking 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

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Elderberry is a dietary supplement by Swanson with 2 active ingredients. 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 Elder. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Elderberry by Swanson

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Elderberry by Swanson — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Elderberry by Swanson

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 23, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Swanson Elderberry contains 2 active ingredients, both elderberry (Elder and Elderberry listed separately in the formulation). The product also includes inactive ingredients — hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, rice extract blend, and silica — which are capsule materials and binders.

Elderberry is prepared from the ripe fruit of the elder plant. The capsule form means you're getting a standardized extract rather than fresh berries, which matters because raw or unripe elder plant parts can be toxic.

Does it work?

Not established
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
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Elderberry's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: immune system support and antioxidant activity.
  • We looked for evidence on: Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), Lower respiratory tract infections, Respiratory tract infections, common cold, influenza, viral immunity.
  • 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 Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), Lower respiratory tract infections.

The evidence on elderberry for the conditions listed — hay fever, heart disease, chronic fatigue, COPD, brain function, and respiratory infections — is not established in our data. All of these carry a rating of insufficient reliable evidence, meaning the research so far hasn't been strong enough to say whether it works for these uses.

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, ripe elderberry extracts are generally well tolerated. However, raw or unripe berries, seeds, leaves, and bark contain compounds (cyanogenic glycosides) that can cause nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, weakness, dizziness, numbness, and even stupor — cooking eliminates this toxin.

Since this is a processed supplement, that risk is low, but it's worth knowing. Rare cases of liver injury (autoimmune hepatitis) have been reported in people taking elderberry long-term, particularly those with an underlying autoimmune condition.

Because there isn't enough safety data, you should avoid elderberry supplements during pregnancy and while breastfeeding — talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this is right for you.

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 with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this if you're on an immunosuppressant medication (medications that dampen your immune system to prevent rejection or control autoimmune disease) or pazopanib (Votrient), a cancer drug. Elderberry's immune-stimulating activity could reduce how well these medications work or increase side effects.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Elderberry may be worth considering if you're curious about immune support, but the evidence for specific health claims isn't strong yet. If you take an immunosuppressant drug (for transplant, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.) or pazopanib for cancer, this isn't a good fit without a conversation with your doctor first.

Pregnant or breastfeeding — skip it. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this to your routine.

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 May 28, 2019.

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 Elderberry, straight from the product label.

Brand Swanson
Barcode (UPC) 087614116730
Net contents 120 Veggie Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 28, 2019
DSLD ID 203182
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
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 Elderberry by Swanson, 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:
1 Veggie Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Veggie Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
087614116730
IngredientAmount% DV
Elder115 mg--
Elderberry460 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Rice extract Blend, Silica

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.
General Statements

An herbal immune system tonic reinforcing the body's defenses Boosts antioxidant activity Maintains immune health Science-Backed Quality Since 1969

Immune health

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, take one veggie capsule two to three times per day with food and water.

Precautions

Warning: For adults only.

Consult your physician before using this or any product if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if seal is broken.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

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.

Formula

Blend of Elderberries and Elder Flowers

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

General

SW1673 Rev 0 03 02 18

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Elderberry by Swanson label

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

Elderberry label

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)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Elderberry by Swanson

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Veggie Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule 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.

Elder

Interacts with
121 drugs
115 mg 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...

Elder monograph & interactions

Elderberry

Interacts with
121 drugs
460 mg 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...

Elderberry monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Rice extract Blend, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Elderberry by Swanson Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against 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 checker
121Drugs
121 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Elder 121

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Elderberry interact with 121 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 2 ingredients in Elderberry interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Elder

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Elderberry 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.

Elder2 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
Elder full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Elderberry, from the product label.

Swanson

See all Swanson products
Name
Swanson Health Products
City
Fargo
State
ND
ZipCode
58104
Phone Number
1-800-437-4148
Web Address
www.swanson.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Elderberry by Swanson: Common Questions

Does Elderberry by Swanson interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Elderberry 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?
Elderberry contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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 or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough reliable safety information, so the data advises against elderberry supplements during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to weigh what's right for your situation.
What happens if I take raw elderberries instead of this supplement?
Raw or unripe elderberries and other parts of the elder plant (seeds, leaves, bark) contain a toxic compound that causes nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, weakness, dizziness, numbness, and in extreme cases stupor. Cooking eliminates the toxin — that's why this supplement uses prepared extracts from ripe fruit.
Does elderberry actually help with colds or flu?
The evidence for respiratory tract infections isn't strong enough to say yet — it's rated as insufficient reliable evidence in our data. You'd want to talk with your doctor about whether it's worth trying.
Why does the ingredient list show elderberry twice?
The product contains 2 active ingredients, both listed as elderberry forms (Elder and Elderberry). Both contribute the same immunostimulant activity and carry the same interactions and safety profile.
Can this cause liver problems?
Properly prepared elderberry extracts are generally well tolerated. However, a rare case report describes autoimmune hepatitis in someone taking elderberry long-term, especially someone with an underlying autoimmune disease — so if you have an autoimmune condition, mention this to your doctor before starting.

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

Not sure if Elderberry is safe with your meds?

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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.

Elderberry label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Elderberry’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Elderberry

Interacts with 121 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 symptoms, but the evidence is limited and n...

Read the full Elderberry monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

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.

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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