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Dietary supplement

Elderberry Extract Syrup Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson

Elderberry Extract Syrup label
See full label image
Liquid 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 Extract Syrup 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 Extract Syrup is a dietary supplement by Swanson with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for colds, flu (influenza), other respiratory infections.Based on those ingredients, 254 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Red Raspberry, Elderberry Fruit Extract. 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 Extract Syrup by Swanson

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Elderberry Extract Syrup 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 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This liquid contains 3 active ingredients: elderberry fruit extract, red raspberry, and elderberry. Both appear as separate entries in the product, so you're getting concentrated elderberry as well as red raspberry leaf.

The syrup also contains inactive ingredients (glycerin, water, natural flavors, cranberry juice powder, citric acid, and cellulose gum) that give it texture and taste.

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.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: immune support and seasonal wellness.
  • We looked for evidence on: Influenza, Lower respiratory tract infections, Pharyngitis, Respiratory tract infections, Rhinosinusitis, Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) — and 4 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Red Raspberry is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Respiratory tract infections (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Red Raspberry is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Influenza, Pharyngitis.
  • Also on file: Elderberry is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Respiratory tract infections, Rhinosinusitis, Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), Lower respiratory tract infections.

The evidence we hold on both elderberry and red raspberry doesn't establish that either one reliably works for common uses like hay fever, heart health, respiratory infections, or blood sugar control. For elderberry, the data shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate it for allergic rhinitis, cardiovascular disease, chronic fatigue, COPD, cognitive function, and respiratory infections.

Red raspberry is similarly unproven for aging skin, heart health, respiratory infections, heart failure, and diabetes. That doesn't mean they don't work—it means the research we have isn't strong enough to say one way or the other.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Elderberry Red Raspberry

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 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Properly prepared elderberry extract, like what's in this syrup, is generally well tolerated. Raw or unripe elderberries, seeds, leaves, and bark contain cyanogenic glycosides—compounds that can cause nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, weakness, dizziness, numbness, and even stupor—but cooking eliminates that toxin.

Red raspberry fruit is also well tolerated, though some people report mild diarrhea, stomach upset, or epigastric pain at higher doses. One case of occupational asthma from inhaling raspberry powder was reported, though that's not a concern with oral use.

The safety data advises against elderberry supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding because there isn't enough reliable information to know either way. For red raspberry in pregnancy, the data is mixed—it's rated both possibly safe and possibly unsafe, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you're pregnant.

There isn't enough information to confirm safety while breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Elderberry Red Raspberry

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?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Red Raspberry, Elderberry.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 254 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.

Before taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take immunosuppressant medications (used after organ transplant or for autoimmune disease), pazopanib (Votrient) for cancer, blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin or aspirin, or insulin for diabetes. All carry documented Moderate interactions with the elderberry or red raspberry in this syrup.

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.

If you're not taking immunosuppressants, blood thinners, insulin, or pazopanib, this product may be worth trying—just run your exact medications through the checker first. If you do take any of those drug types, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting it.

Neither ingredient's effectiveness for common conditions is well established in the evidence we hold.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 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

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Elderberry Extract Syrup, straight from the product label.

Brand Swanson
Barcode (UPC) 087614026961
Net contents 8 Fluid Ounce(s); 237 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 22, 2024
DSLD ID 308518
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating)
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 Extract Syrup 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:
5 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
5 mL
Servings per container
47
UPC/BARCODE
087614026961
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories20 Calorie(s)--
Total Carbohydrates4 Gram(s)1%
Added Sugars0 Gram(s)--
Total Sugars0 Gram(s)--
Elderberry Fruit Extract800 mg--
Red Raspberry500 mg--
Elderberry700 mg--

Other ingredients: Glycerin, Water, Deionized, Natural Flavors, Cranberry Juice, Powder, Citric Acid, Cellulose Gum

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

Swanson.com or call 1-800-437-4148

Science-Backed Quality Since 1969

Formulation

A time-honored, herbalist tradition for supporting body's defense system Promotes everyday health and seasonal wellness Provides immune support

Vegetarian

Immune health

No sugar added

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, take one teaspoon (5 mL) one to two times per day before meals with juice or water.

Storage

Refrigerate after opening.

Store in a cool, dry place.

Precautions

Warning: For adults only. Not intended for use by children. Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use this product if you are pregnant or nursing. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you are taking prescription medication or have a medical condition.

Discontinue use if you experience stomach or gastrointestinal discomfort. Not recommended for long-term use. Do not use if seal is broken.

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.

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

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

See for yourself

Elderberry Extract Syrup by Swanson label

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

Elderberry Extract Syrup 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 Extract Syrup by Swanson

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size5 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container47 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.

Elderberry Fruit Extract

Interacts with
121 drugs
800 mg per serving Form: Sambucus nigra Fruit Extract

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 Fruit Extract monograph & interactions

Red Raspberry

Interacts with
135 drugs
500 mg per serving

Red raspberry leaf is a traditional herbal remedy most often used as a tea in late pregnancy and for menstrual discomfort, but solid scientific eviden...

Red Raspberry monograph & interactions

Elderberry

Interacts with
121 drugs
700 mg per serving Form: Sambucus nigra

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: Glycerin, Water, Deionized, Natural Flavors, Cranberry Juice, Powder, Citric Acid, Cellulose Gum. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Elderberry Extract Syrup by Swanson Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Elderberry Extract Syrup?

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
254Drugs
254 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Red Raspberry 135
Elderberry Fruit Extract 121

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Elderberry Extract Syrup interact with 254 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

2 of the 3 ingredients in Elderberry Extract Syrup interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Red Raspberry Elderberry Fruit Extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Elderberry Extract Syrup 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.

Red Raspberry2 drug types · 135 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, taking red raspberry leaf with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding.
In vitro research suggests that red raspberry leaf extract has antiplatelet activity and enhances the in vitro effects of the antiplatelet medication cangrelor. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Insulin

Red raspberry leaf might reduce glucose levels in patients being treated with insulin.
In one case report, a 38-year-old patient with gestational diabetes, whose blood glucose was being controlled with medical nutrition therapy and insulin, developed hypoglycemia after consuming two servings of raspberry leaf tea daily for 3 days beginning at 32 weeks' gestation. The patient required an insulin dose reduction. The hypoglycemia was considered to be probably related to use of red raspberry leaf tea.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Red Raspberry full monograph & interactions

Elderberry Fruit Extract2 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
Elderberry Fruit Extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Elderberry Extract Syrup, 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
swanson.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Elderberry Extract Syrup by Swanson: Common Questions

Does Elderberry Extract Syrup by Swanson interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Elderberry Extract Syrup has a known interaction with 254 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Elderberry Extract Syrup contains 3 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 if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against elderberry during pregnancy and breastfeeding because there isn't enough reliable information. Red raspberry has mixed ratings for pregnancy, so it's not clear either way. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this if you're pregnant or nursing—they can help you decide based on your personal situation.
Will this help me avoid getting a cold or the flu?
That's one of the most common reasons people take elderberry, but the evidence we hold shows insufficient reliable data to rate it for respiratory tract infections. We can't say whether it works or doesn't.
What happens if I take the wrong dose or use raw elderberry instead?
This product is properly prepared (cooked) elderberry extract, so it should be fine. Raw or unripe elderberries, seeds, leaves, and bark contain toxins that cause nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, weakness, dizziness, numbness, and even stupor. Cooking eliminates that toxin, so stick with prepared supplements like this one.
Could this make my blood sugar drop if I take insulin?
Yes—red raspberry in this product may lower blood sugar levels. One case report documents a patient who developed low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) after drinking raspberry leaf tea daily while on insulin. If you take insulin, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product.
What are the most common side effects?
Properly prepared elderberry extracts are generally well tolerated with few side effects. Red raspberry fruit is also well tolerated, though some people report mild diarrhea, stomach upset, or epigastric pain at higher doses—but these are uncommon at typical doses.
Does this product have a lot of fillers?
This syrup contains inactive ingredients like glycerin, water, flavors, cranberry juice powder, citric acid, and cellulose gum—standard for a liquid supplement to improve taste and texture. The active ingredients are the elderberry and red raspberry extracts.

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

Not sure if Elderberry Extract Syrup 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 Extract Syrup label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Elderberry Extract Syrup’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 → Herb & supplement monograph

Red Raspberry

Interacts with 135 drugs

Red raspberry leaf is a traditional herbal remedy most often used as a tea in late pregnancy and for menstrual discomfort, but solid scientific evidence for these uses is limited. It is gene...

Read the full Red Raspberry monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Elderberry Extract Syrup'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 14 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 →

Red Raspberry 8 references
  1. Eagon PK, Elm MS, Hunter DS, et al. Medicinal herbs: modulation of estrogen action. Era of Hope Mtg, Dept Defense; Breast Cancer Res Prog, Atlanta, GA 2000;Jun 8-11.
  2. Parsons M, Simpson M, Ponton T. Raspberry leaf and its effects on labour: safety and efficacy. Aust Coll Midwives Inc J 1999;12:20-5.
  3. Simpson M, Parsons M, Greenwood J, Wade K. Raspberry leaf in pregnancy: its safety and efficacy in labor. J Midwifery Womens Health 2001;46:51-9.. PubMed
  4. Mullen W, McGinn J, Lean ME, et al. Ellagitannins, flavonoids, and other phenolics in red raspberries and their contribution to antioxidant capacity and vasorelaxation properties. J Agric Food Chem 2002;50:5191-6.. PubMed
  5. Sherson, D., Andersen, B., Hansen, I., and Kjoller, H. Occupational asthma due to freeze-dried raspberry. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2003;90(6):660-663. PubMed
  6. Cheang KI, Nguyen TT, Karjane NW, Salley KE. Raspberry Leaf and Hypoglycemia in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Obstet Gynecol. 2016;128(6):1421-4. PubMed
  7. Dudzinska D, Bednarska K, Boncler M, Luzak B, Watala C. The influence of Rubus idaeus and Rubus caesius leaf extracts on platelet aggregation in whole blood. Cross-talk of platelets and neutrophils. Platelets. 2016;27(5):433-9.
  8. Henrotin Y, Cozannet RL, Fança-Berthon P, et al. Rubus idaeus extract improves symptoms in knee osteoarthritis patients: results from a phase II double-blind randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2022;23(1):650. PubMed

See these in context on the Red Raspberry 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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