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Dietary supplement

Elderberry Sambucus 1250 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Puritan's Pride

Softgel Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Elderberry Sambucus 1250 mg is a dietary supplement by Puritan's Pride 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 Elderberry Juice Concentrate. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Elderberry Sambucus 1250 mg by Puritan's Pride

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

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 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This softgel contains a single active ingredient: elderberry juice concentrate at 1,250 mg per capsule. Elderberry is a plant extract made from the fruit of the elder tree, traditionally used to support immune and respiratory health.

The product also contains inactive ingredients—soybean oil, gelatin, vegetable glycerin, soy lecithin, and caramel color—that serve as the capsule base and carriers.

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: Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), Lower respiratory tract infections, Respiratory tract infections, Rhinosinusitis, Common cold, Influenza — 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 data we hold shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate elderberry for the conditions it's commonly marketed for: allergic rhinitis (hay fever), cardiovascular disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cognitive function, and respiratory tract infections. That means the science isn't settled yet—it doesn't mean it doesn't work, just that we don't have strong proof either way.

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 cooked or prepared elderberry products are generally well tolerated. The main safety concern is raw or unripe berries, leaves, bark, and seeds, which contain compounds that can cause nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, weakness, dizziness, and numbness—but cooking eliminates this risk, and this product is made from concentrate, so that's not a concern for you here.

One rare case has been reported of autoimmune hepatitis (liver inflammation) in someone taking elderberry over several years with an underlying autoimmune disease; that patient recovered after stopping the supplement and starting treatment. There's also one old report of nausea and vomiting with a specific elderberry-echinacea combination product, though it's unclear which ingredient caused it.

Because there isn't enough safety data, the safety information advises against taking elderberry during pregnancy or while breastfeeding—talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're in either situation.

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.

If you take immunosuppressants (medications that intentionally weaken your immune system) or pazopanib (a cancer drug), check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this product—both have moderate-severity interactions documented with elderberry. No interactions are documented for other medications in our data, but run your full medication list through the search tool on this page to be sure.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

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.

Elderberry may be worth trying if you're looking for immune or respiratory support and don't take immunosuppressants or pazopanib. If you do take either of those medications, or any prescription drug, check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this in—the interaction with those two drug types is moderate and worth discussing.

For everyone else, it's generally well tolerated when taken as directed.

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 22, 2023.

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 Sambucus 1250 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Puritan's Pride
Barcode (UPC) 025077312405
Net contents 60 Rapid Release Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 22, 2023
DSLD ID 287288
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
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 Sambucus 1250 mg by Puritan's Pride, 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 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
025077312405
IngredientAmount% DV
Elderberry Juice Concentrate266 mg--

Other ingredients: Soybean Oil, Gelatin, Vegetable Glycerin, Soy Lecithin, Caramel color

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

Puritan's Pride supplements are produced from the finest raw materials under stringent quality control standards. State-of-the-art manufacturing and packaging facilities ensure you the highest quality nutritional supplements money can buy. When it comes to your health...choose the best.

To reorder item # 31240 www.puritan.com 1-800-645-1030

Precautions

Warning: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use.

Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if seal under cap is broken or missing.

Contains soy ingredients.

Storage

Store at room temperature.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright 2020 Puritan's Pride, Inc.

Seals/Symbols

QA Quality Assured

Formulation

Supports antioxidant health

No artificial flavor or sweetener, no sugar, no starch, no milk, no lactose, no gluten, no wheat, no yeast, no fish. Sodium free.

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: For adults, take one (1) softgel two times daily, preferably with meals.

See for yourself

Elderberry Sambucus 1250 mg by Puritan's Pride label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Elderberry Sambucus 1250 mg by Puritan's Pride

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

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Elderberry Juice Concentrate

Interacts with
121 drugs
266 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 Juice Concentrate monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Soybean Oil, Gelatin, Vegetable Glycerin, Soy Lecithin, Caramel color. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Elderberry Sambucus 1250 mg by Puritan's Pride Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Elderberry Sambucus 1250 mg?

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 Elderberry Sambucus 1250 mg 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.

Elderberry Juice Concentrate2 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 Elderberry Sambucus 1250 mg, from the product label.

Puritan's Pride

See all Puritan's Pride products
Name
Puritan's Pride, Inc.
City
Ronkonkoma
State
NY
ZipCode
11779
Phone Number
1-800-645-1030
Web Address
www.puritan.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Elderberry Sambucus 1250 mg by Puritan's Pride: Common Questions

Does Elderberry Sambucus 1250 mg by Puritan's Pride interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Elderberry Sambucus 1250 mg 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 Sambucus 1250 mg 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.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data shows there isn't enough reliable information to know whether elderberry is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it's best to avoid it in both situations. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what's right for you.
What are the side effects I might see?
When properly prepared (like this concentrate is), elderberry is generally well tolerated with few side effects. The adverse effects reported in the data come mainly from raw or unripe berries or other plant parts, which can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea—but cooking eliminates those risks, and this product isn't made that way.
Does this actually work for colds or the flu?
The evidence we have isn't strong enough to say for sure whether elderberry helps with respiratory infections, colds, or flu. It's commonly used for these, but the science hasn't settled the question yet.
What is elderberry and where does it come from?
Elderberry is an extract made from the fruit of the elder tree. This product uses juice concentrate—a concentrated form of the juice—rather than whole berries or dried powder.
Are there any fillers or things I should avoid in this formula?
The inactive ingredients are soybean oil, gelatin, vegetable glycerin, soy lecithin, and caramel color. If you have a soy allergy, this product contains soy; if you follow a vegan diet, the gelatin capsule is not plant-based.

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

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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 Sambucus 1250 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Elderberry Sambucus 1250 mg’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Elderberry Sambucus 1250 mg'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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