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Dietary supplement

Elderberry Sambucus Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Rexall

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

Elderberry Sambucus is a dietary supplement by Rexall 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 by Rexall

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 product contains one active ingredient: elderberry juice concentrate, which comes from the ripe berries of the elder plant. Elderberry has been used traditionally to support immune and respiratory health, though the science behind those uses is still being studied.

The softgel also contains inactive ingredients — soybean oil, gelatin, glycerin, soy lecithin, and caramel color — that help form and color the capsule.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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 assessable

This is a single-ingredient Elderberry product and its label doesn't state a use — see Elderberry's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence for elderberry isn't solid yet. Our data rates it as having insufficient reliable evidence for hay fever, heart disease, chronic fatigue, COPD, brain function, and respiratory infections — meaning the studies either aren't strong enough or aren't there to prove it works for these conditions.

That doesn't mean it doesn't work; it means we don't have enough data to say so.

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 elderberry products like this one are generally well tolerated — adverse effects from the ripe fruit itself are uncommon. The concern comes from raw or unripe berries, seeds, leaves, and bark, which contain cyanogenic glycosides (compounds that break down into cyanide) and can cause nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, weakness, and dizziness; cooking eliminates this risk.

Rarely, liver inflammation has been reported with long-term elderberry use, particularly in someone with an underlying autoimmune condition. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, there isn't enough safety data, so it's best to avoid elderberry supplements and talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.

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 immunosuppressants (medications that suppress your immune system, including those after transplants or for autoimmune conditions) or pazopanib (Votrient). Elderberry's immune-stimulating activity could theoretically interfere with how these drugs work, and there's a case report of serious liver injury when elderberry and pazopanib were combined.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Elderberry Sambucus might appeal to you if you're looking for traditional immune support, though the evidence for specific conditions isn't established yet. If you take an immune-suppressing medication or pazopanib, you'll need to check with your doctor or pharmacist first — the risk of interference is real.

For anyone else, it's generally well tolerated, but clear it with your own healthcare provider before starting, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have liver concerns.

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 Sep 22, 2022.

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, straight from the product label.

Brand Rexall
Barcode (UPC) 301220312400
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 22, 2022
DSLD ID 276354
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 by Rexall, 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
301220312400
IngredientAmount% DV
Elderberry Juice Concentrate266 mg--

Other ingredients: Soybean Oil, Gelatin, 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.
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.

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

As a reminder, discuss the supplements and medications you take with your health care providers.

Contains soy ingredients.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Since 1903 Rexall is a registered trademark of Rexall Sundown, Inc.

Copyright 2019

Formulation

No gluten, no yeast, no wheat, no milk or milk derivatives, no lactose, no sugar, no artificial flavor, no sodium.

General wellness

Storage

Store at room temperature and avoid excessive heat.

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

Elderberry sambucus 1250 mg equivalent juice concentrate Contains antioxidants

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

General Statements

100% satisfaction guaranteed

Visit us at: Rexall.com or call 1-866-4-REXALL

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

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

See for yourself

Elderberry Sambucus by Rexall label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Elderberry Sambucus by Rexall

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, Glycerin, Soy Lecithin, Caramel color. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Elderberry Sambucus by Rexall Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Elderberry Sambucus?

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 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, from the product label.

Rexall

See all Rexall products
Name
Dolgencorp, LLC
Street Address
100 Mission Ridge
City
Goodlettsville
State
TN
ZipCode
37072
Phone Number
1-866-473-9255
Web Address
Rexall.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Elderberry Sambucus by Rexall: Common Questions

Does Elderberry Sambucus by Rexall interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Elderberry Sambucus 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 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.
What is elderberry juice concentrate and where does it come from?
It's a concentrated form of juice pressed from ripe elderberries, the fruit of the elder plant. It's been used in traditional medicine for centuries to support immune and respiratory health.
Is this safe if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough reliable safety data on elderberry during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it's best to avoid it during these times. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what's right for you in your situation.
Can I take this if I have raw or unripe elderberries at home?
Raw and unripe berries, seeds, leaves, and bark contain compounds that can cause nausea, vomiting, and severe diarrhea. This product is made from ripe fruit and is properly processed, so it's safe on that front — but avoid eating raw elderberries yourself.
Does elderberry really help prevent colds or the flu?
The evidence isn't solid enough to say. Our data rates elderberry as having insufficient reliable evidence for respiratory tract infections and other conditions, so we can't confirm it works for those purposes yet.
What are the inactive ingredients in this softgel?
The capsule contains soybean oil, gelatin, glycerin, soy lecithin, and caramel color — these help form and color the softgel but aren't active ingredients. If you have a soy allergy, note that soy lecithin is present.
Are there any common side effects?
Elderberry extracts from ripe fruit are generally well tolerated and side effects are uncommon. The adverse effects documented in the data came from raw or unripe berries, not properly prepared products like this one.

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

Not sure if Elderberry Sambucus 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 Sambucus label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Elderberry Sambucus'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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