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Dietary supplement

Elderberry Sambucus Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Spring Valley

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

Elderberry Sambucus is a dietary supplement by Spring Valley 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 Spring Valley

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 one active ingredient: elderberry juice concentrate. It also contains inactive ingredients—soybean oil, gelatin, vegetable glycerin, soy lecithin, and caramel color—that help form and preserve 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 is insufficient to reliably rate it for hay fever, heart disease, chronic fatigue, COPD, memory and thinking, or respiratory infections. While the supplement is widely used for these purposes, the data we hold doesn't establish how well it actually works for them.

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 are generally well tolerated. However, raw or unripe berries, seeds, leaves, and bark contain compounds that can cause nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, weakness, dizziness, numbness, and even confusion—cooking destroys these toxins.

One rare case reported autoimmune hepatitis in someone with an underlying autoimmune disease after years of elderberry use, though this is not common. There is not enough reliable safety information during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, so it's best to avoid elderberry supplements in those situations.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether elderberry is right for your individual circumstances.

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.

Before taking Elderberry Sambucus, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take immunosuppressants (drugs that calm your immune system after transplant or for autoimmune disease) or pazopanib (Votrient), a cancer medication. Elderberry may reduce how well immunosuppressants work, and it has been associated with liver injury in one person taking pazopanib.

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 is generally well tolerated when properly prepared, but it can interfere with immunosuppressants and theoretically with pazopanib (a cancer drug). If you take either of those, or any medication that affects your immune system, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this product.

It's not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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 16, 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 Spring Valley
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 16, 2022
DSLD ID 271338
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
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 Spring Valley, 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
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.
Formula

Elderberry Sambucus 1250 mg equivalent Juice Concentrate

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Formulation

General Wellness

No gluten, yeast, wheat, milk or milk derivatives, lactose, sugar, preservatives, artificial flavor, sodium (less than 5 mg per serving).

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

Precautions

Contains Soy.

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

Keep out of reach of children.

For your protection, do not use if seal under cap is broken or missing.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Adults, take one softgel two times daily, preferably with a meal.

Storage

Store at room temperature 59 degrees - 86 degrees F (15 degrees - 30 degrees C). Keep bottle tightly closed.

General Statements

Quality Guaranteed Spring Valley products are produced under strict quality guidelines. If you are unhappy with this product, we'll replace it or refund your money. For questions or comments call 1-866-251-1662. Walmart.com/springvalley

See for yourself

Elderberry Sambucus by Spring Valley label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Elderberry Sambucus by Spring Valley

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 by Spring Valley 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.

Spring Valley

See all Spring Valley products
Phone Number
1-866-251-1662
Web Address
Walmart.com/springvalley
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Elderberry Sambucus by Spring Valley: Common Questions

Does Elderberry Sambucus by Spring Valley 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.
Is this safe to take while I'm pregnant or nursing?
There isn't enough reliable safety information during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it's best to avoid elderberry supplements at those times. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what's right for your situation.
Will this help me with a cold or cough?
Elderberry is often used for respiratory infections, but the evidence to reliably confirm it works is insufficient. You may see it marketed for colds, but we don't have solid data proving how well it actually works.
What if I eat raw elderberries instead of taking the supplement?
Raw or unripe elderberries, and the seeds, leaves, and other parts of the elder plant, contain compounds that can cause nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, weakness, dizziness, numbness, and confusion. Always cook elderberries thoroughly—cooking eliminates the toxin.
Can I take this with my allergy or autoimmune medications?
If you take immunosuppressants (drugs that calm your immune system), elderberry might interfere with them due to its immune-boosting activity. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting it alongside those medications.
What are the common side effects?
When taken as a properly prepared, cooked elderberry extract, adverse effects are uncommon. The problems—nausea, vomiting, diarrhea—typically come from raw or unripe berries or other raw plant parts, not from supplements like this one.
Does this contain any common allergens?
This product contains soy (in the soy lecithin and soybean oil) and gelatin. If you have allergies to either, let your doctor or pharmacist know before taking it.

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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Ask a pharmacist

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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