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Dietary supplement

Sambucus Black Elderberry Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Answer

Sambucus Black Elderberry 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 Sambucus Black 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

Sambucus Black Elderberry is a dietary supplement by Nature's Answer 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 Black Elderberry juice concentrate. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Sambucus Black Elderberry by Nature's Answer

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Sambucus Black Elderberry by Nature's Answer — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Sambucus Black Elderberry by Nature's Answer

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 11, 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 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • “Black Elderberry juice concentrate” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (3,000 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product contains one active ingredient: black elderberry, prepared as a liquid concentrate. The inactive ingredients are glycerin, purified water, and citric acid — standard excipients that help deliver and preserve the elderberry extract.

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: Supports a Healthy Immune System.
  • We looked for evidence on: Lower respiratory tract infections, Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), Respiratory tract infections, Colds, Influenza, Sinus infections.
  • 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 we have on black elderberry for allergic rhinitis (hay fever), cardiovascular disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, COPD, cognitive function, and respiratory tract infections is insufficient to rate. That means the studies so far don't give us a clear picture of whether it works for these uses.

If you're thinking about taking it for one of these reasons, talk with your pharmacist or doctor about what the current research shows and whether it makes sense for you.

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 elderberry products like this one are generally well tolerated. The main risk is raw or unripe berries, leaves, bark, and seeds — which can cause nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, and other symptoms — but cooking eliminates that problem and commercial products are cooked.

A small number of people have reported nausea and vomiting with certain combined products, though it's unclear which ingredient was responsible. One case report linked long-term elderberry use to autoimmune hepatitis in someone with an underlying autoimmune disease, so if you have an autoimmune condition, this is worth discussing with your doctor.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, there isn't enough safety data, so it's best to avoid elderberry supplements. If you're pregnant, nursing, or thinking about it, talk with your pharmacist or doctor first.

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 your medications against this product if you're taking immunosuppressants (drugs that suppress your immune system) or pazopanib (Votrient). Both have moderate interaction concerns with black elderberry.

Use the medication checker below with your exact prescription.

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.

Black elderberry is generally well tolerated when prepared properly, but it does interact with immunosuppressants and pazopanib. If you take any prescription medication — especially immune-weakening drugs or cancer treatments — check your exact medications with the tool on this page before starting.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Skip it and ask your doctor.

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 Apr 11, 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 Sambucus Black Elderberry, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Answer
Net contents 4 fl. Oz.; 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 11, 2022
DSLD ID 264134
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Children 4 or More Years of Age, Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Gluten 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 Sambucus Black Elderberry by Nature's Answer, 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:
10 mL
Servings per container
12
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories40 Calorie(s)--
Total Carbohydrates9 Gram(s)3%
Total Sugars1 Gram(s)--
Black Elderberry17500 mg--
Black Elderberry juice concentrate3000 mg--

Other ingredients: Glycerin, Water, Purified, Citric Acid

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.
Brand IP Statement(s)

Nature's Answer Since 1972

Discover Nature’s Answer and trust the Difference... (see side panel for details)

Formulation

Supports a Healthy Immune System

Alcohol-Free/No Benzoates Absolutely No Preservatives

Non GMO Project Verified nongmoproject.org Gluten-Free

Vegan

Advanced Botanical Fingerprint Technology

2 We follow Good Manufacturing Practices. Our facility is cGMP Certified 3 Over 100 Quality Control Checkpoints in Every Bottle 5 Proudly based in the USA... responsibility and with love

Holistically Balanced

Formula

Sambucus nigra

Made from 17,500 mg Black Elderberries per serving

K Parve (Kosher)

Seals/Symbols

Non GMO Project Verified nongmoproject.org

Cruelty-Free Not Tested On Animals K Parve (Kosher)

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: As a dietary supplement: For Daily Maintenance: Adults And Children Over 12 Years Of Age, take two (2) teaspoons daily. Children 6-12 Years Of Age, take one (1) teaspoon daily. For Intensive Use: Adults And Children Over 12 Years Of Age, take two (2) teaspoons four (4) times daily. Children 6-12 Years Of Age, take one (1) teaspoon two (2) times daily. Shake well before use. Get the full benefit of Original Flavor Sambucus in so many ways! Spoonful Brew Infuse

Precautions

Warning: Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications, planning any medical procedure or have a medical condition, consult with your healthcare practitioner before use.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

General Statements

For product information, call (800) 439-2324

The Genius of Mother Nature in Every Bottle -Just as She Intended 'The true value of a plant lies deep within its natural holistic balance.' Frank D'Amelio, Sr, Founder, Nature's Answer With one of the most comprehensive herbariums in the world, Nature's Answer has identified Mother Nature's unique botanical fingerprint on over 800 plant reference standards. Utilizing Advanced Botanical Fingerprint Technology, these authentic samples each serve as the standard by which all incoming raw materials are judged. Using carefully controlled extraction techniques, we capture the holistic balance of each herb and the value is passed on to you, our customer. From Plant to shelf you can be assured that we know exactly what's in the product in your hand, and we guarantee it is authentic, safe, effective, holistically balanced, and of course...Nature's Answer.

The True Nature of Our Standards goes way beyond the herb… 1 A trusted, ethical, family-owned and operated business since 1972 4 Vertically Integrated: Allows for the highest quality at the best possible price

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

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

See for yourself

Sambucus Black Elderberry by Nature's Answer label

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

Sambucus Black 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 Sambucus Black Elderberry by Nature's Answer

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

Serving size5 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container12 Amounts shown are per serving.

Black Elderberry juice concentrate

Interacts with
121 drugs
3000 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...

Black Elderberry juice concentrate monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Glycerin, Water, Purified, Citric Acid. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Sambucus Black Elderberry by Nature's Answer Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Sambucus Black 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

Black Elderberry juice concentrate 121

Individual Drug Interactions

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

1 of the 1 ingredient in Sambucus Black Elderberry interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Black Elderberry juice concentrate

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Sambucus Black 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.

Black 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
Black Elderberry juice concentrate full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Nature's Answer

See all Nature's Answer products
Name
Nature's Answer
Street Address
85 Commerce Drive
City
Hauppauge
State
NY
ZipCode
11788
Phone Number
(800) 439-2324
Web Address
www.naturesanswer.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Sambucus Black Elderberry by Nature's Answer: Common Questions

Does Sambucus Black Elderberry by Nature's Answer interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Sambucus Black 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?
Sambucus Black Elderberry 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 during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
The safety data isn't there yet. It's best to avoid elderberry supplements during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, nursing, or planning to be — they can help you decide what's right for you.
What's the difference between this liquid and an elderberry pill?
This is a concentrate in liquid form, which may be absorbed a bit differently than a solid, but both are prepared black elderberry. The active ingredient is the same; it's mainly a matter of which form you prefer to take.
Can I use raw elderberries instead of this product?
Raw or unripe elderberries, seeds, leaves, and bark contain a toxin that can cause nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, weakness, dizziness, and other symptoms. This product is properly cooked, which eliminates that risk. Stick with prepared products like this one.
Does elderberry actually work for colds or the flu?
The evidence for respiratory tract infections — including colds and flu — is insufficient to rate. We don't have enough solid research yet to say whether it works. If you're thinking about using it for that reason, ask your pharmacist what the current research shows.
I have an autoimmune disease. Is this safe for me?
That's a good question to bring to your doctor. One case linked long-term elderberry use to autoimmune hepatitis in someone with an underlying autoimmune disease. Because elderberry stimulates immune activity, it may not be the best choice for you, but your doctor knows your specific condition and can advise.
What inactive ingredients are in this?
Glycerin, purified water, and citric acid. These are standard preservatives and fillers that help deliver the elderberry extract.

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

Not sure if Sambucus Black 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.

Sambucus Black Elderberry label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Sambucus Black 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

Sambucus Black 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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