Systematic review; elderberry efficacy uncertain but safe
Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review.
A systematic review examined whether elderberry can prevent or treat viral respiratory infections, including the common cold and flu. Researchers screened nearly 1,200 studies and analyzed five randomized trials to assess both benefits and safety concerns.
The findings suggest elderberry may not prevent colds from developing, but it might slightly reduce how long a cold lasts and how severe symptoms become—though the evidence remains uncertain. For influenza, elderberry showed potential in reducing duration, and one study found an elderberry product had fewer complications compared to the antiviral oseltamivir.
Importantly, the review found no evidence that elderberry overstimulates the immune system or triggers a dangerous "cytokine storm." While elderberry did affect some inflammatory markers in lab tests, this effect appeared to weaken over time. Overall, elderberry appears safe for treating respiratory illness, but more recent studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions.
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Love these gummies! Since November 2019, I have been taking Nature's Bounty Elderberry gummies, and I have not had even a head cold. I’m building my immunity gummy by gummy!