Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Moderately Effective
Based on 2 Researches
8
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 22 Reviews
8.5

Top Medical Research Studies

7
We explored the effects of vitamin C on the common cold and pneumonia by examining a range of studies. Interestingly, research on animals suggests that vitamin C may have protective effects against infections. However, when it comes to preventing colds in the general population, taking more than 1 gram of vitamin C per day didn’t show significant benefits.

But there's a twist! Participants engaged in heavy physical activities saw their cold incidence reduced by half with vitamin C supplementation. Additionally, regular intake of 1 gram or more daily was linked to a 15% decrease in cold severity. While some therapeutic trials showed inconsistent results when vitamin C was taken after cold symptoms appeared, two studies did indicate that larger doses (6-8 grams per day) could effectively shorten the duration of colds compared to lower doses.

Our investigation also looked into pneumonia, but the studies were conducted in unique settings, such as a boarding school and military recruits. This makes it hard to generalize the findings to the wider population. Yet, some trials suggested benefits for pneumonia patients. Finally, the role of vitamin C in treating COVID-19 and sepsis remains unclear, with mixed results.

Given that vitamin C seems to alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of colds, while being safe and affordable, it might be worth considering a dose of 6-8 grams per day to see if it helps at an individual level.
Read More
9
Vitamin C improves cold tolerance
We explored the effects of ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, on cold tolerance in tomato seedlings. In our study, we discovered that applying vitamin C significantly boosts the seedlings' ability to handle cold stress.

By enhancing the antioxidant defense system, vitamin C treatment increased the enzyme activity in the seedlings' leaves. Additionally, it raised levels of important compounds such as proline, sugar, and abscisic acid, all of which play crucial roles in plant stress responses.

Our observations showed that vitamin C also protects the photosynthesis system of tomato seedlings. This implies that it helps maintain chlorophyll function, which is critical for the plant's overall health, especially under cold conditions.

Moreover, we found that vitamin C treatments led to increased expression of genes linked to antioxidant enzymes and cold response mechanisms. Overall, our findings suggest that exogenous vitamin C is a beneficial approach to improve cold tolerance in tomatoes and may provide helpful insights for farmers looking to cultivate hardier varieties during colder months.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

10
Immediate relief experienced
19 people found this helpful
Initially sceptical, I discovered this product through a friend. After thorough research, I found studies proving that Elderberry combats cold viruses. Personally, I've noticed that colds last about four days instead of a week, and it provides immediate relief from fever and aches. If taken at the onset of symptoms, it appears to keep the cold mild and clear up quickly. Among various forms, the lozenges and Quick Dissolve Tablets are my favourites, as they taste great and target the cold viruses effectively.
Read More
9
Prevention and relief
11 people found this helpful
Amazing product! I rely on Sambucus to prevent colds and flu from escalating. When I sense symptoms emerging, I take 2 per day, increasing to 4-6 daily during illness. It consistently helps me recover much quicker than other remedies, reducing my cold frequency significantly. I prefer lozenges for their effectiveness and stomach gentleness, despite the fun purple tint they leave in your mouth.
Read More
9
Flu fought off
4 people found this helpful
I'm now a true believer! After my family opted out of flu immunisation, I found these on Amazon. My daughter and I fell ill just after travelling but started taking sambucus immediately. Remarkably, I felt my body fighting it off without significant sickness. This product has proven effective for me in combating flu and cold symptoms.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Moderately Effective
Based on 2 Researches
8
  • All Researches
9
Vitamin C improves cold tolerance
We explored the effects of ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, on cold tolerance in tomato seedlings. In our study, we discovered that applying vitamin C significantly boosts the seedlings' ability to handle cold stress.

By enhancing the antioxidant defense system, vitamin C treatment increased the enzyme activity in the seedlings' leaves. Additionally, it raised levels of important compounds such as proline, sugar, and abscisic acid, all of which play crucial roles in plant stress responses.

Our observations showed that vitamin C also protects the photosynthesis system of tomato seedlings. This implies that it helps maintain chlorophyll function, which is critical for the plant's overall health, especially under cold conditions.

Moreover, we found that vitamin C treatments led to increased expression of genes linked to antioxidant enzymes and cold response mechanisms. Overall, our findings suggest that exogenous vitamin C is a beneficial approach to improve cold tolerance in tomatoes and may provide helpful insights for farmers looking to cultivate hardier varieties during colder months.
Read More
7
We explored the effects of vitamin C on the common cold and pneumonia by examining a range of studies. Interestingly, research on animals suggests that vitamin C may have protective effects against infections. However, when it comes to preventing colds in the general population, taking more than 1 gram of vitamin C per day didn’t show significant benefits.

But there's a twist! Participants engaged in heavy physical activities saw their cold incidence reduced by half with vitamin C supplementation. Additionally, regular intake of 1 gram or more daily was linked to a 15% decrease in cold severity. While some therapeutic trials showed inconsistent results when vitamin C was taken after cold symptoms appeared, two studies did indicate that larger doses (6-8 grams per day) could effectively shorten the duration of colds compared to lower doses.

Our investigation also looked into pneumonia, but the studies were conducted in unique settings, such as a boarding school and military recruits. This makes it hard to generalize the findings to the wider population. Yet, some trials suggested benefits for pneumonia patients. Finally, the role of vitamin C in treating COVID-19 and sepsis remains unclear, with mixed results.

Given that vitamin C seems to alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of colds, while being safe and affordable, it might be worth considering a dose of 6-8 grams per day to see if it helps at an individual level.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 22 Reviews
8.5
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
10
Immediate relief experienced
19 people found this helpful
Initially sceptical, I discovered this product through a friend. After thorough research, I found studies proving that Elderberry combats cold viruses. Personally, I've noticed that colds last about four days instead of a week, and it provides immediate relief from fever and aches. If taken at the onset of symptoms, it appears to keep the cold mild and clear up quickly. Among various forms, the lozenges and Quick Dissolve Tablets are my favourites, as they taste great and target the cold viruses effectively.
Read More
9
Prevention and relief
11 people found this helpful
Amazing product! I rely on Sambucus to prevent colds and flu from escalating. When I sense symptoms emerging, I take 2 per day, increasing to 4-6 daily during illness. It consistently helps me recover much quicker than other remedies, reducing my cold frequency significantly. I prefer lozenges for their effectiveness and stomach gentleness, despite the fun purple tint they leave in your mouth.
Read More
9
Flu fought off
4 people found this helpful
I'm now a true believer! After my family opted out of flu immunisation, I found these on Amazon. My daughter and I fell ill just after travelling but started taking sambucus immediately. Remarkably, I felt my body fighting it off without significant sickness. This product has proven effective for me in combating flu and cold symptoms.
Read More
9
Averted multiple colds
4 people found this helpful
I’m very pleased with this product—the "original" formula. I can't remember what I did before discovering it. I've averted colds more than once without experiencing any side effects. I always keep several containers around just in case. I prefer the "original" version, as that’s the one that has always worked for me.
Read More
9
Cuts cold duration
3 people found this helpful
Great for fighting off colds! These really help to ward off a cold, or if you're already ill, they definitely shorten its duration. I’ve since switched to buying organic elderberry from Amazon and now make my own syrup. It’s incredibly easy to do; just Google it, and it works like a charm. Much more affordable as well!
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

No FAQs are available for this product and symptom.

References

  1. Hemilä H, Chalker E. Vitamin C for the common cold and pneumonia. Pol Arch Intern Med. 2025;135. 10.20452/pamw.16926
  2. Wang X, Ran C, Fu Y, Han L, Yang X, et al. Application of Exogenous Ascorbic Acid Enhances Cold Tolerance in Tomato Seedlings through Molecular and Physiological Responses. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25. 10.3390/ijms251810093
image