Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 8 Researches
7.8
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 47 Reviews
8
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Teaspoon (5 ml)
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
15
 
Total Carbohydrate
4g
1%**
Elderberry (10:1 Concentrate) (Sambucus nigra) (Fruit)
500 mg

Top Medical Research Studies

We delved into how elderberry, specifically from the black elderberry fruit, impacts the flu virus, H1N1. Using an innovative technique called Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART TOF-MS), we were able to identify the powerful anti-viral properties of elderberry extract without the need for complicated processes like separation or derivatization.

Our findings revealed that elderberry extract does indeed inhibit H1N1 infection in a lab setting, with an effective concentration (IC50) of 252 micrograms per milliliter. Interestingly, we discovered that flavonoids present in the elderberry bind to H1N1 virions—essentially blocking their ability to infect host cells.

Among the compounds, two key flavonoids emerged: the 5,7,3',4'-tetra-O-methylquercetin and dihydromyricetin. These compounds not only bound to the virus but also effectively prevented infection. Notably, the tetra-O-methylquercetin demonstrated an impressive IC50 of just 0.13 micrograms per milliliter, which is comparable to well-known antiviral medications like Oseltamivir and Amantadine.

In summary, elderberry shows promising potential as a natural remedy against the H1N1 flu, offering a fascinating area for further research and utilization in flu prevention strategies.
Read More
8
Elderberry effective against flu pathogens
We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a standardized elderberry extract against influenza viruses and respiratory bacterial pathogens. The study utilized liquid cultures to examine how various concentrations of the elderberry extract—specifically 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%—inhibited bacterial growth.

Our findings revealed that the elderberry extract is not just a potential ally against flu viruses, but also demonstrates activity against several harmful bacteria. We specifically tested its effects on both H5N1-type influenza A and influenza B viruses using reputable laboratory methods.

The results suggest that elderberry could offer additional strategies for combating infections, particularly during the flu season when complications often arise from bacterial super-infections following viral illnesses. These findings encourage the exploration of natural products like elderberry as a supportive treatment for respiratory infections.
Read More
We evaluated the effectiveness of elderberry juice, specifically concentrated juice (CJ-E), in combating the human influenza A virus (IFV). Our experiments involved administering CJ-E to mice infected with IFV to observe any potential antiviral effects. While we found that CJ-E had a strong impact on the mice, its antiviral action was less impressive when tested in a controlled cell culture environment.

To further assess its effects, we separated CJ-E into different fractions using ultrafiltration and anion-exchange chromatography. We concentrated on the high-molecular-weight fractions of CJ-E, which appeared to significantly suppress viral replication in the mice's bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALFs). Moreover, these fractions seemed to boost the production of IFV-specific neutralizing antibodies in the serum, along with increasing secretory IgA levels in BALFs and feces.

Particularly, one fraction, Fr. II from the high-molecular-weight group, which contained acidic polysaccharides, showed notable strength in defending against the flu infection. In conclusion, our findings suggest that CJ-E can stimulate the immune response and may play a preventative role against the influenza virus infection.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

9
Instant relief noted
26 people found this helpful
This product is incredible! When our family got a cold, I administered two tablespoons immediately, and the coughing stopped instantly. The symptoms became incredibly mild, allowing me to sleep well at night.
Read More
9
Fast flu recovery
15 people found this helpful
I purchased this for its benefits for colds and flu. When I felt flu symptoms coming on, I took a teaspoon every two hours. By the third dose, I was completely better, without any more stuffy nose or fever.
Read More
7.5
Supports immune health
7 people found this helpful
Black elderberry extract in liquid form provides strong support for the immune system, helping my family to stay healthy throughout the year. It offers robust protection and has been recognised for its healing properties in Europe for centuries. Modern studies have proven its efficacy in strengthening the immune system during seasonal illnesses and alleviating symptoms of colds and flu. The high dose in each portion ensures effectiveness, even during acute illness.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 8 Researches
7.8
  • All Researches
9
Elderberry enhances immune response
We explored how European black elderberry affects the immune response, particularly regarding flu infections. Through comparing its water extract and polysaccharide fractions to a traditional alcoholic extract, we focused on the role of dendritic cells (DCs), which are crucial for triggering strong T cell responses.

Our findings showed that the water extract and its polysaccharide components effectively matured DCs, enhancing their ability to stimulate T cells significantly. In contrast, the traditional alcoholic extract did not demonstrate any capacity to induce T cell stimulation.

We also observed that the water extracts promoted the production of key inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, contributing to a robust immune response, which may be beneficial in fighting off viruses like influenza. Thus, it appears that the polysaccharides from elderberry extracts can play a significant role in modulating the immune system, potentially equipping us to better combat viral threats.
Read More
9
Elderberry shows promise for flu relief
We assessed the effectiveness of black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) in treating upper respiratory symptoms, particularly those associated with the flu. The study included 180 participants and examined various factors, such as vaccination status and the underlying causes of symptoms.

Our findings indicated that elderberry supplementation significantly reduced upper respiratory symptoms, offering a promising alternative for those seeking relief without relying on over-the-counter medications or antibiotics. The analysis revealed a strong positive impact, suggesting that elderberry could be particularly beneficial for treating symptoms arising from viral infections.

Overall, this research indicates that elderberry can serve as a safer, effective option for managing flu symptoms and common colds. This could help address concerns about antibiotic misuse and provide a more natural remedy during flu season.
Read More
We delved into how elderberry, specifically from the black elderberry fruit, impacts the flu virus, H1N1. Using an innovative technique called Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART TOF-MS), we were able to identify the powerful anti-viral properties of elderberry extract without the need for complicated processes like separation or derivatization.

Our findings revealed that elderberry extract does indeed inhibit H1N1 infection in a lab setting, with an effective concentration (IC50) of 252 micrograms per milliliter. Interestingly, we discovered that flavonoids present in the elderberry bind to H1N1 virions—essentially blocking their ability to infect host cells.

Among the compounds, two key flavonoids emerged: the 5,7,3',4'-tetra-O-methylquercetin and dihydromyricetin. These compounds not only bound to the virus but also effectively prevented infection. Notably, the tetra-O-methylquercetin demonstrated an impressive IC50 of just 0.13 micrograms per milliliter, which is comparable to well-known antiviral medications like Oseltamivir and Amantadine.

In summary, elderberry shows promising potential as a natural remedy against the H1N1 flu, offering a fascinating area for further research and utilization in flu prevention strategies.
Read More
8
Elderberry shows limited flu benefits
We examined how elderberry might impact flu treatment based on several studies. From 1995 to 2013, three clinical trials looked specifically at different elderberry preparations, and all concluded that elderberry could be effective against influenza. However, it's important to note that these studies involved only 77 people, which is quite small for drawing definitive conclusions.

While the potential for elderberry's effectiveness seems promising, the limited sample size means we should be cautious in making broad claims about its benefits. There were no human or animal studies mentioned that specifically researched the safety of elderberry during pregnancy, presenting a gap in knowledge that is concerning for pregnant women considering herbal treatments for flu.

Overall, while elderberry appears effective against the flu based on the small trials, we need much more comprehensive research to better understand its efficacy and safety, particularly for vulnerable populations like pregnant women.
Read More
8
Elderberry effective against flu pathogens
We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a standardized elderberry extract against influenza viruses and respiratory bacterial pathogens. The study utilized liquid cultures to examine how various concentrations of the elderberry extract—specifically 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%—inhibited bacterial growth.

Our findings revealed that the elderberry extract is not just a potential ally against flu viruses, but also demonstrates activity against several harmful bacteria. We specifically tested its effects on both H5N1-type influenza A and influenza B viruses using reputable laboratory methods.

The results suggest that elderberry could offer additional strategies for combating infections, particularly during the flu season when complications often arise from bacterial super-infections following viral illnesses. These findings encourage the exploration of natural products like elderberry as a supportive treatment for respiratory infections.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 47 Reviews
8
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Instant relief noted
26 people found this helpful
This product is incredible! When our family got a cold, I administered two tablespoons immediately, and the coughing stopped instantly. The symptoms became incredibly mild, allowing me to sleep well at night.
Read More
9
Fast flu recovery
15 people found this helpful
I purchased this for its benefits for colds and flu. When I felt flu symptoms coming on, I took a teaspoon every two hours. By the third dose, I was completely better, without any more stuffy nose or fever.
Read More
7.5
Supports immune health
7 people found this helpful
Black elderberry extract in liquid form provides strong support for the immune system, helping my family to stay healthy throughout the year. It offers robust protection and has been recognised for its healing properties in Europe for centuries. Modern studies have proven its efficacy in strengthening the immune system during seasonal illnesses and alleviating symptoms of colds and flu. The high dose in each portion ensures effectiveness, even during acute illness.
Read More
10
Effective for recovery
6 people found this helpful
This is the best remedy for colds and flu! My 12-year-old had a viral infection with a high temperature. Following the doctor's advice, I gave him a teaspoon three times a day. After two days, his temperature dropped and within four days he was fully recovered. I’m thrilled as we usually avoid antibiotics. Thank you, Iherb! I will definitely order again!
Read More
9
Immunity success
4 people found this helpful
This is the best elderberry syrup I've tried! We all take a half teaspoon daily and a tablespoon if anyone around us is sick. We’ve been free from cold, flu, and other bugs for over four years!
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

10
Effective for recovery
6 people found this helpful
This is the best remedy for colds and flu! My 12-year-old had a viral infection with a high temperature. Following the doctor's advice, I gave him a teaspoon three times a day. After two days, his temperature dropped and within four days he was fully recovered. I’m thrilled as we usually avoid antibiotics. Thank you, Iherb! I will definitely order again!
10
Rapid flu recovery
1 people found this helpful
This is the best cold and flu remedy of its kind! A 7-year-old child fell ill with a temperature of 39 degrees for 2 days. The doctor diagnosed a viral infection. I followed the instructions and gave a teaspoon three times a day from the second day. The temperature dropped first to 37.5, and after 2 days she was back to normal. She didn’t take anything else! On the fourth day, my son fully recovered with no signs of a cold. I am delighted and a bit shocked! Usually, we couldn’t do without antibiotics in such cases. I will definitely order again!
7.5
Rapid chest recovery
Over the years, this brand has helped me immensely whenever I felt something settling in my chest from a cold or flu. In just days, I felt so much better.
9
Increased resistance
1 people found this helpful
I love this product! I have been using Elderberry for quite a while, and I’ve never felt better. I have not had any illnesses. I take it with a high-protein drink, and they work well together. My daughters use it too. I'm so glad to have discovered it; it has been a blessing for me. While everyone around me caught the flu, I thankfully did not, and I believe it has built up my resistance to illnesses.
9
Accelerates recovery
I drink it myself and give it to the children at the first sign of the flu; it certainly helps them recover faster.
9
Effective for children
I give it to children as soon as the first symptoms appear, along with vitamin C and echinacea. The result is impressive. A couple of days of snot, and we’re back on track. No fever or complications at all! 👍
7.5
Avoided seasonal illnesses
1 people found this helpful
When everyone was sold out, iHerb came through! I started using Now's elderberry liquid at the beginning of cold and flu season, and it has become a staple in my wellness toolkit. When I went to repurchase it from the Now website, it was sold out everywhere. Fortunately, iHerb had a few bottles left, so I was able to get it when I needed it. Though I can't say for certain, I believe that drinking about a teaspoon of this syrup (mixed in water) daily has helped me avoid seasonal illnesses completely and has sped up my recovery from those I have contracted. A great product!
9
Elderberry enhances immune response
We explored how European black elderberry affects the immune response, particularly regarding flu infections. Through comparing its water extract and polysaccharide fractions to a traditional alcoholic extract, we focused on the role of dendritic cells (DCs), which are crucial for triggering strong T cell responses.

Our findings showed that the water extract and its polysaccharide components effectively matured DCs, enhancing their ability to stimulate T cells significantly. In contrast, the traditional alcoholic extract did not demonstrate any capacity to induce T cell stimulation.

We also observed that the water extracts promoted the production of key inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, contributing to a robust immune response, which may be beneficial in fighting off viruses like influenza. Thus, it appears that the polysaccharides from elderberry extracts can play a significant role in modulating the immune system, potentially equipping us to better combat viral threats.
We explored the effectiveness of elderberry in treating and potentially preventing flu-related illness. This involved a systematic review of five randomized trials, which helped us examine whether elderberry could play a beneficial role in combatting viruses like the flu.

The findings suggest that while elderberry might not lower the risk of catching the common cold, it could potentially reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms. We learned that elderberry may also shorten the duration of influenza, but the certainty of these benefits is still uncertain.

Interestingly, when comparing elderberry to oseltamivir, a common antiviral medication, elderberry appeared linked to a lower risk of influenza complications and side effects. However, we found no substantial evidence connecting elderberry to significant inflammatory outcomes. Some studies hinted that elderberry might influence certain inflammatory markers, but this effect may lessen with prolonged use.

Overall, we did not find strong, clear-cut benefits from elderberry in treating flu, stressing the need for more research to confirm these findings. Though it seems to be a safe option without overstimulating the immune system, the evidence remains inconclusive, and more studies are essential to draw firmer conclusions.
We delved into how elderberry, specifically from the black elderberry fruit, impacts the flu virus, H1N1. Using an innovative technique called Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART TOF-MS), we were able to identify the powerful anti-viral properties of elderberry extract without the need for complicated processes like separation or derivatization.

Our findings revealed that elderberry extract does indeed inhibit H1N1 infection in a lab setting, with an effective concentration (IC50) of 252 micrograms per milliliter. Interestingly, we discovered that flavonoids present in the elderberry bind to H1N1 virions—essentially blocking their ability to infect host cells.

Among the compounds, two key flavonoids emerged: the 5,7,3',4'-tetra-O-methylquercetin and dihydromyricetin. These compounds not only bound to the virus but also effectively prevented infection. Notably, the tetra-O-methylquercetin demonstrated an impressive IC50 of just 0.13 micrograms per milliliter, which is comparable to well-known antiviral medications like Oseltamivir and Amantadine.

In summary, elderberry shows promising potential as a natural remedy against the H1N1 flu, offering a fascinating area for further research and utilization in flu prevention strategies.
7
Elderberry's variable effectiveness against influenza
We investigated the effects of elderberry fruit on flu viruses, specifically how it interacts with the H9N2 influenza strain in human epithelial cell cultures. Our approach involved treating the virus and cells with various concentrations of elderberry extract before and after infection to see its influence on virus replication.

During our experiments, we noticed that at lower doses of elderberry extract, the viral activity actually increased. This indicated that the herb didn’t stop the virus from replicating. However, when we applied higher concentrations—specifically 40 and 80 μg/mL—we observed a significant reduction in both the amount of virus present and the production of viral proteins. This suggests elderberry may interfere with how viruses enter cells or how they release from them.

Importantly, the results hint that elderberry's effectiveness might stem from its interaction with lipid rafts in cell membranes. These rafts are crucial for the viruses' fusion and budding processes. Our findings underscore the importance of dosage and timing when using elderberry for treating influenza, highlighting the complexity of herbal treatments.

References

  1. Stich L, Plattner S, McDougall G, Austin C, Steinkasserer A. Polysaccharides from European Black Elderberry Extract Enhance Dendritic Cell Mediated T Cell Immune Responses. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23. doi:10.3390/ijms23073949
  2. Wieland LS, Piechotta V, Feinberg T, Ludeman E, Hutton B, et al. Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21:112. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03283-5
  3. Hawkins J, Baker C, Cherry L, Dunne E. Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials. Complement Ther Med. 2019;42:361. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2018.12.004
  4. Shahsavandi S, Ebrahimi MM, Hasaninejad Farahani A. Interfering With Lipid Raft Association: A Mechanism to Control Influenza Virus Infection By . Iran J Pharm Res. 2017;16:1147.
  5. Holst L, Havnen GC, Nordeng H. Echinacea and elderberry-should they be used against upper respiratory tract infections during pregnancy?. Front Pharmacol. 2014;5:31. doi:10.3389/fphar.2014.00031
  6. Kinoshita E, Hayashi K, Katayama H, Hayashi T, Obata A. Anti-influenza virus effects of elderberry juice and its fractions. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2012;76:1633.
  7. Krawitz C, Mraheil MA, Stein M, Imirzalioglu C, Domann E, et al. Inhibitory activity of a standardized elderberry liquid extract against clinically-relevant human respiratory bacterial pathogens and influenza A and B viruses. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011;11:16. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-11-16
  8. Roschek B, Fink RC, McMichael MD, Li D, Alberte RS. Elderberry flavonoids bind to and prevent H1N1 infection in vitro. Phytochemistry. 2009;70:1255. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2009.06.003
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