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NOW Supplements Sambucus Zinc-C Elderberry Concentrate and Vitamin C
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Moderately Effective
Based on 12 Researches
8.3
USERS' SCORE
Excellent
Based on 82 Reviews
9.2
Supplement Facts
Serving Size:  1 Lozenge
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
<5
 
Total Carbohydrate
<1 g
<1%**
Total Sugars
0 g
Includes 0 g Added Sugars
 
0%**
Xylitol
<1 g
Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid)
100 mg
111%
Zinc (elemental) (from 15 mg Zinc Bisglycinate) (TRAACS™)
3 mg
27%
Elderberry (10:1 Concentrate)(Sambucus nigra) (Fruit)
150 mg

Top Medical Research Studies

9
Zinc cream alleviates cold sores
A randomized clinical trial on the treatment of oral herpes with topical zinc oxide/glycine.
Highly relevant to cold sore treatment
We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to explore the effectiveness of a zinc oxide/glycine cream in treating cold sores caused by facial and circumoral herpes. By dividing 46 participants into two groups, one receiving the zinc treatment and the other a placebo, we aimed to measure how this formulation affected the duration and severity of cold sore symptoms.

Our results were quite promising! Participants who began using the zinc oxide/glycine cream within the first 24 hours of noticing symptoms experienced cold sore lesions that lasted only an average of 5 days, compared to 6.5 days for those on the placebo. Additionally, we noticed a significant reduction in the overall severity of their symptoms, including blistering, soreness, itching, and tingling.

As for side effects, subjects treated with the zinc cream experienced only minor and reversible issues typical of ionic zinc salt solutions. This indicates that the zinc oxide/glycine cream is not only effective but also safe for treating cold sores, presenting a valuable option for many people seeking relief from this common condition.
Read More
9
Zinc gel aids cold sore healing
[Clinical double-blind trial of topical zinc sulfate for herpes labialis recidivans].
Strong evidence for zinc's effectiveness
We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the impact of zinc sulfate gel on cold sores, specifically herpes labialis recidivans. In our study, patients treated with zinc sulfate gel, known as Virudermin Gel, experienced significantly reduced symptoms and faster healing compared to those who received just the gel without zinc.

The results were promising; the patients using the zinc gel reported less discomfort, and their sores healed more quickly. Importantly, this treatment showed no significant side effects, making it a safe option for managing cold sores. Additionally, the antiseptic properties of zinc sulfate helped prevent any superinfections, adding another layer of benefit to its use.

Overall, our exploration into zinc’s effectiveness provided valuable insights for both patients and healthcare providers seeking reliable cold sore treatment options. With simple application and proven results, zinc sulfate gel could become a go-to remedy for those frequently struggling with herpes labialis recidivans.
Read More
8
Zinc treatment helps cold sores
Recurrent herpes labialis: a pilot study of the efficacy of zinc therapy.
Directly addresses zinc's effect
We aimed to understand how zinc might affect the occurrence and duration of cold sores, also known as herpes labialis. In our study, we treated 20 patients, mostly women with an average age of 26.6, who experienced more than six episodes of cold sores each year. They received zinc sulphate at a dose of 22.5 mg twice daily during specific months over a year while we monitored their symptoms for 12 months.

Our results were promising. Patients reported a decrease in the frequency of cold sore episodes, averaging fewer than four instances per year. Moreover, the duration of these episodes was also shortened to around 5.7 days, significantly less than usual for these conditions.

Thus, we can say that systemic zinc sulphate seemed to effectively reduce both the number of cold sore outbreaks and the recovery time. This suggests that zinc might be a beneficial option for individuals who struggle with recurrent cold sores.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

10
Miraculous throat improvement
My children began to recover remarkably faster! Viruses have stopped affecting their throats! Thanks to elderberry, zinc, and vitamins C and D, I am thrilled with the results. I discarded all other immunity products from local pharmacies. This simple yet effective composition is all my family needed during cold season. When my throat starts to ache, I suck this delightful pill, which is pleasantly tangy. Elderberry is well-known for its medicinal benefits, and zinc with vitamin C is invaluable!
Read More
9.5
Key immune support
A must-have in your home medicine cabinet! This fantastic product from NOW contains all the necessary components for immunity: elderberry extract, zinc, and vitamin C! Add vitamin D3 for excellent nutrient intake during seasonal ailments. I use it at the first sign of a sore throat. It has a nice taste and feels like candy. It is slightly sour and suitable for children from age four. If you found my review helpful, please say YES!
Read More
9.5
Rapid throat relief
On my first attempt, I really liked it. The taste is pleasant, slightly tangy, and there's no detectable zinc flavour. My husband's throat began to tickle; we gave him this, and the cold symptoms ceased immediately. I had two pastilles daily, morning and evening, with quick results. The jar is small but contains 60 lozenges. I personally consume a larger dosage capsule as well. Highly recommend!
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Moderately Effective
Based on 12 Researches
8.3
  • All Researches
9
Vitamin C alleviates cold sores
Topical treatment of recurrent mucocutaneous herpes with ascorbic acid-containing solution.
Direct effectiveness evaluation noted
We investigated how an ascorbic acid-based solution could help treat recurrent cold sores, also known as mucocutaneous herpes. This study was carefully designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, which helps ensure the results are reliable and trustworthy.

Participants used a strong solution of Ascoxal, rich in vitamin C, applied to their cold sores multiple times on the first day of the outbreak. We monitored various symptoms daily, including the severity of scabs, redness, and blisters, comparing the experiences of those using the vitamin C solution to a placebo group.

Our findings were promising: the active treatment resulted in fewer days with scabbing and less severe symptoms overall. Moreover, those using the vitamin C solution showed reduced persistence of scabs compared to the placebo group, along with a lower frequency of detected herpes virus after treatment.

In conclusion, this brief course of vitamin C treatment appears to have significant clinical benefits against cold sores, opening the door for future research on more extensive and frequent treatment regimes.
Read More
9
Zinc impacts cold sore recovery
Comparative analysis of salivary zinc level in recurrent herpes labialis.
Directly assesses zinc efficacy
We explored the connection between zinc levels and recurrent herpes labialis (RHL), commonly known as cold sores. In a study involving 80 individuals, we compared the salivary zinc levels of healthy people with those experiencing RHL during both the acute and convalescent phases.

The findings revealed that patients in the acute phase had significantly lower zinc levels (160.8 ng/ml) compared to when they were recovering (205.7 ng/ml). Both those phases showed lower zinc levels than the healthy individuals' average. This suggests that zinc levels are not just lower when cold sores are present, but also improve after the lesions heal.

Our results indicate that maintaining adequate zinc levels might be beneficial for people suffering from cold sores. Incorporating zinc supplements could play a role in both treating and preventing these uncomfortable outbreaks. We found that increasing serum zinc might help RHL patients, shedding light on a potential supportive treatment strategy for cold sores.
Read More
9
Zinc may relieve cold sores
Safety and effectiveness of an L-lysine, zinc, and herbal-based product on the treatment of facial and circumoral herpes.
Combination treatment relevance noted
We conducted a small pilot study to investigate how a combination of L-lysine, zinc, and herbal ingredients could help treat cold sores caused by the Herpes simplex virus. Our goal was to observe the changes in symptoms such as itching, burning, and soreness among participants over the course of treatment.

Thirty individuals, split evenly between genders, participated in our open-label study. We monitored their symptoms through various methods, including self-reported outcomes, photographs, and daily diaries. By the sixth day of treatment, most participants showed considerable improvement, with some experiencing full resolution of their symptoms.

While we didn't isolate the effect of zinc alone, its inclusion in the treatment mix seems promising. By the end of our study, we found that 87 percent of participants had improved symptomatically, which indicates that the combination treatment may effectively relieve cold sore symptoms. Importantly, no adverse effects were reported during the study, which adds to our understanding of these treatments' safety.
Read More
9
Zinc cream alleviates cold sores
A randomized clinical trial on the treatment of oral herpes with topical zinc oxide/glycine.
Highly relevant to cold sore treatment
We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to explore the effectiveness of a zinc oxide/glycine cream in treating cold sores caused by facial and circumoral herpes. By dividing 46 participants into two groups, one receiving the zinc treatment and the other a placebo, we aimed to measure how this formulation affected the duration and severity of cold sore symptoms.

Our results were quite promising! Participants who began using the zinc oxide/glycine cream within the first 24 hours of noticing symptoms experienced cold sore lesions that lasted only an average of 5 days, compared to 6.5 days for those on the placebo. Additionally, we noticed a significant reduction in the overall severity of their symptoms, including blistering, soreness, itching, and tingling.

As for side effects, subjects treated with the zinc cream experienced only minor and reversible issues typical of ionic zinc salt solutions. This indicates that the zinc oxide/glycine cream is not only effective but also safe for treating cold sores, presenting a valuable option for many people seeking relief from this common condition.
Read More
9
Zinc gel aids cold sore healing
[Clinical double-blind trial of topical zinc sulfate for herpes labialis recidivans].
Strong evidence for zinc's effectiveness
We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the impact of zinc sulfate gel on cold sores, specifically herpes labialis recidivans. In our study, patients treated with zinc sulfate gel, known as Virudermin Gel, experienced significantly reduced symptoms and faster healing compared to those who received just the gel without zinc.

The results were promising; the patients using the zinc gel reported less discomfort, and their sores healed more quickly. Importantly, this treatment showed no significant side effects, making it a safe option for managing cold sores. Additionally, the antiseptic properties of zinc sulfate helped prevent any superinfections, adding another layer of benefit to its use.

Overall, our exploration into zinc’s effectiveness provided valuable insights for both patients and healthcare providers seeking reliable cold sore treatment options. With simple application and proven results, zinc sulfate gel could become a go-to remedy for those frequently struggling with herpes labialis recidivans.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Excellent
Based on 82 Reviews
9.2
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
10
Miraculous throat improvement
My children began to recover remarkably faster! Viruses have stopped affecting their throats! Thanks to elderberry, zinc, and vitamins C and D, I am thrilled with the results. I discarded all other immunity products from local pharmacies. This simple yet effective composition is all my family needed during cold season. When my throat starts to ache, I suck this delightful pill, which is pleasantly tangy. Elderberry is well-known for its medicinal benefits, and zinc with vitamin C is invaluable!
Read More
9.5
Key immune support
A must-have in your home medicine cabinet! This fantastic product from NOW contains all the necessary components for immunity: elderberry extract, zinc, and vitamin C! Add vitamin D3 for excellent nutrient intake during seasonal ailments. I use it at the first sign of a sore throat. It has a nice taste and feels like candy. It is slightly sour and suitable for children from age four. If you found my review helpful, please say YES!
Read More
9.5
Rapid throat relief
On my first attempt, I really liked it. The taste is pleasant, slightly tangy, and there's no detectable zinc flavour. My husband's throat began to tickle; we gave him this, and the cold symptoms ceased immediately. I had two pastilles daily, morning and evening, with quick results. The jar is small but contains 60 lozenges. I personally consume a larger dosage capsule as well. Highly recommend!
Read More
9.5
Excellent cold assistant
This product in my medicine cabinet is my first assistant in combating colds and viruses. It superbly fulfills its responsibilities.
9.3
Relief from throat
This drug really works! I previously took another elderberry product, but decided to try this one before the cold season. I was pleased with the improvement after just a couple of pills. It helps with the first signs of a sore throat, boosts immunity, and promotes quick recovery. The large jar and pills last a long time. The tablets have a decent taste, though there's a slight zinc flavour after dissolving. I start taking them as soon as I notice a cold sore, sneezing, or runny nose. I also give them to my family. Thanks for reading my review and stay healthy!
Read More
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