'
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 10 Researches
7.8
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 2 Reviews
8.7
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 2 Teaspoons (10 ml)
Serving Per Container:  12
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories 
25
Total Carbohydrate 
7 g 
3%†
Total Sugars 
7 g 
**
Includes 3.1 g Added Sugars
6.2%
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
110 mg 
122%
Zinc (as zinc gluconate)
2.6 mg 
24%
Black Elderberry Extract
3.8 g
**

Top Medical Research Studies

8
Elderberry reduces cold duration
Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.
Focuses solely on elderberry effects
We explored whether elderberry could help reduce the duration and severity of colds for economy class passengers traveling internationally. In a well-structured randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 312 participants, we looked at how a standardized elderberry extract affected respiratory health during air travel.

Participants tracked their cold episodes, duration, and symptoms in daily diaries, using a scoring method to quantify their experiences. They also completed surveys about their upper respiratory symptoms and quality of life at different points: before traveling and four days post-travel.

While we noted that the group taking the placebo experienced more cold episodes, the difference wasn't statistically significant. However, those taking elderberry had a significantly shorter duration of cold days and a lower average symptom score overall, suggesting that elderberry may significantly lessen the impact of colds during air travel.

Further research is essential to validate our findings and to better understand the broader health benefits of elderberry, both physical and mental.
Read More
9
Elderberry aids cold symptom relief
Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials.
Highly relevant to cold treatments
We explored the potential of black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) as a natural remedy for upper respiratory symptoms, particularly those associated with colds and flu. In our analysis of the available research, which included 180 participants across various studies, we focused on how elderberry supplementation could provide relief while assessing factors like vaccination status and the underlying causes of these symptoms.

Our findings were promising—elderberry supplementation significantly reduced upper respiratory symptoms. The analysis delivered a strong mean effect size, suggesting that elderberry could be a valuable alternative to commonly used over-the-counter medications, antibiotics, and antiviral drugs, especially given the growing concerns about their safety and efficacy.

As we delve into these results, it’s clear that elderberry presents a safer, more effective option for those dealing with the common cold and flu-like symptoms. This could help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and provide a more natural route for relief during viral infections.
Read More
8
Zinc’s effects on colds
Zinc for prevention and treatment of the common cold: Summary of a Cochrane review.
High relevance to cold treatment
We explored how zinc might help in treating and preventing the common cold. The study focused on zinc's effects, isolating it from other treatments to understand its true impact on cold symptoms. By doing this, the researchers aimed to clarify whether zinc could genuinely shorten the duration of a cold or alleviate its symptoms.

The findings were intriguing but showed that zinc might not yield significant benefits for everyone. While some individuals reported a slight reduction in cold symptoms, the evidence did not strongly support zinc as an effective treatment overall.

This means that, for those seeking relief from a nasty cold, zinc alone might not be the go-to solution we hoped it would be. It’s essential to consider this information when deciding on a cold treatment plan and to approach zinc with realistic expectations.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

10
Cold symptoms gone
It knocked my cold/flu-like symptoms out in three days. This outstanding immune-boosting syrup is my go-to since last winter, when I felt a cold coming on. I experienced mild joint aches, coughing, sneezing, and a low-grade fever. I started taking Sambucol right away and, three days later, all symptoms vanished. The cold/flu never developed further, and I was sold! If I could suggest anything, it would be to make it less sweet. I highly recommend Sambucol and will purchase it again.
Read More
9.5
Effective cold treatment
The original product is the best, and this proves it. I take a tablespoon three times daily at the first sign of a cold. Since I started using this, I can't recall the last time a cold developed seriously. I believe it works, so I keep a bottle in my medicine cabinet. It’s somewhat pricey, but it’s the original formula. Have a bottle ready before you sense a cold coming on, and you’ll see the benefits.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 10 Researches
7.8
9
Vitamin C improves cold tolerance
Application of Exogenous Ascorbic Acid Enhances Cold Tolerance in Tomato Seedlings through Molecular and Physiological Responses.
Directly addresses 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
9
Zinc enhances rice cold resistance
Effects of different cold-resistant agents and application methods on yield and cold-resistance of machine-transplanted early rice.
Study highlights zinc's effectiveness
We explored the impact of zinc-amino acids chelate on cold stress resistance in machine-transplanted early rice. Our investigation included other cold-resistant agents like uniconazole and abscisic acid, but we found zinc to be particularly effective. When applied during the regreening stage, zinc notably enhanced rice growth by promoting tillering and increasing the leaf area, which led to better yields.

We noted that zinc-amino acids chelate improved antioxidant enzyme activities, which are crucial for helping rice withstand cold temperatures. The yield of rice treated with zinc was approximately 9.22% higher than with uniconazole and 7.14% higher than with abscisic acid.

Additionally, we observed that using 750 g/ha of zinc-amino acids chelate during the transplanting and regreening stages yielded the best results. The timing of the application played a critical role, as spraying during these specific phases maximized both yield and cold resistance.

Overall, zinc treatments stand out as a promising option for improving cold stress resilience in early rice, making it a key consideration for farmers dealing with cold climate conditions.
Read More
9
Elderberry aids cold symptom relief
Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials.
Highly relevant to cold treatments
We explored the potential of black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) as a natural remedy for upper respiratory symptoms, particularly those associated with colds and flu. In our analysis of the available research, which included 180 participants across various studies, we focused on how elderberry supplementation could provide relief while assessing factors like vaccination status and the underlying causes of these symptoms.

Our findings were promising—elderberry supplementation significantly reduced upper respiratory symptoms. The analysis delivered a strong mean effect size, suggesting that elderberry could be a valuable alternative to commonly used over-the-counter medications, antibiotics, and antiviral drugs, especially given the growing concerns about their safety and efficacy.

As we delve into these results, it’s clear that elderberry presents a safer, more effective option for those dealing with the common cold and flu-like symptoms. This could help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and provide a more natural route for relief during viral infections.
Read More
8
Zinc mouthwash reduces cold symptoms
Efficacy of regular gargling with a cetylpyridinium chloride plus zinc containing mouthwash can reduce upper respiratory symptoms.
Focus on combined treatment effects
We explored the impact of regular gargling with an antimicrobial mouthwash that contains both cetylpyridinium chloride and zinc on upper respiratory symptoms. A total of 150 participants were split into two groups; one group just brushed their teeth, while the other group brushed and gargled with the mouthwash twice a day over three months.

Our findings revealed that those using the mouthwash experienced a 21.5% reduction in the frequency and an 11% decrease in the severity of respiratory symptoms. This strongly suggests that incorporating zinc, alongside cetylpyridinium chloride, can provide benefits for those suffering from cold-related symptoms.

However, it’s important to note that this study’s design involved multiple components, and we can’t isolate zinc’s effectiveness from the impact of the other ingredients. Still, the results encourage us to view mouthwash with these ingredients as a helpful addition to our daily hygiene routines, especially during cold and flu season.

Ultimately, this research indicates that gargling with a mouthwash containing zinc and cetylpyridinium chloride can indeed help alleviate some unpleasant cold symptoms, but we should be mindful of the combination's effects when interpreting these outcomes.
Read More
8
Zinc’s effects on colds
Zinc for prevention and treatment of the common cold: Summary of a Cochrane review.
High relevance to cold treatment
We explored how zinc might help in treating and preventing the common cold. The study focused on zinc's effects, isolating it from other treatments to understand its true impact on cold symptoms. By doing this, the researchers aimed to clarify whether zinc could genuinely shorten the duration of a cold or alleviate its symptoms.

The findings were intriguing but showed that zinc might not yield significant benefits for everyone. While some individuals reported a slight reduction in cold symptoms, the evidence did not strongly support zinc as an effective treatment overall.

This means that, for those seeking relief from a nasty cold, zinc alone might not be the go-to solution we hoped it would be. It’s essential to consider this information when deciding on a cold treatment plan and to approach zinc with realistic expectations.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 2 Reviews
8.7
10
Cold symptoms gone
It knocked my cold/flu-like symptoms out in three days. This outstanding immune-boosting syrup is my go-to since last winter, when I felt a cold coming on. I experienced mild joint aches, coughing, sneezing, and a low-grade fever. I started taking Sambucol right away and, three days later, all symptoms vanished. The cold/flu never developed further, and I was sold! If I could suggest anything, it would be to make it less sweet. I highly recommend Sambucol and will purchase it again.
Read More
9.5
Effective cold treatment
The original product is the best, and this proves it. I take a tablespoon three times daily at the first sign of a cold. Since I started using this, I can't recall the last time a cold developed seriously. I believe it works, so I keep a bottle in my medicine cabinet. It’s somewhat pricey, but it’s the original formula. Have a bottle ready before you sense a cold coming on, and you’ll see the benefits.
Read More
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