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Elderberry: Uses and Side Effects

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Elderberry is native to the warmer parts of Europe, North America, Asia, and Northern Africa and is used to treat flu and colds.

Written by

Dr. Parul Anand

Medically reviewed by

Neha Suryawanshi

Published At October 5, 2022
Reviewed AtJanuary 19, 2024

Introduction:

Elderberry belongs to the tree known as Sambucus. The most common tree of the family Sambucus is the European elder (Sambucus nigra). The edible parts of the tree are flowers along with berries. The berries must be cooked because they are highly sour. The blooms can be eaten raw or cooked and smell lightly like a muscat (grape). The berries are dietary supplements for colds, flu, and other upper respiratory tract infections. The other uses of elderberry have yet to be studied on a large scale, but some evidence still supports using these berries in managing COVID-19. The article reviews the benefits, side effects, and other research to consider elderberry as a nutritional supplement.

What Is the Nutritional Composition of Elderberries?

One cup of elderberries contains the following nutrients:

  • 116 grams of water.

  • 1 gram of protein.

  • 0.7 grams of fat.

  • 27 grams of carbohydrates.

  • 10 grams of fiber.

  • 55 grams of calcium.

  • 2 grams of iron.

  • 7.3 grams of magnesium.

  • 52 grams of vitamin C.

  • 44 grams of vitamin A.

  • 406 grams of potassium.

What Are the Uses of Elderberry?

The elderberry supplements are used to treat the following conditions :

  • Colds and the Flu: Elderberries are used in managing colds and flu due to their immunity-boosting properties. These have also been used in treating COVID-19 patients. Elderberry concentrates and flower preparations can help lessen the intensity and duration of influenza. Elderberry extract is available in various commercial formats, such as beverages, candies, lozenges, and capsules, to treat colds.

  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: It is characterized by extreme fatigue caused due to an underlying medical condition. The symptoms include:

    • Fatigue.

    • Headaches.

    • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits.

    • Joint pain.

    • Dizziness.

    • Unrefreshing sleep.

    • Sore throat.

    • Memory or concentration issues.

These symptoms are checked to rule out chronic fatigue syndrome, and its management involves focusing on treating the symptoms only, as the syndrome cannot be cured. The role of elderberries is seen in treating symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and headaches, along with therapies like counseling to manage depression.

  • Constipation: It occurs when bowel movements become less frequent, like less than three movements per week. In this condition, there can be difficulty in passing stools. Elderberries help treat constipation as these are rich sources of fiber. Fiber thus helps in easing bowel movements.

  • Hay Fever: It is also called allergic rhinitis. The symptoms are the same: cold, sneezing, congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, and sinus pressure. As there is no other method to prevent hay fever, elderberries are used to improve immunity.

  • Upper Respiratory Infections: The throat and sinuses are the major organs affected in upper respiratory tract infections. These infections cause-

  • Common cold.

  • Laryngitis (inflammation of the voice box).

  • Pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx, located behind the throat).

  • Sinusitis (inflammation of the sinus).

These infections can be treated medically and nutritional supplements that boost immunity, like elderberries (that contain vitamin C).

Other uses of elderberries include:

  • Relief in headaches.

  • Treating toothaches.

  • Lowers the risk of cancer. Some studies have found that elderberries have properties that prevent cancer.

  • Declines the process of inflammation.

  • Reduction in cholesterol levels. Elderberry juice has been linked in studies to lower blood fat and cholesterol levels. Furthermore, it has been discovered that a diet rich in flavonoids, such as anthocyanins, lowers the likelihood of developing heart disease.

  • Tackles risky microbes. Elderberry may lessen sinusitis and bronchitis symptoms and has been shown to decrease the growth of bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori.

  • It might aid in immune system support. Elderberry polyphenols have been shown to boost white blood cell counts in rats, which supports immunological defense.

  • Elderberries could provide UV (ultraviolet) radiation protection.

  • Prevents chronic diseases. Antioxidants are abundant in the elderberry plant's fruits, leaves, and flowers. For instance, one of the berries' anthocyanins contains more antioxidant capacity than vitamin E.

What Is the Taste of Elderberries?

The elderberries have a tart flavor, somewhat earthy. As they do not have a sweet taste, these go well with sweeter fruits such as:

  • Peaches.

  • Plums.

  • Figs.

These pair well with citrus fruits also:

  • Lemons.

  • Oranges.

In What Forms Can Elderberries Be Taken?

There are various forms of elderberries:

  • Syrups.

  • Gummies.

  • Elderberry tea.

  • Lozenges.

  • Capsules.

  • Liquid herbal supplements.

  • Elderberry jellies.

How To Take Elderberries?

  • Elderberry should be taken as prescribed or labeled. It should not be used in larger or smaller amounts or for a more extended period.

  • The different forms of elderberry, like pills, liquid, and other supplements, must not be taken at the same time as it can be a reason to cause an overdose.

  • It can be mixed with fruit juice, yogurt, water, or a smoothie.

What Are the Risks Associated With Elderberries?

While opinions on the usefulness of elderberry differ, most medical professionals agree that small amounts of it are safe to consume. However, the plant's unripe or raw berries or blooms might induce unpleasant feelings, nausea, and diarrhea. More toxicity may result from larger doses.

Additional considerations:

  • Women should avoid taking it if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • The elder tree's branches, twigs, leaves, roots, and seeds, among other parts, are poisonous. They possess glycosides, a particular class of cyanogen.

  • Individuals with weakened immune systems may react to elderberries.

  • Individuals may be allergic to it if they have breathing difficulties or develop a rash after consuming any.

  • As it is a diuretic, use caution while using it with medications that increase urination.

What Is the Role of Elderberry in Treating COVID-19?

Several people used to rely on elderberry supplements to relieve the effects of the following conditions-

  • Cancer.

  • Depression.

  • HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

  • COVID-19.

However, no research or evidence data proves the efficacy of elderberries in treating or curing the COVID-19 disease. Many companies in the market advertise their products containing elderberries, claiming that these berries help treat COVID-19. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has taken action against these companies for delivering uninformed claims to the standard population.

What Do the Latest Studies Claim?

  • Michael Macknin conducted a study to justify the role of elderberries in treating influenza B. There are two forms of influenza - A and B.

    • Influenza A is the most common form of influenza caused by birds and other animals and is responsible for destructive pandemics.

    • Influenza B is less common, occurs due to human infection, and is not responsible for pandemic creation.

The study was conducted on 87 patients above five years old and those who tested positive for influenza or the flu. These patients showed the following symptoms-

  • Body aches.

  • Chills.

  • Cough.

  • Fatigue.

  • Headaches.

  • Sore throat.

  • Nasal congestion.

These patients were given elderberry supplements, a placebo effect (a dummy treatment), and an antiviral drug, Oseltamivir, for five days. The patients between the ages of 5 to 12 years were given 15 ml of elderberry extract via oral route or placebo effect, and those above 12 years were given 15 ml of elderberry extract four times a day. All these patients were treated for five days. No difference was seen in the severity or duration of flu symptoms of the patients given elderberry and the placebo effect.

Conclusion

The elderberry supplementation is effective in patients suffering from the cold or flu but not up to a greater extent as these boost immunity. No evidence supports the claim that elderberries are proven effective against COVID-19 and cancer cases. Elderberries provide adjuvant help in treating cases of depression, chronic sleep syndrome, upper respiratory tract infections, hay fever, constipation, etc. Studies are being conducted to rule out the efficacy of elderberry supplements as nutritional components in treating various medical conditions like diabetes mellitus, cancer, inflammation, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

What Are the Uses of Elderberry?

Elderberry is used in the following conditions:
 - Kidney problems.
 - Constipation.
 - Hay fever.
 - Headaches.
 - Upper respiratory infections.
 - Muscle and joint pain.
 - Stress.
 - Lowers the risk of cancer.
 - Epilepsy.

2.

Who Should Not Consume Elderberries?

Elderberry should not be given to children below the age of five years to treat colds and other flu-like symptoms. Also, unripe and uncooked elderberries are unsafe for consumption and should not be given to children. Since there is no evidence available for who should consume elderberries, precautions must be followed, and consult the doctor for advice.

3.

What Happens if One Takes Elderberries Every Day?

Elderberry products are considered safe to consume daily if they do not consume cyanide. In addition to this, elderberries should be consumed every day in the recommended amounts or dosage only to avoid the side effects of overconsumption. However, no specific standard dose is recommended for elderberry consumption.

4.

What Are the Disadvantages of Taking Elderberries?

Elderberry cannot be consumed uncooked or unripe as it can be toxic for a person and may cause the following side effects:
 - Vomiting.
 - Severe diarrhea.
 - Nausea.

5.

Does Elderberry Have Any Side Effects?

The side effects of elderberry include:
 - It causes stomach cramps.
 - Vomiting.
 - Severe diarrhea.
 - Dyspnea and hives.
 - Runny nose.
 - Numbness.
 - Weakness and dizziness.
 - A continuous state of confusion.

6.

Is Elderberry Good for Sleep?

Elderberry syrups help a person to have a restful sleep and provide relaxing and calming effects to the body. Also, elderberries can reduce stress levels by lowering oxidative stress in the central nervous system and treating depression. Therefore, elderberries can induce good sleep in a person.

7.

When Should One Take Elderberries? In the Morning or at Night?

There is no fixed time to take elderberries, but a person should take it regularly for more effective results. A person can decide the time (morning, afternoon, and evening) for taking elderberries regularly. It is advisable to take berries for a short period to keep the immune system healthy and then stop for some time before restarting.

8.

Does Elderberry Give Us Energy?

Elderberries are a rich source of vitamin C and help to keep a person healthy. Also, vitamin C is essential to keep a person's energy levels high and even regain the body's energy. In addition, elderberries contain various antioxidants and other vitamins that boost a person's immune system.

9.

How Many Elderberries Should One Take in a Day?

To keep the immune system active, a person should consume 150 to 300 milligrams of elderberries daily. However, there is no recommended standard dose for elderberries, but one tablespoon of syrup is advised four times a day, and elderberry gummies can be taken two to four per day.

10.

Can Elderberry Affect Thyroid?

Elderberry is contraindicated in people with thyroid problems, such as Hashimoto's, an auto-immune thyroid gland disease. This is because elderberries can boost the immune system and cause more harm to the thyroid gland by stimulating the immune cells. Therefore, people suffering from thyroid problems should avoid food that induces the body's immune system.

11.

Does Elderberry Help If a Person Is Sick?

If a person is sick, elderberries can reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms such as flu and cold. In addition, since elderberry is an excellent antioxidant, it can help a person gain the body's natural immunity against infections. Therefore, elderberries help a person if they are sick.

12.

Do Elderberries Help Us To Lose Weight?

Elderberries contain less fat and can be added to the diet if a person plans to lose weight. Besides having various health benefits, elderberries also positively affect a person's eating habits and lifestyle. For example, elderberries can lower blood sugar levels, control cholesterol levels in the body, and help in weight loss.

13.

Is Elderberry a Natural Antibiotic?

Liquid extracts of elderberry are found to have antimicrobial properties and are effective against certain gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

14.

Which Is Better, Elderberry Syrup or Capsules?

Elderberry syrup is better than a capsule because it gets quickly absorbed by the body, whereas capsules and other elderberries take longer to get digested. Also, elderberry syrups start getting digested from the mouth membrane and can treat flu symptoms if taken within 48 hours of the initial first symptom.
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Neha Suryawanshi
Neha Suryawanshi

Nutritionist

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