Research
Elderberry
20 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.
Studies
Sorted by quality and recency
Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review.
Systematic review of elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses. Elderberry may reduce the duration and severity of colds and influenza, but evidence is uncertain. No evidence found linking elderberry to clinical inflammatory outcomes, though it may affect inflammatory markers. Compared to oseltamivir, elderberry may have a lower risk of influenza complications.
Elderberry Extract Outpatient Influenza Treatment for Emergency Room Patients Ages 5 and Above: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
RCT of 87 patients comparing elderberry extract to placebo for influenza treatment. No significant difference in influenza duration or severity was found between the elderberry and placebo groups. Post hoc analysis suggested elderberry alone may be less effective than placebo alone.
Effects of a Combination of Elderberry and Reishi Extracts on the Duration and Severity of Respiratory Tract Infections in Elderly Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Trial
RCT of 60 elderly nursing home residents comparing a combination of elderberry and reishi extracts to placebo over 14 weeks. The extract group had a significantly lower duration of common cold events and a lower probability of high severity influenza-like illness. Incidence of sleep disturbances was also significantly lower in the extract group.
Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials.
Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating black elderberry supplementation for upper respiratory symptoms. Elderberry was found to substantially reduce symptoms, presenting a potential alternative to antibiotics and prescription drugs for viral infections like the common cold and influenza.
Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.
This randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial investigated the effects of standardized elderberry extract on cold duration and symptoms in 312 air travelers. The placebo group had a significantly longer duration of cold episodes and higher symptom scores, suggesting elderberry supplementation reduces cold duration and severity.
An evidence-based systematic review of elderberry and elderflower (Sambucus nigra) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.
Systematic review of elderberry and elderflower (Sambucus nigra) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration, consolidating safety and efficacy data from clinical trials and expert opinions. Includes analysis of pharmacology, interactions, adverse effects, and dosing.
A systematic review on the sambuci fructus effect and efficacy profiles.
Systematic review of elderberry fruit's pharmacological and clinical effects. Elderberry may provide antioxidant, antiviral, and antiproliferative effects in vitro. Animal and clinical studies suggest potential benefits for viral influenza infections, antioxidative impact, and gut health, but more rigorous studies are needed.
One-Week Elderberry Juice Intervention Promotes Metabolic Flexibility in the Transcriptome of Overweight Adults During a Meal Challenge.
RCT examining the effects of elderberry juice on metabolic flexibility in overweight adults. RNA sequencing revealed that elderberry juice consumption led to significant changes in gene expression related to metabolic pathways, suggesting improved metabolic flexibility.
A One-Week Elderberry Juice Intervention Augments the Fecal Microbiota and Suggests Improvement in Glucose Tolerance and Fat Oxidation in a Randomized Controlled Trial.
RCT of elderberry juice intervention in overweight or obese adults. The study found that elderberry juice significantly increased beneficial gut microbiota, reduced blood glucose following meal tolerance testing, and increased fat oxidation during moderate physical activity.
One-Week Elderberry Juice Treatment Increases Carbohydrate Oxidation after a Meal Tolerance Test and Is Well Tolerated in Adults: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.
This randomized controlled pilot study investigated the effects of 100% elderberry juice on carbohydrate oxidation and insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese adults. The study found that elderberry juice increased carbohydrate oxidation during a meal tolerance test compared to placebo, but there was no difference in insulin sensitivity or serum glucose response.
Use of Nutraceuticals in Elderly to Fight Inflammation and Immuno-Senescence: A Randomized Case-Control Study.
Case-control study evaluating a supplement containing Sambucus nigra, zinc, tyndallized Lactobacillus acidophilus, arabinogalactans, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin C in elderly patients. The supplement improved IL-6, CRP, and lymphocyte levels, with most patients reporting feeling better. The study suggests the supplement may reduce inflammation and modulate immune senescence in patients over 60.
Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections.
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 60 patients with influenza-like symptoms comparing elderberry syrup to placebo. Elderberry extract relieved symptoms on average 4 days earlier and reduced the use of rescue medication compared to placebo, suggesting it is an efficient, safe, and cost-effective treatment for influenza.
Revitalizing the hair ends: Formulation and evaluation of the elderflower (Sambucus nigra) hair mask for enhanced hair health
The study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of an elderflower (Sambucus nigra) hair mask designed to nourish and rejuvenate hair ends. The mask includes ingredients like lemon and cedar hydrosols, BTMS, broccoli oil, elderflower powder, grapefruit essential oil, and laurel essential oil. The product aims to condition hair effectively by aligning with the natural pH of healthy hair.
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) as potential source of antioxidants. Characterization, optimization of extraction parameters and bioactive properties.
The study characterized the nutritional value and potential use of elderberries as a source of antioxidant compounds. It determined the chemical composition, fatty acids, and phenolic compounds of elderberries and optimized extraction parameters using a Box-Behnken design. Elderberries were found to be rich in total soluble solids, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids.
Randomized clinical trial of a phytotherapic compound containing Pimpinella anisum, Foeniculum vulgare, Sambucus nigra, and Cassia augustifolia for chronic constipation.
This randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled, single-blinded trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of a phytotherapic compound containing Pimpinella anisum, Foeniculum vulgare, Sambucus nigra, and Cassia augustifolia in 20 patients with chronic constipation. The compound significantly reduced colonic transit time and increased the number of evacuations per day compared to placebo, indicating laxative efficacy. No significant adverse effects were observed, except for a small reduction in serum potassium levels.
Absorption and excretion of elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) anthocyanins in healthy humans.
Pharmacokinetic study of elderberry extract anthocyanins in six healthy volunteers. Participants received a single oral dose of either 30 ml or 200 ml of elderberry extract. The study measured absorption and excretion, finding low bioavailability of anthocyanins with dose-proportional characteristics in plasma and urine.
Effects of elderberry juice on fasting and postprandial serum lipids and low-density lipoprotein oxidation in healthy volunteers: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Randomized, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of elderberry juice on cholesterol, triglyceride concentrations, and antioxidant status in 34 young volunteers. The study found only minor, statistically non-significant changes in serum lipids and LDL oxidation resistance with elderberry juice supplementation.
Inhibition of several strains of influenza virus in vitro and reduction of symptoms by an elderberry extract (Sambucus nigra L.) during an outbreak of influenza B Panama.
A standardized elderberry extract, Sambucol, was tested in vitro and in a placebo-controlled, double-blind study during an influenza B outbreak. The extract inhibited replication of various influenza strains in vitro and significantly improved symptoms in 93.3% of the treated group within 2 days, compared to 91.7% improvement in the control group within 6 days.
The effects of Sambucus nigra berry on acute respiratory viral infections: A rapid review of clinical studies
This rapid review of five clinical studies involving 936 adults suggests that mono-herbal preparations of Sambucus nigra berry may reduce the duration and severity of common cold and influenza symptoms when taken within 48 hours of onset. The review highlights the need for further research on its effects on COVID-19, and notes that adverse events were rare.
Advanced research on the antioxidant and health benefit of elderberry (Sambucus nigra) in food – a review
Narrative review of elderberry (Sambucus nigra) highlighting its high biological activity components, primarily polyphenols, and its potential health benefits. Elderberry is associated with antioxidant properties, beneficial effects on blood pressure, glycaemia reduction, immune system stimulation, antitumour potential, and reduction of uric acid levels.