European Elder (Sambucus Nigra) Fruit Extract
Also known as: European elder, black elderberry, elderberry fruit extract, Sambucus nigra L.
Overview
Sambucus nigra fruit extract, derived from the berries of the European elder tree, is a botanical supplement traditionally used for medicinal purposes. It is primarily utilized to alleviate symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), including common colds and influenza, and is increasingly studied for its antiviral and immunomodulatory effects. The extract is rich in phenolic compounds, particularly anthocyanins, flavonoids, and other polyphenols, which are responsible for its bioactivity. Research on elderberry extract is moderately mature, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and at least one meta-analysis supporting its efficacy in respiratory symptom relief. While evidence quality is generally good for URTI symptom reduction, it remains limited for other indications such as obesity or as a treatment for COVID-19.
Benefits
The primary benefit of elderberry extract is its ability to significantly reduce the duration and severity of upper respiratory symptoms, including those caused by influenza and common cold viruses. A 2019 meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (n=180) demonstrated a statistically significant reduction (p<0.05) with a large effect size. This benefit is most evident in otherwise healthy adults experiencing viral URTIs, with symptom improvement typically observed within days of supplementation during acute infection episodes. Secondary benefits include antiviral activity, where it inhibits viral replication and entry, and immunomodulatory effects, potentially stimulating immune responses and modulating inflammatory cytokines. Preliminary animal studies suggest potential anti-obesity effects via modulation of metabolic markers, but human data are currently lacking and inconclusive.
How it works
Elderberry extract exerts its effects primarily through its rich content of bioactive anthocyanins and flavonoids. These compounds exhibit antiviral properties by directly inhibiting viral replication and preventing viral entry into host cells. Additionally, the extract modulates immune function by enhancing the production of key cytokines, such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α, and stimulating the activity of various immune cells. This immune modulation is believed to accelerate viral clearance from the body. The active phenolic compounds are absorbed orally, allowing them to exert systemic effects. While effective, there are theoretical concerns about potential immune overstimulation, particularly in severe viral infections like COVID-19, though current evidence is insufficient to confirm this risk.
Side effects
European elderberry fruit extract is generally well tolerated and possesses a good safety profile, particularly in short-term use for upper respiratory tract infections. Common side effects are rare and typically mild, primarily involving gastrointestinal discomfort. No significant drug interactions or contraindications have been firmly established in clinical research. However, caution is advised for individuals with autoimmune conditions or those experiencing severe viral infections due to theoretical risks of immune overstimulation, although current evidence does not confirm this risk. No significant adverse events were reported in the randomized controlled trials included in a prominent meta-analysis. It is important to note that raw or unripe elderberries, as well as other parts of the plant (leaves, stems, bark), contain cyanogenic glycosides and should not be consumed, as they can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Dosage
Effective dosages of standardized elderberry extract in clinical trials typically range from 300 mg to 1,000 mg daily, often divided into multiple doses during acute illness. The optimal dosage can vary depending on the extract's standardization, particularly its anthocyanin content. Supplements are commonly available as syrups, capsules, or tablets and are administered orally. There is no established maximum safe dose, but clinical studies have not reported toxicity at the doses investigated. For best efficacy, it is recommended to initiate supplementation at the onset of symptoms. While short-term use during illness is considered safe, long-term safety data are limited, and daily use beyond acute illness is not well-supported by current research.
FAQs
Is elderberry safe for daily use?
Short-term use during acute illness is generally safe. However, long-term safety data for daily, continuous use are limited, and it's primarily recommended for acute symptom relief.
Can elderberry prevent colds or flu?
Some evidence suggests it may offer preventive immune support, but its primary and most robust benefit is reducing the severity and duration of symptoms once an infection has begun.
Does elderberry interact with medications?
No major drug interactions have been widely reported. However, caution is prudent if you are taking immunosuppressant medications due to elderberry's immune-modulating effects.
Will elderberry cause a cytokine storm?
Current evidence does not confirm that elderberry causes a 'cytokine storm.' While it modulates immune responses, caution is still advised in severe viral infections until more research is available.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30670267/ – This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (n=180) found that elderberry supplementation significantly reduced the duration and severity of upper respiratory symptoms, including those from influenza and common cold viruses. The study reported a large effect size and statistical significance (p<0.05), supporting elderberry's efficacy in acute respiratory illness.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9744084/ – This narrative review discusses elderberry's antiviral and immunomodulatory effects, including its potential benefits and risks, particularly concerning COVID-19. It concludes that elderberry is effective for the prevention and initial treatment of viral infections but emphasizes the need for more research on its safety in severe infections.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09540105.2021.1978941 – This study investigated the immunomodulatory and antiviral effects of a high-quality anthocyanin-enriched elderberry extract. It demonstrated stimulation of immune markers and antiviral activity both in vitro and in vivo, providing insights into the mechanisms behind elderberry's therapeutic actions.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1410854/full – This animal study explored the anti-obesity effects of Sambucus nigra extracts in obesity-induced rats. It found that the extract modulated various metabolic markers, suggesting a potential role in metabolic health, though human clinical trials are still needed to confirm these findings.
- https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-food-072023-034423 – This comprehensive study compared the bioactive compounds across different Sambucus nigra subspecies, focusing on their phenolic profiles. While not a clinical efficacy study, it is crucial for understanding the variability in bioactive components among different elderberry extracts and their potential impact on biological activity.
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