herb
Elderberry: Safety, Raw Berries and What Studies Show
Also known as black elderberry, Sambucus nigra, European elder, elderberry syrup, elderberry gummies
Short answer
Elderberry is the dark purple berry of the European or black elder tree (Sambucus nigra), promoted as a supplement for colds and flu [1]. NIH's NCCIH says only a small number of studies exist [1]. Raw or unripe berries, leaves and stems contain cyanide-producing substances; cooking removes the toxin [1]. Little is known about safety in pregnancy [1].
Last reviewed · 2 sources
What is Elderberry?
Elderberry is the fruit of the European or black elder tree, which grows in Europe, North America, Western Asia and North Africa [1]. It has been used in folk medicine for colds and flu [1]. A small number of studies have looked at colds, flu and other upper respiratory infections; NCCIH calls the research preliminary and says there is not enough information on other uses [1].
Forms of Elderberry you'll see on labels
How Elderberry appears on a label
Elderberry has no FDA Daily Value, so it is listed by weight with "Daily Value not established" [2]. Botanical ingredients must name the part of the plant used, such as the berry or fruit [2]. In a proprietary blend, only the total weight of the blend must be shown [2]. NCCIH notes supplements are not approved by FDA before sale [1].
When to take Elderberry
No source we checked names a best time of day, a usual amount, or whether to take elderberry with food.
What to keep apart from Elderberry
Any prescription or over-the-counter medicine
NCCIH says to talk with your health care provider before using elderberry if you take any medicine, because some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways [1]. Ask your pharmacist.
Foods that contain Elderberry
- Cooked elderberries (not raw or unripe)
Who should ask a doctor or pharmacist first
Talk to a doctor or pharmacist first if you take any medicine, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, since little is known about elderberry's safety then [1]. Do not rely on elderberry to prevent or treat COVID-19 [1].
Keep Elderberry in a routine that fits
Supin schedules what you take by time of day, reminds you, and tells you when a bottle runs low.
Elderberry: questions people ask
Yes. Raw or unripe elderberries and other parts of the tree can cause nausea, vomiting and severe diarrhea; cooking eliminates the toxin [1].
Only a small number of studies have been done; NCCIH calls the research preliminary [1].
Little is known about whether it is safe then [1]. Ask your doctor first.
NCCIH says some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways, so talk with your provider before using elderberry if you take any medicine [1].
NCCIH does not give a daily amount or a safe length of use, and little research has been done on uses beyond colds and flu [1]. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
No. Dietary supplements are not approved by FDA before they are sold; makers are responsible for their safety and labeling [1].
Sources
- Elderberry: Usefulness and Safety — NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
- 21 CFR 101.36 – Nutrition labeling of dietary supplements — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (Electronic Code of Federal Regulations)
Educational information, not medical advice. The amounts above are official reference values, not a recommendation for you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing supplements, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or have a health condition. Supin sells a subscription, not supplements. Last reviewed .