Elderberry

Source

The Elderberry used at Mymmunity is a very potent source containing 9% anthocyanins

Botanical Details

Family: Adoxaceae.

Genus: Sambucus

Species: S. nigra

Immune support

The elderberry anthocyanidins are thought to have immunomodulating effects and possibly anti-inflammatory effects. Elderberry extract has both antiviral and immunomodulating effects. Elderberry extract also inhibits hemagglutinin activity and replication of several strains of influenza viruses A and B. In vitro, elderberry fruit extract also inhibits H1N1 "swine" flu. Elderberry flavonoids are thought to bind to H1N1 virions and prevent the virus from entering host cells. Elderberry also seems to increase production of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukins and tumor necrosis factor.

Other uses

Constipation. Drinking tea made from elderberry and other ingredients seems to increase the number of stools passed in people who are constipated.

Flu (influenza). A specific elderberry juice syrup seems to relieve flu symptoms and reduce the length of time the flu lasts when taken by mouth within 48 hours of the first symptoms. Taking elderberry lozenges within 24 hours of the first symptoms also seems to reduce flu symptoms. Relief seems to occur within 2 to 4 days of treatment for most people. Taking a product that contains elderberry juice and echinacea also seems to relieve symptoms and reduce the length of time flu lasts. It seems to work similar to the prescription drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu).

How it works

Elderberry might affect the immune system. Elderberry seems to have activity against viruses including the flu. It might also reduce inflammation.

Safety

When taken by mouth: Elderberry fruit extract is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth for up to 12 weeks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use elderberry fruit extract for more than 12 weeks. It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE to consume the leaves, stems, unripe fruit, or uncooked fruit of elderberry. The cooked elderberry fruit seems to be safe, but raw and unripe fruit might cause nausea, vomiting, or severe diarrhea.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Children: Elderberry is POSSIBLY SAFE in children 12 years of age or older when taken by mouth for up to 10 days. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe for children younger than 12 years of age to take elderberry.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if elderberry is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

"Autoimmune diseases" such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Elderberry might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it's best to avoid using elderberry.

Interactions with medications

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)

Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Talk to your health provider.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Elderberry does not seem to affect how the body breaks down these medications when taken alone. However, when taken in combination with echinacea, elderberry might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. This might increase the effects and side effects of these medications. Before taking elderberry in combination with echinacea, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver. Medications that might be affected include certain heart medications called calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, nicardipine, verapamil), cancer drugs (etoposide, paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine), fungus-fighting drugs (ketoconazole, itraconazole), glucocorticoids, alfentanil (Alfenta), cisapride (Propulsid), fentanyl (Sublimaze), lidocaine (Xylocaine), losartan (Cozaar), midazolam (Versed), and others.

Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants)

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Talk to your health provider.

Elderberry can increase the immune system. Taking elderberry along with some medications that decrease the immune system might decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the immune system.

Some medications that decrease the immune system include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.

Interactions with Herbs, Supplements, and Foods

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

There are no known interactions with foods.

References

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Zakay-Rones Z, Varsano N, Zlotnik M, et al. 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. J Altern Complement Med 1995;1:361-9.

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