Elderberry and COVID-19: What Science Really Tells Us
Examining the evidence on elderberry’s effects, safety, and myths in relation to COVID-19, flu, and overall immune support.
As the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped global health behaviors, many people turned to natural remedies and supplements looking for potential relief and protection. Elderberry, long touted for its immune system benefits and use in cold and flu season, quickly became one of the most popular alternatives. Yet, what does science actually say about elderberry’s effectiveness and safety regarding COVID-19, and are the claims justified?
Quick Facts About Elderberry and COVID-19
- There is currently no scientific evidence that elderberry treats or prevents COVID-19.
- Elderberry may offer modest relief for colds and flu.
- Potential risks involve gastrointestinal side effects and theoretical immune overstimulation.
- Expert agencies do not recommend elderberry for COVID-19 or to replace vaccines and medical treatments.
What Is Elderberry?
Elderberry is a dark purple fruit, indigenous to Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and North America. Most supplements are derived from the black elder tree (Sambucus nigra), whose berries and flowers have a long history in traditional herbal medicine. The raw fruit and some parts of the plant can be toxic, causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, so elderberry is only consumed after processing – most often as syrups, gummies, or capsules.
| Form | Typical Uses | Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Syrup | Cold and flu symptom relief | Potential GI upset |
| Gummies | Immune system support | Sugar content, dosage |
| Capsules | Dietary supplement | Possible allergies |
Elderberry is rich in antioxidants, including anthocyanins, which may help reduce inflammation and modulate immune responses.
Can Elderberry Help If You Have COVID-19?
The key question most ask since 2020: Does elderberry help fight or protect against COVID-19? The science is clear:
- There are no proven benefits of elderberry for preventing or treating COVID-19 at this time.
- The virus (SARS-CoV-2) is new, and no high-quality research exists for elderberry against COVID-19.
- The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) do not recommend elderberry for COVID-19.
Authorities stress that no supplement (including elderberry) should be used as a substitute for vaccination or proven medical interventions. COVID-19 remains best prevented and treated through vaccination, masking, hygiene, and evidence-based medical care.
What others are reading
Does Elderberry Really Fight Viruses?
Elderberry is well-studied for its effects against common viral infections:
- Cold and Flu Relief: Elderberry has demonstrated some ability to shorten duration and reduce symptoms of upper respiratory infections and influenza.
- Antiviral Actions: Its anthocyanins and other compounds can attach to viral glycoproteins, blocking viral entry into cells in laboratory settings (in vitro).
- Some clinical studies found elderberry extracts improved symptoms such as fever in a majority of flu-sufferers faster compared to placebo.
- A meta-analysis in 2019 concluded elderberry may help treat flu and cold symptoms and shorten duration, though not necessarily prevent infection.
Important limitation: Most research is done on colds and flu, not COVID-19. Laboratory (in vitro) results may not translate to human disease, and the available clinical studies focus on influenza and common cold, not coronaviruses.
Summary Table: Elderberry’s Effects on Viral Illness
| Condition | What Elderberry May Do | Evidence Strength | Applies to COVID-19? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flu (Influenza) | May shorten duration, reduce symptoms | Moderate | No direct evidence |
| Common Cold | May reduce symptom severity | Low-Moderate | No direct evidence |
| COVID-19 | No proven effect | None | No |
How Elderberry Affects the Immune System
Elderberry’s claimed immune benefits stem from its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. Anthocyanins, the plant pigments, help manage inflammation—an important aspect in fighting viruses. Clinical trials have seen a reduction in upper respiratory symptoms and sometimes faster recoveries from colds and flu.
The potential mechanism involves:
- Modulating inflammatory cytokines (chemical messengers in immune responses).
- Blocking viral entry into host cells (at least in laboratory studies).
- Supporting general immune function via antioxidant effects.
However, the ability of elderberry to boost immunity does not translate to protection against all viruses, and particularly not against COVID-19. Research is ongoing.
Risks and Side Effects of Elderberry Supplements
Elderberry supplements are generally considered low-risk when properly manufactured and consumed as directed. However, important safety issues remain:
- Raw elderberry is toxic: Never eat uncooked berries or other parts of the elder plant—they can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and dehydration.
- Gastrointestinal side effects: Some users experience stomach upset, diarrhea, or allergic reactions.
- There is a theoretical risk that elderberry may overstimulate the immune system, increasing the risk of a cytokine storm—a dangerous immune reaction sometimes associated with severe COVID-19 cases. This concern remains unproven but is cited by some researchers.
- Product quality varies: Supplement regulation is inconsistent; always choose trusted brands.
Regulatory and Safety Caveats
- The FDA has issued warnings to companies selling unapproved elderberry products claiming to treat COVID-19.
- No elderberry product is approved to treat or cure COVID-19, and misleading marketing is illegal.
- Discuss supplement use with your healthcare provider, especially if you have chronic conditions or take immunomodulatory drugs.
What Health Authorities and Experts Say
- The NIH and NCCIH do not recommend elderberry for COVID-19 prevention or treatment due to lack of evidence.
- There are currently no vaccines, pills, or over-the-counter products able to treat or cure COVID-19 besides officially approved medications.
- Experts caution against using elderberry in place of recommended COVID-19 therapies or vaccination.
Should You Use Elderberry?
If you are considering elderberry as a supplement, weigh its potential benefits for flu and colds against the lack of evidence for COVID-19 and possible risks. Only take elderberry:
- As a supplement to general wellness, not as a cure.
- After discussing it with your doctor, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
- From reputable brands ensuring quality and safety.
- Never in place of vaccination or physician-recommended therapies for COVID-19.
Myths vs. Facts About Elderberry and COVID-19
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Elderberry can cure or prevent COVID-19. | No evidence supports elderberry as a cure or preventive for COVID-19. |
| Elderberry works just like vaccines. | Vaccines are clinically proven and elderberry is not a substitute for COVID-19 vaccines. |
| Natural means safe for everyone. | Raw elderberry is toxic and supplements carry side effect risks. |
| All elderberry supplements are effective. | Quality and efficacy vary; not all products work as claimed. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is elderberry safe to take during the pandemic?
A: When properly processed, elderberry is generally safe for most adults. However, it should not replace recommended COVID-19 treatments, and possible GI side effects can occur.
Q: Can elderberry cause a cytokine storm in COVID-19?
A: Theoretical concerns exist that elderberry could overstimulate the immune system, but there is currently no direct research confirming this risk in humans.
Q: Does elderberry have proven benefits for the flu or colds?
A: Elderberry may shorten the duration and reduce symptom severity in influenza and common colds, according to clinical data.
Q: Is elderberry recommended by the NIH or NCCIH for COVID-19?
A: No. These agencies do not recommend elderberry for COVID-19 due to lack of evidence.
Q: What is the safest way to use elderberry?
A: Only use elderberry in supplement form from trustworthy sources, avoid raw berries, and consult your physician before use—especially if you have underlying conditions or are immunocompromised.
Key Takeaways
- Elderberry is a supplement with tradition in treating cold and flu symptoms, yielding modest clinical benefits.
- No scientific evidence shows elderberry prevents or treats COVID-19.
- Possible risks include GI upset, allergic reactions, and theoretical—though unconfirmed—immune overstimulation in severe infection.
- Experts and public health agencies do not recommend elderberry as a COVID-19 remedy.
- Consult your healthcare provider before taking any new supplement, especially in the context of COVID-19.
Further Resources
- National Institutes of Health (NIH): Guidance for complementary and alternative medicine during the pandemic
- FDA: Warning letters on supplements making false COVID-19 claims
- NCCIH: Safety and effectiveness profiles for elderberry
- Peer-reviewed studies on elderberry for respiratory illness
Final Thoughts
While elderberry continues to intrigue those seeking natural ways to support immunity, reliable research and regulatory bodies refute its use for COVID-19. Focus on evidence-based practices and consult experts for safe, effective approaches to your health—particularly during a pandemic.
References
- https://www.healthline.com/health/infection/elderberry-and-covid
- https://www.politifact.com/article/2020/mar/23/does-elderberry-make-things-worse-people-exposed-c/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9744084/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/elderberry
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/elderberry
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323288
- https://sambucol.co.uk/black-elderberry-and-covid-19/
- https://fortune.com/well/article/elderberry-benefits/
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