Elderberry Benefits

How does elderberry extract fight viruses?

Below are summaries of 2 referenced studies discussing the effectiveness of using elderberry extract against the influenza virus.

The standardized extract (Sambucol) was also tested in two double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials. The first consisted of individuals with confirmed influenza B experiencing flu symptoms. Patients were randomized to receive either Sambucol or placebo (a liquid of the same color and texture as the Sambucol) daily for three days. A significant improvement in symptoms, including fever was experienced by 93.3% of the Elderberry treated group within two days. In contrast, 91.7% of the placebo group showed a similar improvement only after day six. Complete cure was achieved within two to three days in approximately 90% of the Elderberry-treated group, and within six days in the placebo group. Higher levels of influenza antibodies were detected in patients receiving Elderberry than those receiving the placebo, suggesting an enhanced immune activity.

~Zakay-Rones Z, Varsano N, Zlotnik M. 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; 1:361–369.

A second clinical trial (conducted by scientists from the University of Oslo) with 60 adults also demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the standardized Elderberry syrup in the treatment of influenza and its symptoms. Patients with either influenza type A or type B were given 15 mL of Sambucol or a placebo four times per day. Treatment was initiated within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms and continued for five days. The global evaluation scores (symptoms and overall wellness scores combined) for the Elderberry-treated group showed a pronounced improvement after a mean of 3.1 days as compared to 7.1 days for the placebo group. A larger number of patients in the control group resorted to a “rescue medication” such as paracetamol as compared to the treatment group. Both studies concluded that patients exhibiting flu symptoms and treated with Elderberry standardized extract recovered significantly faster than patients in the control group. As the authors note in their report, these findings need to be confirmed in a larger study.

~Zakay-Rones Z, Thom E, Wollan T, etal.Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections. J Int Med Res 2004; 32:132–140.