ELDERBERRY: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

FAQs

What are the precautions for elderberries? ›

DO NOT use unripe or uncooked elderberries. They may be poisonous. Elderberry appears to have few side effects when used properly for short periods of time (up to 5 days). Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take elderberry.

Elderberry has no known severe, serious, or moderate interactions with other drugs. Elderberry has mild interactions with at least 28 different drugs.

People who have autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease should not use elderberry. Elderberry may boost the immune system, which can worsen autoimmune diseases. Many autoimmune disorders require immunosuppressant drugs.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you shouldn't take it. Other parts of the elder tree, including the branches, twigs, leaves, roots, and seeds, are toxic. They have a type of cyanogen called glycoside. People with immune problems might have reactions to elderberry.

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is the dark purple berry from the European elder tree. It has a long history of use for cold and flu. Elderberry is a popular ingredient in supplements. It might affect the immune system, and also seems to have activity against viruses, including the flu.

Like elderberry, many other herbal cold remedies are not regulated by the FDA. The few studies conducted on these supplements are not shown to reduce the length of cough and cold symptoms. They also aren't shown to prevent colds or flu.

There is a downside to consuming too much elderberry, and that is an upset stomach. Just like with any high fiber fruit, eating too much can cause stomach pain, upset stomach, and diarrhea.

Elderberry may have positive effects on some markers of heart and blood vessel health. Studies have shown elderberry juice may reduce the level of fat in the blood and decrease cholesterol. In addition, a diet high in flavonoids like anthocyanins has been found to reduce the risk of heart disease ( 17 , 22 ).

People who have an allergy to elder pollen might react to elderberry supplements. If you have diabetes, multiple sclerosis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis, talk to your doctor before taking elderberry.

Does elderberry affect your kidneys? ›

Administration of Elderberry is standard folk medicine for difficulties relating to kidney and urine, in addition to cold and cough symptoms caused by inflammation. It also suggested that about 500 milligrams per day of elderberry extract for about 12 weeks is safe and can help with kidney and urinary problems.

Elderberries may be beneficial for the heart, as they have been associated with positive effects on blood pressure; the anthocyanin content increases the release of nitric oxide—which helps widen the blood vessels and improves blood flow, leading to a decrease in blood pressure.

Some supplements (e.g., Echinacea, elderberry), when used regularly, may actually worsen MS by overstimulating the immune system. Some supplements may interfere with medications or medical conditions and may not be safe to use.

Some case reports of more severe adverse effects associated with elderberry, including acute pancreatitis, also exist. Unripe elderberries, as well as the stems and leaves of the elder tree, contain cyanide-producing compounds that can be toxic if ingested.

Long-Term Supplementation of Black Elderberries Promotes Hyperlipidemia, but Reduces Liver Inflammation and Improves HDL Function and Atherosclerotic Plaque Stability in Apolipoprotein E-Knockout Mice.

To neutralize toxins, specifically cyanide-inducing glycosides, heat treatment is a must. Boiling elderberries for at least 30 minutes is the go-to method. This ensures the destruction of harmful compounds.

While I have eaten raw elderberries in small amounts with no ill effects, some people are more sensitive, so it is safer to cook them. Cooking the berries in water for at least 30 minutes deactivates the toxins. Therefore syrups and decoctions are the best way to get the benefits safely from the berries.

Elderberries should always be cooked and processed before they're consumed. Unripened, raw elderberries can release toxins into your body. Even ripe berries can contain trace amounts of cyanide, so you must cook elderberries before consumption.

Simmer it for about 20 minutes; this should be enough to break down the cyanogenic compounds. But remember, you need to stir them occasionally to ensure even heat distribution. After cooking, strain the mixture using a fine-mesh sieve.