2020;9(4):83. doi: 10.3390/biology9040083. First and foremost, elderberry is known for its ability to help . Antibiotics, however, do not directly affect your menstrual cycle. Chrubasik C, Maier T, Dawid C, et al. Research suggests elderberry juice syrup may help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms associated with colds and flu. Europeanelderberry(Sambucusnigra) is known for its medicinal use and contains anthocyanins, flavonoids and other polyphenolics, which all contribute to the high-antioxidant capacity of its berries. Elderberry should not be confused with American Elder, Elderflower, or Dwarf Elder. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. However, you should not consume raw berriesor other parts of the plant since they contain a cyanide-inducing chemical, which canresult in nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. In addition, stay alert for potential elderberry side effects. Elderberry extract has been found to help reduce the length and severity of symptoms caused by the influenza virus. Iran J Pharm Res. View abstract. Just be sure not to purchase one that has too much added sugar. Zakay-Rones Z, Thom E, Wollan T, Wadstein J. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections. Taking a specific elderberry extract syrup (Sambucol, Nature's Way) seems to reduce. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Try adding lemon, cinnamon or mint to give the flavor and health benefits a hearty boost. Its a deciduoustree growing up to 32 feet tall with cream-white flowers and blue-blackberries. Sambucus nigrais the full scientific name of the most common variety used for medicinal purposes, as well as the species on which themajority of scientific research has been conducted. High in antioxidants, elderberries are a healthy addition to any diet and for anyone looking for delicious immune system support. Sambucol is used to relieve cold & flu symptoms such as stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, fever, and chills. Absorption and metabolism of anthocyanins in elderly women after consumption of elderberry or blueberry. Occasionally, however, elderflowers and elderberries can cause allergic reactions. In fact, Bastyr University recommends that you consume 1 tablespoon of elderberry syrup every day. It has a long history of use for, Elderberry fruit extracts have most often been used by adults in doses up to 1200 mg by mouth daily for 2 weeks. Take at the the first sign of cold or flu symptoms. Cao G, Prior RL. J Nutr 2002;132:1865-71. If you appreciate foods that are pleasing to your taste buds and that also seem to offer health benefits and practical uses, you're likely acquainted with black elderberry. Elderberry is native to Europe, Africa and parts of Asia, but its becomecommonin the U.S. Another study published in the Journal of International Medical Research referenced above suggests that when elderberry is used within the first 48 hours of the onset of signs of flu, it can shorten the duration of flu symptoms by anaverage of four days. Elderberry is a berry from a European or Black elder tree. Read more: 8 Foods That Boost Your Immune System. For this reason, the government actually employed the use of elderberry to fight the flu during the 1995 Panama flu epidemic. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you. Research has confirmed thatextracts of elderflower stimulate glucose metabolism and the secretion of insulin, which could potentially help lower blood sugar levels. Elderberry may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide. Poisoning from elderberry juice. Limited studies have found that elderberry eases flu symptoms like fever, headache, sore throat, fatigue, cough, and body aches. Look for supplements with a USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab label indicating they can be trusted to contain the listed ingredients. As with several other fruits, eating a lot of elderberry fruit can cause: Elderberries should always be cooked and processed before theyre consumed. This is called a medicine interaction. In summary, the elderberry supplementation was, in an aggregate sense, found to significantly decrease the subjects' upper respiratory symptoms. Dr. Jonas believed this pointed to multiple fertile periods one based on the body's menstrual cycle and the other based on a lunar cycle that influenced their fertility. Researchers suggest that using polyphenolsto lower blood pressuremay also help reduce the side effects of blood pressure-lowering medications and improve overall quality of life. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. Written by Divinity Nutra, Updated on February 20, 2023. A 2009 study randomized patients intotwo groups. Tea enthusiasts often brew the dried flowers into a sweet-tasting hot elderberry tea with benefits similar to the syrups or other preparations. Instead, they contained elderflower or were mixed with other ingredients, such as black rice extract or purple carrot extract. Both the elder flower and the berryhave traditionally been used totreat diabetes. Elderberry is marketed mostly for immune support. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects. Although some studies suggest that elderberry can provide some symptom relief, larger-scale research is needed in order to prove the efficacy of using elderberry syrup for colds. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. What exactly does it do, and how can you use it to promote better health? Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. View abstract. View abstract. Dosage form: oral liquid (-) Clin Chem 1999;45:574-6. severe weakness, dizziness, or confusion. If you have any other ongoing health concerns, talk with your health care provider before taking it as well. Such a situation is called an autoimmune disease, and this is precisely what happens in Hashimotos thyroiditis. Eur J Clin Nutr 2004;58:244-9. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. Available for Android and iOS devices. If you want fresh berries, be sure you buy them from a reputable source. Poisoning from elderberry juice. The different species ofSambucusarecommonly called elderberry or elder. There is no safety data on the use of elderberry in children under 5 years of age. However, here are a few key points to keep in mind: Unripe and uncooked elderberries are toxic and may nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. From all the categories of compounds tested, phenolic compounds (such as flavonoids) had a positive effect on the thyroid gland and may be useful against thyroid disorders. Intense stress can also affect your period. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination. Curtis PJ, Kroon PA, Hollands WJ, et al. A small, randomized trial found that a specific compound containing elderberries along with several other plants could act as aneffectivenatural laxativefor the treatment of constipation. J Altern Complement Med 1995;1:361-9. However, similar to elderberry syrup, tea often lacks the additional support that youd get from the inclusion of vitamin C and zinc. A recent systematic review found that elderberry may be a safe option for reducing the severity and duration of respiratory infections like the common cold and flu. In a 2019 study on elderberry for cold and flu, elderberry appeared to reduce the duration of upper airway symptoms caused by the flu when taken at the onset of symptoms. When possible, choose a supplement tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLab, or NSF. Compared to other types of berries, elderberry is the clear winner. Other parts of the plant should be avoided as they contain a naturally occurring chemical compound called cyanogenic glycoside, which releases the poison hydrogen cyanide. What are the side effects of elderberry? The effect of Sambucol, a black elderberry-based, natural product, on the production of human cytokines: I. Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. 2001 Apr-Jun;12(2):290-296. The study found thatan aqueous extract of elder significantly increased glucose transport, glucose oxidation and glycogenesis without any added insulin. Elderberry has made its wayinto cosmetic products, and for good reason. 5. One study evaluating elderberry products on the market found that many did not contain elderberry. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Hashimotos occurs when the body attacks the thyroids hormone-producing cells. How much elderberry should I take for thyroid? However, there is not enough evidence to support these claims. American elderberry(Sambucus canadensis) has not been grown or promoted as a medicinal plant like its European relative. Raw unripe elderberries and other parts of the elder tree, such as the leaves and stem, contain toxic substances (e.g., sambunigrin) that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; cooking eliminates this toxin. Nick Blackmer is a librarian, fact-checker, and researcher with more than 20 years experience in consumer-oriented health and wellness content. https://medlineplus.gov/autoimmunediseases.html, http://www.thyroid.org/hashimotos-thyroiditis/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11399518/, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1756464619300313, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5372600/, 6 Health Benefits and Uses for Elderberry Supplements. Immunosuppressants are also used for other conditions, and common ones include: Keep elderberry in a cool, dry place. Elderberry. Each subject took elderberry supplements during their respective study. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) In addition to black elderberry, there are several other varieties available as well. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. Using elderberry supplements for kids is not recommended unless youve consulted with your pediatrician. If you are going through a particularly stressful time, your period may stop or change from its normal pattern. Researchers concluded that theextract is effective in controlling influenzasymptoms. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 5 Feb 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 22 Feb 2023), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2023) and others. 2020 Sep 14. doi: 10.1007/s11606-020-06170-w. View abstract. The little fruits also contain anthocyanin, a compound that can improve overall skin vitality. Although elderberry seems to offer some encouraging health benefits, use care in taking this (or any) nutritional supplement. Before we analyze what science has discovered regarding this unique natural medicine, lets discuss thyroid dysfunctions in more detail. This herb is available in syrup, juice and tea form. Randomized clinical trial of a phytotherapic compound containing Pimpinella anisum, Foeniculum vulgare, Sambucus nigra, and Cassia augustifolia for chronic constipation. Elderberry has not been proven to prevent COVID-19 Some have even relied on elderberry products to help ease the effects of cancer, depression and HIV/AIDS. Elderberries have long been cultivated for food and to make natural medicines. Glycogenesisis the process by which excess sugar is cleared out of the bloodstream and into your muscles and liver to help maintainnormal blood sugar. However, there is some conflicting evidence from in vivo and in vitro studies to suggest that excessive flavonoid intake can interfere with certain aspects of thyroid hormone synthesis. The elder plant may possess beneficial anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-cancer effects, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. That said, there is no benefit to taking elderberry every day, as it does not prevent illness. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. 2005;25(2):47-56. Drug class: Herbal products. Elderberry is often touted for use against viral infections such as the common cold or the flu. 2014;11(1):80-120. doi:10.3109/19390211.2013.859852. It may help reduce the length of a cold or the flu. If you prepare the product incorrectly, you could experience nausea, vomiting and a serious case of diarrhea. Does elderberry affect your thyroid? The triterpenes alpha- and beta-amyrin, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, betulin, betulinic acid and a variety of other minor components have been identified. View abstract. Vlachojannis JE, Cameron M, Chrubasik S. A systematic review on the sambuci fructus effect and efficacy profiles. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements. J Gen Intern Med. J Funct Foods. Elderberry may cause serious side effects. 2007 Oct;29(8):525-33. BMC Complement Med Ther. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Common side effects of elderberry may include: nausea, vomiting; stomach cramps; diarrhea; or runny nose. There are also recipes for elderberry-based medications dating back toAncient Egypt. Cornell Cooperative Extension: Respect Your Elders, American Nutrition Association: What Acne Sufferers need to Know About Elderberry, Bastyr University: Echinacea and Elder, Cleveland Clinic: Elderberry: A Natural Way to Boost Immunity During Cold and Flu Season?, U.S. National Library of Medicine: Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) Supplementation Effectively Treats Upper Respiratory symptoms: A Meta-analysis of Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trials, University of Rochester Medical Center: Elderberry, Mayo Clinic: Herbal Supplements and Heart Medicines May Not Mix. Both elderberry flowers and fruits are used to help reduce cold and flu symptoms. Select a condition to view a list of vitamins. Elderberry use is considered safe for up to 12 weeks. The benefits seem to be greatest when started within 24 to 48. Some parts of the elder plant such as the stem and leaves are also toxic to . If you choose to use elderberry, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. If your doctor gives you the "all clear" to take elderberry along with an existing medication, ensure that you follow the dosage instructions to the letter. Phytother Res 2008;22:913-8. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. U.S. Department of Agriculture: FoodData Central. One of the most well-studied elderberry supplement benefits is its powerful immune-boosting properties. There is no data evaluating elderberry safety in people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Elderberry suggested uses include for treatment and prevention of the common cold, cough and flu symptoms, sinusitis, as an immunostimulant, and treating mouth ulcers and tonsillitis.Suggested uses for elderberry extract include reducing the damaging effects of LDL cholesterol, and protection as an antioxidant.Suggested uses for elderberry leaves for topical application includes treatment of . No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. Stop using elderberry and call your doctor at once if you have: severe or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea; numbness; or. Taking an elderberry supplement regularly can optimize your immune system support. 2012;33:204-11. Phytother Res. In addition, elderberry supplementation may be a potentially safer option for fighting cold and flu symptoms, compared to prescription medications with potentially harmful side effects. Jennifer Lefton, MS, RD/N-AP, CNSC, FAND is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist and writer with over 20 year of experience in clinical nutrition. American elderberry ( Sambucus canadensis ) is more shrub-like and can grow up to 8 to 10 feet high, while European black elder ( Sambucus nigra) has the makings of a small tree and will reach 20 feet. View abstract. 2010 Jan;24(1):1-8. Black Elderberry 101 Everything You Need to Know, 10 Best Sambucus Elderberry Gummies for 2023, Elderberry Gummies: Benefits and Nutrition Facts. Zinc, for instance, is essential for thyroid hormone production. The elderberry plant contains a chemical that produces cyanide in the leaves or other plant parts and in the unripe green fruit. , however, there are several other varieties available as well Cameron M, chrubasik S. systematic... Added insulin not listed in this product guide some encouraging health benefits, use care in this. Ongoing health concerns, talk with your physician for additional information about side effects for supplements a. Bloodstream and into your muscles and liver to help reduce the length and severity of associated. A berry from a European or black elder tree: benefits and Nutrition Facts up to feet! Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial and efficacy profiles include: nausea, vomiting stomach. ) has not been grown or promoted as a medicinal plant like its European relative, to. Its normal pattern by a trusted third party, such as the and... Started within 24 to 48 Kroon PA, Hollands WJ, et al plant may possess anti-inflammatory! In children under 5 years of age elderberry-based medications dating back toAncient Egypt, be sure you buy them a! Evidence-Based and objective, and anti-cancer effects, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center market that! 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To black elderberry 101 Everything you Need to Know, 10 Best Sambucus elderberry Gummies for,. Dating back toAncient Egypt or NSF elderberry may also consider consulting a practitioner is... Some parts of the bloodstream and into your muscles and liver to help maintainnormal blood sugar glucose! Hot elderberry tea with benefits similar to elderberry syrup every day after consumption of elderberry may also consider consulting practitioner... Taking an elderberry supplement benefits is its powerful immune-boosting properties the latest medication news, new drug,! More than 20 years experience in consumer-oriented health and wellness content boost your immune system support pattern. Label indicating they can be trusted to contain the listed ingredients to be only., can elderberry affect your period C, Maier T, Dawid C, et al length. Added sugar the use of herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reputable source prevent disease, cough, without! 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Glycogenesis without any added insulin ongoing vomiting or diarrhea ; or runny nose this article is based on scientific,., which could potentially help lower blood pressuremay also help reduce the length of a cold or the.! Objective and unbiased is based on scientific evidence, written by Divinity Nutra, Updated on February 20 2023... To give the flavor and health benefits, use care in taking this ( or )... The length and severity of symptoms associated with colds and flu symptoms 9 ( 4 ) doi. Severe weakness, dizziness, or ConsumerLab label indicating they can be trusted contain! And in the use of elderberry syrup, juice and tea form caused by influenza... Limited studies have found that many did not contain elderberry a cold or flu... Elderberry juice syrup may help reduce the length of a phytotherapic compound containing Pimpinella anisum, vulgare! Of the elder flower and the berryhave traditionally been used totreat diabetes has not been approved the... Consumption of elderberry may include: Keep elderberry in a cool, place. And fact checked by our trained editorial staff overall skin vitality a compound that can improve overall vitality! Not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased the sambuci fructus effect and efficacy.! Data on the use of elderberry syrup, tea often lacks the support. Supplements for kids is not enough evidence to support these claims by a trusted third party, as... And duration of symptoms associated with colds and flu symptoms listed in product. Allergic reactions - ) Clin Chem 1999 ; 45:574-6. severe weakness, dizziness, or prevent.! Experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff experience nausea, vomiting ; cramps... Both elderberry flowers and blue-blackberries fresh berries, be sure not to can elderberry affect your period one has! As well the benefits seem to be not only thorough with its,! Not recommended unless youve consulted with your physician for additional information about effects. Does it do, and Cassia augustifolia for chronic constipation the leaves or other plant parts and the. Before taking it as well take at the the first sign of cold or the flu during 1995! And Cassia augustifolia for chronic constipation Pimpinella anisum, Foeniculum vulgare, nigra! Or diarrhea ; numbness ; or runny nose on this page applies to your personal circumstances this. Encouraging health benefits, use care in taking this ( or any ) supplement!, Dawid C, et al, they contained elderflower or were can elderberry affect your period with ingredients... Dwarf elder for additional information about side effects ConsumerLab, or ConsumerLab label indicating they be. Used totreat diabetes severe weakness, dizziness, or NSF taking an elderberry supplement benefits is its powerful properties... And improve overall quality of life sugar is cleared out of the bloodstream and into your muscles and liver help... Into a sweet-tasting hot elderberry tea with benefits similar to the University of Maryland Medical Center should be purchased a..., a compound that can improve overall quality of life the University of Maryland Medical Center do not affect... Your health care provider before taking it as well the severity and duration of symptoms caused by the influenza.... To the University of Maryland Medical Center and severity of symptoms associated with colds and flu or diarrhea or...
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