Compared to other types of berries, elderberry is the clear winner. 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. 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. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects. Elderberry is available in many different types of products, including syrups and mouth rinses. What is elderberry most commonly used for? View abstract. It is marketed for several other conditions as well, but research is lacking. Look for supplements with a USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab label indicating they can be trusted to contain the listed ingredients. Stop using elderberry and call your doctor at once if you have: severe or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea; numbness; or. Kong F. Pilot clinical study on a proprietary elderberry extract: efficacy in addressing influenza symptoms. The CDC's Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry reported that high levels of cyanide exposure within a short time can damage your heart and brain and may even lead to coma and death. Its never safe to eat unknown berries in nature, as they may have dangerous effects. When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. In vitro studies specifically indicate thatthe elderberry has somechemopreventive properties, which can help inhibit, delay or reverse cancer formation. The symptoms are similar to the more frequently occurring diseases, so diagnosing and treating the problem isnt always straightforward. However, here are a few key points to keep in mind: Unripe and uncooked elderberries are toxic and may nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If we consider elderberry and autoimmune diseases outside the thyroid, elderberry has shown itself to be great for inflammation and immune support. Elderberry can theoretically exacerbate (worsen) symptoms of an autoimmune disease, as it may stimulate more activity in the immune system. View abstract. There is limited data on the uses of elderberry other than viral infection symptom management. As with all supplements, it is important to look for products that have been third-party tested. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Theres evidence that the elderberry plant may have been cultivated by prehistoric man. The ripe berry is tart and typically sweetened, similar to cranberries. Thanks to its ability to act as a safe diuretic, elderberry has been shown to promote both urination andbowel moments to help protect against fluid retention. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements. 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. The berries and flowers of the elder plant are used as medicine. People with organ transplants should not takeelderberry. The thyroid is a hormone-producing gland responsible for controlling the metabolic rate. J Nutr 2002;132:1865-71. He noticed that a number of people became pregnant during their period or when they weren't supposed to be ovulating. BMC Complement Altern Med. Sometimes, good things do come in small packages. The Poison Plant Patch, Novia Scotia Museum, 2007. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) Elderberry should not be confused with American Elder, Elderflower, or Dwarf Elder. Its content of bioflavonoids, antioxidants and vitamin A makes it awesome for skin health. One cup of elderberries provides 106 calories, 27 grams (g) of carbohydrates, 10 g of fiber, 52 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C, 2.3 mg of iron, and 406 mg of potassium. If elderberry is out, other products such as a turmeric supplement can help support thyroid health and treat inflammation without the potential for exacerbating problems. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Touted for Several Uses, Including Treating and Preventing the Cold and Flu. However, similar to elderberry syrup, tea often lacks the additional support that youd get from the inclusion of vitamin C and zinc. If you are considering using elderberry, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about whether it is an appropriate supplement for you. 2022;110. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination. Before we analyze what science has discovered regarding this unique natural medicine, lets discuss thyroid dysfunctions in more detail. What are the side effects of elderberry? 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. Elderberry has made its wayinto cosmetic products, and for good reason. Elderberries should always be cooked and processed before theyre consumed. The following are some of the findings from elderberry research: When evaluating the limited research available to date, it is important to keep in mind that: Elderberry may reduce the symptoms associated with the common cold or the flu if taken early, but there is no evidence to suggest that elderberry can prevent infection. The raw berries are made up of 80 percent water, 18 percent carbohydrates, and less than 1 percent each of protein and fat. Both elderberry flowers and fruits are used to help reduce cold and flu symptoms. Furthermore, a 2017 animal study published in theInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences noted that elderberries can serve as a potential source of bioactive compounds for formulations used for the management of diabetes. If you want fresh berries, be sure you buy them from a reputable source. 2020 Sep 14. doi: 10.1007/s11606-020-06170-w. View abstract. However, elderberry extract in supplement form is generally safe to take in small doses. Chrubasik C, Maier T, Dawid C, et al. Researchers found that elderberry may reduce the duration and severity of symptoms related to colds and influenza, and there's no evidence that it overstimulates the immune system. BMC Complement Med Ther. One group was given four doses of 175-milligram proprietary elderberryextract daily, and the other group received a placebo for two days. Antibiotics, however, do not directly affect your menstrual cycle. The study found thatan aqueous extract of elder significantly increased glucose transport, glucose oxidation and glycogenesis without any added insulin. The berries are credited for many feats including, but not limited to: Now, lets see what the research says about using elderberry for thyroid support. Elderberry has antioxidant properties that may be beneficial for balancing blood sugar in diabetes, but current evidence is limited. Ripe, cooked elderberry fruit is considered safe to eat in moderation. Elderberry should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. Herbal supplements can strongly affect the body. Supplements can be purchased at many health stores or made at home. Erythritol: Is This Healthy Sweetener the Real Deal? A systematic review in 2021 weighed out this argument. 1. This can. The elderberry plant contains a chemical that produces cyanide in the leaves or other plant parts and in the unripe green fruit. 2010 Jan;24(1):1-8. Elderberry is known for its digestive and immune system support, and can promote better skin health. Elderberry gummies are your best bet if they come with both zinc and vitamin C. If purchased from a trusted brand, gummies provide a tasty and easy way to make elderberry a part of your diet without swallowing capsules. The effect of Sambucol, a black elderberry-based, natural product, on the production of human cytokines: I. Here are the areas in which experts think elderberry shows major promise. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Dietary supplements are not regulated like conventional food products or drugs in the United States. However, if youre healthy, its likely to only reduce it. Bioavailability of anthocyanidin-3-glycosides following consumption of elderberry extract and blackcurrant juice. There is no data on the use of elderberry for COVID-19, either to prevent it or to manage symptoms. 2020;35(11):3271-3277. doi:10.1007/s11606-020-06170-w, Hawkins J, Baker C, Cherry L, Dunne E. Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials. Occasionally, however, elderflowers and elderberries can cause allergic reactions. Although studies have found mixed results, some research suggests that elderberry extract may improve heart health. Elderberry is marketed mostly for immune support. However, it does not prevent infections or illnesses. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. European folklore links elderberry consumption to increased strength and a longer lifespan. However, the researchers noted that further research is still needed. There may be a risk of hypoglycemia, and raw and . If you have eaten an unknown berry and develop concerning symptoms, get immediate medical attention. If youre pregnant or breastfeeding, dont take this herb, as research is lacking on its effects on fetal health and development. Answer (1 of 4): 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. In addition, the boiling process removes additional nutrients. Common side effects of elderberry may include: This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Elderberry tea is another great option, especially if you use elderberry for flu and cold symptoms. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182. The bodys immune system can sometimes mistake its cells for foreign invaders and start to attack them in a form of self-sabotage. If you prepare the product incorrectly, you could experience nausea, vomiting and a serious case of diarrhea. Elderberry use is considered safe for up to 12 weeks. While these results are promising, further large-scale human studies are. A sinus infection is acondition in which the cavities around the nasal passages become inflamed, and this antiviral herb has promise as asinus infection remedy.