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Supplement guide Antioxidants

Elderberry

What the evidence says about elderberry for colds and flu: one small travel trial, an uncertain 2021 review, and why raw berries are poisonous.

At a glance

Snapshot

Primary goal
Cold and flu symptoms (preliminary evidence)
Dosage range
No dose is established; follow the product label
Best time to take
Not established in studies
Time to effect
Not established
Common stacks
Not studied
Intake notes
Never eat raw or unripe berries or other raw parts of the plant: they can cause nausea, vomiting and severe diarrhea. Cooking eliminates the toxin (NCCIH).

Top 3 Best Elderberry Supplements

#1 NootroScore9.0
Nature Made Nature Made Elderberry with Vitamin C and Zinc, Dietary Supplement for Immune Support, 60 Elderberry Gummies, 30 Day Supply

Nature Made

Nature Made Elderberry with Vitamin C and Zinc, Dietary Supplement for Immune Support, 60 Elderberry Gummies, 30 Day Supply

GummyDietary SupplementImmune Support
Quantity
60 count
Potency
N/A

$14.99$0.25/count

View product
#2 NootroScore9.0
Bronson Bronson Elderberry Extra Strength, Supports Healthy Immune System & Antioxidant Protection, Non GMO, 180 Vegetarian Capsules

Bronson

Bronson Elderberry Extra Strength, Supports Healthy Immune System & Antioxidant Protection, Non GMO, 180 Vegetarian Capsules

Quantity
180 Count (Pack of 1)
Potency
N/A

$14.97$0.08/count

View product
#3 NootroScore9.0
Nature's Way Nature’s Way Sambucus Elderberry Immune Gummies, Daily Immune Support for Kids and Adults*, with Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Zinc, Gluten Free, Vegetarian, 60 Gummies

Nature's Way

Nature’s Way Sambucus Elderberry Immune Gummies, Daily Immune Support for Kids and Adults*, with Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Zinc, Gluten Free, Vegetarian, 60 Gummies

Quantity
60 Count (Pack of 1)
Potency
N/A

$13.76$0.23/count

View product

Top 10 Elderberry Supplements

#1
Nature Made Nature Made Elderberry with Vitamin C and Zinc, Dietary Supplement for Immune Support, 60 Elderberry Gummies, 30 Day Supply

Nature Made

Nature Made Elderberry with Vitamin C and Zinc, Dietary Supplement for Immune Support, 60 Elderberry Gummies, 30 Day Supply

GummyDietary SupplementImmune Support
Quantity
60 count
Potency
N/A
NootroScore
9.0
Price
$14.99$0.25/count
Buy
#2
Bronson Bronson Elderberry Extra Strength, Supports Healthy Immune System & Antioxidant Protection, Non GMO, 180 Vegetarian Capsules

Bronson

Bronson Elderberry Extra Strength, Supports Healthy Immune System & Antioxidant Protection, Non GMO, 180 Vegetarian Capsules

Quantity
180 Count (Pack of 1)
Potency
N/A
NootroScore
9.0
Price
$14.97$0.08/count
Buy
#3
Nature's Way Nature’s Way Sambucus Elderberry Immune Gummies, Daily Immune Support for Kids and Adults*, with Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Zinc, Gluten Free, Vegetarian, 60 Gummies

Nature's Way

Nature’s Way Sambucus Elderberry Immune Gummies, Daily Immune Support for Kids and Adults*, with Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Zinc, Gluten Free, Vegetarian, 60 Gummies

Quantity
60 Count (Pack of 1)
Potency
N/A
NootroScore
9.0
Price
$13.76$0.23/count
Buy
#4
MaryRuth Organics MaryRuth Organics USDA Organic Elderberry Liquid Drops for Kids | Vegan Elderberry Extract Organic Glycerin | Immune Support Supplement | Overall Health | Formulated for Ages 4-13 | 1oz

MaryRuth Organics

MaryRuth Organics USDA Organic Elderberry Liquid Drops for Kids | Vegan Elderberry Extract Organic Glycerin | Immune Support Supplement | Overall Health | Formulated for Ages 4-13 | 1oz

Liquid DropsUSDA OrganicVegan
Quantity
1oz
Potency
N/A
NootroScore
8.6
Price
$19.95$19.95/count
Buy
#5
MaryRuth Organics MaryRuth Organics Elderberry Syrup | USDA Organic | Sugar Free Immune Support Supplement for Adults & Kids, Ages 1 | Vegan, Non-GMO, Immune Boosters, Clean Label Project Verified | 1 Fl Oz

MaryRuth Organics

MaryRuth Organics Elderberry Syrup | USDA Organic | Sugar Free Immune Support Supplement for Adults & Kids, Ages 1 | Vegan, Non-GMO, Immune Boosters, Clean Label Project Verified | 1 Fl Oz

LiquidUSDA OrganicSugar Free
Quantity
1 fl oz
Potency
N/A
NootroScore
8.6
Price
$19.92$19.92/count
Buy
#6
Nature's Bounty Nature's Bounty Elderberry Gummies, Dietary Supplement, Supports Immune Health, Contains Vitamin A, C, D, E and Zinc, 100 mg, 70 Gummies

Nature's Bounty

Nature's Bounty Elderberry Gummies, Dietary Supplement, Supports Immune Health, Contains Vitamin A, C, D, E and Zinc, 100 mg, 70 Gummies

GummyDietary SupplementSupports Immune Health
Quantity
70 count
Potency
100 mg
NootroScore
8.6
Price
$19.99$0.29/count
Buy
#7
Nature's Way Nature's Way Sambucus Elderberry Immune Syrup for Kids Ages 2+, with Echinacea & Propolis, Daily Immune Support*, Vegetarian, Berry Flavored, 8 Fl Oz

Nature's Way

Nature's Way Sambucus Elderberry Immune Syrup for Kids Ages 2+, with Echinacea & Propolis, Daily Immune Support*, Vegetarian, Berry Flavored, 8 Fl Oz

LiquidVegetarianBerry Flavored
Quantity
8 Fl Oz
Potency
N/A
NootroScore
8.6
Price
$19.99$2.5/Fl Oz
Buy
#8
Purify Life Certified USDA - 100% Organic Dried Elderberries - 1lb Bulk - Non-Irradiated, Non-Gmo, Whole Black Elderberry Immune Support For Making Elder Syrup, Gummies, Tea - Raw Vegan Sambucus 1 Pound

Purify Life

Certified USDA - 100% Organic Dried Elderberries - 1lb Bulk - Non-Irradiated, Non-Gmo, Whole Black Elderberry Immune Support For Making Elder Syrup, Gummies, Tea - Raw Vegan Sambucus 1 Pound

Quantity
16 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Potency
N/A
NootroScore
8.4
Price
$22.94$1.43/Ounce
Buy
#9
Frontier Co-op Frontier Co-op Organic Dried Elderberries, 1lb Bulk Bag, European Whole | Kosher and Non-GMO Organic Elderberry Berries Dried, for Tea, Immune Support

Frontier Co-op

Frontier Co-op Organic Dried Elderberries, 1lb Bulk Bag, European Whole | Kosher and Non-GMO Organic Elderberry Berries Dried, for Tea, Immune Support

Dried FruitOrganicKosher
Quantity
1lb
Potency
N/A
NootroScore
8.2
Price
$24.95$1.56/Ounce
Buy
#10
pristine nutri Organic Elderberries Dried Bulk | Whole European Elderberry Dried, Wildcrafted All Natural | Non-GMO, Non-irradiated | Immunity Booster Antioxidants and Vitamins | Make Syrup, Tea| 2 lb (32 oz)

pristine nutri

Organic Elderberries Dried Bulk | Whole European Elderberry Dried, Wildcrafted All Natural | Non-GMO, Non-irradiated | Immunity Booster Antioxidants and Vitamins | Make Syrup, Tea| 2 lb (32 oz)

Quantity
32 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Potency
N/A
NootroScore
7.1
Price
$39.99$1.25/Ounce
Buy

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Use and selection

Buying Guide

Everything you need to know to make an informed decision about Elderberry

Why It Matters

Elderberry has preliminary evidence for easing cold and flu symptoms, and the evidence on both benefits and harms is uncertain. It does not prevent or treat COVID-19, and supplements are not approved by the FDA before they are sold.

How Elderberry Helps You

Cold and flu symptoms

Some preliminary research suggests elderberry may relieve cold and flu symptoms. A 2021 systematic review rates the evidence as uncertain.

Travel colds

In a 2016 trial of 312 air travelers, total days with a cold were 57 with elderberry versus 117 with placebo (p = 0.02). The number of colds did not differ significantly (12 versus 17, p = 0.4).

Immune function

Evidence that elderberry supports immune function in people is limited. NCCIH says there is not enough information to show it helps for other health purposes.

Inflammation

Lab studies show some effects on inflammatory markers, but a 2021 review found no studies linking elderberry to clinical inflammation outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Elderberry answered by our experts

Does elderberry help with colds and flu?
Maybe a little. A 2016 trial in 312 air travelers found fewer total days with a cold on elderberry, but the number of colds did not differ significantly. A 2021 systematic review says elderberry may reduce the duration and severity of colds, but the evidence is uncertain. NCCIH describes the research as preliminary.
What dose of elderberry should I take?
No dose is established. NCCIH gives none, and products vary in strength. Follow the label and ask a clinician.
Is elderberry safe?
A 2021 review says elderberry may be a safe option for viral respiratory illness, but the evidence on benefits and harms is uncertain. Raw or unripe berries and other raw parts of the plant are poisonous; cooking removes the toxin (NCCIH).
Can elderberry interact with medicines?
NCCIH warns that some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways and names no specific drug for elderberry. Ask a doctor before combining it with any medicine.
Does elderberry overstimulate the immune system?
A 2021 review found no evidence that it does, but the evidence on harms is uncertain. People with autoimmune conditions should ask a doctor first.
Is elderberry safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Little is known about whether it is safe to use elderberry for health purposes during pregnancy or while breastfeeding (NCCIH). Ask a clinician first.
Can elderberry prevent or treat COVID-19?
No. NCCIH advises not to rely on elderberry for prevention or treatment of COVID-19.

Sources

Nothing on this page is medical advice. Supplements can interact with prescription medications, pregnancy, and pre-existing conditions. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance.