Elderberry
What is Elderberry?
Elderberry is the black-purple berry produced by the black elder tree (also referred to as the European elder). It is also known as Sambucus nigra and you often see this name listed on Elderberry supplements. [1]
It is important to note that this plant is poisonous and berries must be cooked in order to be safe to eat. [3]
Elderberry is often used for its immune system benefits, its antibacterial and antiviral properties, and for lessening symptoms and duration of cold and flu. [1,4]
Elderberries also have anti-inflammatory properties which can make it useful as a natural painkiller. [1,5]
Elderberries contain protein, antioxidants and polyphenols like quercetin as well as polyunsaturated fatty acids, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. [1,6]
Elderberry may also be an effective treatment for COVID-19. [10]
Elderberry has been used successfully with other viruses. [1,4]
Components of elderberries including vitamin C and vitamin A have demonstrated antiviral properties. [11,14]
Elderberry also contains quercetin which as shown promise in both the prevention and treatment of COVID. [11]
Research states that elderberry could be useful in the relief of respiratory symptoms through exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-fever effects. [10]
There has been some concern that elderberry may not be appropriate for those with an active infection of COVID-19, however, there is no evidence that it overstimulates the immune system. However, the evidence on both benefits and harms is uncertain and information from recent and ongoing studies is necessary to make firm conclusions. [15]
Is Elderberry Beneficial for Autism?
There are no research studies on elderberry use in autism, however, there are studies showing the antiviral properties, benefits on respiratory illness, and even as part of a tincture for constipation!
Elderberry Properties
Elderberry has mainly antibacterial and antiviral properties, can reduce sugar and lipid concentration, and even exhibit antidepressant and antitumor properties.[1]
Elderberry has medicinal properties associated with the presence of polyphenols, which are compounds with potential antioxidant properties. They can counteract oxidative stress, exert beneficial effects on blood pressure, glycemia reduction, immune system stimulation, antitumor potential, increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the blood plasma, including also glutathione, and the reduction of uric acid levels.[2]
Elderberry and Respiratory Illness
Data suggest a significant reduction of cold duration and severity in air travelers. [4]
Oral supplementation with Sambucus nigra, Zinc, Tyndallized Lactobacillus acidophilus (HA122), Arabinogalactans, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin C should be considered as a supporting therapy in children affected by recurrent episodes of upper airway infection associated with otitis media with effusion due to their capacity to improve the immune response and reduce the inflammatory phenomena. Oral supplementation can help restore middle ear ventilation and reduce inflammation in the middle ear.[8]
A meta-analysis showed supplementation with elderberry was found to substantially reduce upper respiratory symptoms.[9]
Elderberry and Constipation
A phytotherapic compound containing anise, fennel, elderberry, and senna has laxative efficacy and is a safe alternative option for the treatment of constipation.[7]
Elderberry and COVID-19
Five herbal medicines were found as potentially valid candidates in managing early or mild symptoms of cold, flu and bronchitis in the context of COVID-19 as they provide with ample safety margins and good evidence for efficacy: marshmallow, myrrh, licorice, common ivy, and elderberry. The authors recommend starting their integration into clinical advice as adjuvant therapies for respiratory diseases, even in the context of COVID-19. [10]
In this review, we emphasize the studies conducted to date about nutraceuticals as an additional treatment of COVID-19 and try to understand whether use as a supplementary therapy may be a valid and viable avenue. Based on the results obtained so far, quercetin, astaxanthin, luteolin, glycyrrhizin, lactoferrin, hesperidin and curcumin have shown encouraging data suggesting their use to prevent and counteract the symptoms of this pandemic infection. [11]
There is a hypothetical benefit of elderberry for the treatment of viral infections, conclusive evidence from high-quality clinical trials is lacking, and there are no studies directly addressing the use of elderberry with COVID-19.[12]
The use of elderberry supplements should be considered at an early course of the disease. Although it has not been tested in coronavirus, elderberry supplements have shown to be effective in cold and influenza by randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study and meta-analysis. The compounds found in elderberries are phenolic acids, flavonoids, vitamins, lectins and aroma compounds, etc. Although elderberry supplements have not been tested in the current COVID-19 pandemic, lectin components might inhibit spike protein function during entry at the binding step as mentioned above or have unknown other effects. [13]
We identified non-pharmaceutical supplements (Vitamin D, zinc, vitamin A, elderberry, garlic, licorice and common nettle) which may have potential to provide support for those with coronavirus infections. However, rigorous clinical studies need to be performed before any clinical recommendations can be made at this time. [14]
Supplementation
Elderberry supplements can be found in a variety of forms and generally have a sweet taste.
Examples of common elderberry supplements include:
DISCLAIMER: Before starting any supplement or medication, always consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it is a good fit for your child. Dosage can vary based on age, weight, gender, and current diet.
Note: All supplements are linked to Amazon for convenience, however, buying supplements on Amazon does not guarantee quality, as there are many “unverified resellers” selling nutrition supplements. To buy supplements that are verified to be sent directly to the consumer, you can create an account on the Autism Dietitian FullScript and search for the respective supplement under “Catalog”.
Authors
Edited & Reviewed by: Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD, CLT
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[1] Młynarczyk K, Walkowiak-Tomczak D, Łysiak GP. Bioactive properties of Sambucus nigra L. as a functional ingredient for food and pharmaceutical industry. J Funct Foods. 2018;40:377-90.
[2] Sidor A, Gramza-Michałowska A. Advanced research on the antioxidant and health benefit of elderberry (Sambucus nigra) in food – a review. J Funct Foods. 2015;18:941-958. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2014.07.012
[3] Elderberry. NCCIH. Accessed February 3, 2022. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/elderberry
[4] Tiralongo E, Wee SS, Lea RA. Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2016;8(4):182.
[5] Ho GT, Wangensteen H, Barsett H. Elderberry and Elderflower Extracts, Phenolic Compounds, and Metabolites and Their Effect on Complement, RAW 264.7 Macrophages and Dendritic Cells. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;18(3):E584.
[6] Domínguez R, Zhang L, Rocchetti G, et al. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) as potential source of antioxidants. Characterization, optimization of extraction parameters and bioactive properties. Food Chem. 2020;330:127266.
[7] Picon PD, Picon RV, Costa AF, et al. Randomized clinical trial of a phytotherapic compound containing Pimpinella anisum, Foeniculum vulgare, Sambucus nigra, and Cassia augustifolia for chronic constipation. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2010;10:17.
[8] Della Volpe A, Ricci G, Ralli M, et al. The effects of oral supplements with Sambucus nigra, Zinc, Tyndallized Lactobacillus acidophilus (HA122), Arabinogalactans, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin C in otitis media with effusion in children: a randomized controlled trial. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2019;23(14):6360-70.
[9] 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. Complement Ther Med. 2019;42:361-5.
[10] Silveira D, Prieto-Garcia JM, Boylan F, et al. COVID-19: Is There Evidence for the Use of Herbal Medicines as Adjuvant Symptomatic Therapy. Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:581840.
[11] Alesci A, Aragona M, Cicero N, Lauriano ER. Can nutraceuticals assist treatment and improve covid-19 symptoms. Nat Prod Res. 10.1080/14786419.2021.1914032
[12] Adams KK, Baker WL, Sobieraj DM. Myth Busters: Dietary Supplements and COVID-19. Ann Pharmacother. 2020;54(8):820-6.
[13] Kronbichler A, Effenberger M, Eisenhut M, Lee KH, Shin JI. Seven recommendations to rescue the patients and reduce the mortality from COVID-19 infection: An immunological point of view. Autoimmun Rev. 2020;19(7):102570.
[14] Martin BR, Richardson J. An exploratory review of Potential Adjunct Therapies for the Treatment of Coronavirus Infections. J Chiropr Med. 10.1016/j.jcm.2021.12.005
[15] Wieland LS, Piechotta V, Feinberg T, Ludeman E, Hutton B, Kanji S, Seely D, Garritty C. Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021 Apr 7;21(1):112. doi: 10.1186/s12906-021-03283-5. PMID: 33827515; PMCID: PMC8026097.
