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Elderberry
  • Treatments
  • Herbal Supplementation

Elderberry

Generic name: elderberry [ EL-der-ber-ee ]
Brand name: Sambucol
Dosage form: oral liquid (-)
Drug class:Herbal products

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 21, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is elderberry?

Elderberry is a berry from a European or Black elder tree. The berries are used to make medicine.

Elderberry is also known as Arbre de Judas, Baccae, Baises de Sureau, Black-Berried Alder, Black Elder, Boor Tree, Bountry, Elderberries, Ellanwood, Ellhorn, European Alder, Fruit de Sureau, Grand Sureau, Hautbois, Holunderbeeren, Sabugeuiro-negro, Sambequier, Sambu, Sambuc, Sambuci Sambucus, Sambugo, Sauco, Saúco Europeo, Schwarzer Holunder, Seuillet, Seuillon, Sureau, Sureau Noir, Sus, Suseau, or Sussier.

Elderberry should not be confused with American Elder, Elderflower, or Dwarf Elder.

Elderberry has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating constipation. Elderberry is also possibly effective in reducing the symptoms of influenza (the flu).

Other uses not proven with research have included heart disease, gum disease, high cholesterol, obesity, or the common cold.

It is not certain whether elderberry is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Elderberry should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Elderberry is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Elderberry may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

Warnings

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have an autoimmune disease such as:

Ask a doctor before using this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child witho...