Elderberry (American Elder, Black Elder, Blueberry Elder, Canary Island Elder, Sambucus spp, Velvet Elder)
Classes: Antimicrobials, Herbals
Suggested dosing of American Elder, Black Elder (elderberry)
Syrup
adult: 15 mL (1 tablespoon) PO QID x3-5day (Sambucol, Nature's Way)
children: 15 mL (1 tablespoon) PO BID x3day
Lozenge
175 mg PO QID x2d
Topical
leaves are used for bruises, sprains, wounds, & burns
Other Information
Elderberry daily value not established, see individual product
Elderberry should be started within 24-28 hours of symptom onset.
Suggested uses of American Elder, Black Elder (elderberry)
Treatment & Prevention of
common cold, cough & flu symptoms, sinusitis, immunostimulant, mouth ulcers, tonsillitis
Elderberry Extract
reduces damaging effects of LDL & protects as an antioxidant
Leaves, Topical Application
Treatment of bruises, sprains, wounds, burns & chilblains, mouthwash for mouth ulcers
Tincture
Rheumatic conditions
Oil
Painful joints
Efficacy
Demonstrated effective in symptom reduction and prophylaxis of cold, flu, URI
American Elder, Black Elder (elderberry) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Nausea/vomiting (consumption of raw berries)
Warnings
Contraindications
Consumption of all green plant parts
Cautions
Do not eat raw: mild cyanide toxicity is destroyed by cooking
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: N/A
Lactation: N/A
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of American Elder, Black Elder (elderberry)
Metabolism: N/A
Excretion: N/A
Mechanism of action
Antioxidant: free radical protection; anthocyanin protection against cellular aging
Flavonoids: therapeutic activity
Elderberry extract: reduces damaging effects of LDL cholesteroL
Efficacy
- Treatment & reduction of symptoms & prophylaxis of cold, flu, cough & mouth ulcers