Elderberry (American Elder, Black Elder, Blueberry Elder, Canary Island Elder, Sambucus spp, Velvet Elder): Dosing and Uses

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