Compound or practice · Supplement
Elderberry
A popular cold-and-flu berry with small, industry-tinged trials suggesting shorter symptoms — real but overstated.
- Overall grade
- Grade C
- Last revised
- 1
- graded outcome
- 0
- references listed
A structured monograph in Prometheus's bundled library. Its grades are the monograph's own reading of the evidence, not a peer-reviewed review.
1 at grade C — 1 graded row
What is known
Each outcome with its grade (how strong the evidence is, A to D), the size of the effect where the entry records one, and how often studies agree.
- Cold/flu symptom durationEvidence grade C
Small, industry-linked
Smallmixed
What is uncertain
Read off the same rows as above. Nothing here is added that the entry does not itself record.
- Thin evidence: Cold/flu symptom duration (grade C).
The evidence in words
What it is
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is an anthocyanin-rich berry used for upper-respiratory infections.
How it works
Its anthocyanins have antiviral and immune-modulating activity in vitro; the clinical mechanism is unclear.
What the evidence shows
Small trials and a meta-analysis suggest reduced cold/flu symptom duration, but studies are small, often industry-funded, and heterogeneous. Reasonable low-risk option, not a proven antiviral. Raw/unripe berries are toxic — use prepared products.
How to use it
Standardized syrup/extract at onset and through symptoms.
Safety & interactions
Prepared products are safe; raw berries/plant are toxic.
Bottom line
Might shave a little off a cold; the evidence is thin and conflicted. Low-risk if you enjoy it — use prepared products only.
How it is used
As the entry records it, from the studies it summarises. Not a recommendation for you — doses that suit a trial population may not suit you.
- Standard
- Standardized syrup at onset.
Related reading
Entries that share this one's tags or conditions.
- AndrographisOne of the better-evidenced herbs for shortening upper-respiratory infections.Evidence grade B
- EchinaceaThe classic cold herb — meta-analyses hover near null, with maybe a small prevention/duration effect for some preparations.Evidence grade C
- Elderberry for Cold/flu symptom durationEvidence grade C — Small, industry-linkedEvidence grade C
- Elderberry: dosage and how to take itStandardized syrup at onset.Evidence grade C
Sources
This entry lists no references of its own.
Last revised . A grade is this entry's reading of the evidence, not medical advice.