Outcome
    Limited

    Elderberry for Viral Load Reduction

    Elderberry may shorten mild respiratory illness but has no chronic viral load data.

    Overview

    Elderberry may shorten mild respiratory illness but has no chronic viral load data.

    Verdict

    Insufficient evidence

    How It Works

    Anthocyanins may inhibit viral entry and modulate cytokine responses in vitro.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    No established dose — evidence is insufficient. Antiviral activity is shown in cell culture; human trials used 15 mL syrup four times daily or 300-600 mg/day extract without measuring viral load.
    Expected timeframe
    Not established

    Protocol

    dose
    Not established for viral load reduction
    form
    Standardised extract or syrup in the human symptom trials
    steps
    Evidence is insufficient: elderberry anthocyanins block influenza virus entry in cell culture, but no human trial has demonstrated reduced viral load or shedding,Human trials measured symptom scores and duration, which can improve without any change in viral replication,Do not treat elderberry as an antiviral drug or assume it reduces how infectious you are to others — keep isolating as you normally would,Antiviral medication for influenza or COVID-19 is prescription-only and time-sensitive; if you are at high risk, contact your clinician early rather than self-treating
    timing
    n/a
    duration
    n/a

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    Small trials suggest reduced duration of influenza-like illness. There is no evidence relating to chronic viral infections or measured viral load.

    Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections

    Score: 7/10
    2004
    rct
    n=60

    Zakay-Rones Z, Thom E, Wollan T +1 more

    Elderberry syrup relieved influenza symptoms four days earlier than placebo.

    View source

    Elderberry Extract Outpatient Influenza Treatment for Emergency Room Patients Ages 5 and Above: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

    Score: 8/10
    2020
    rct
    n=87

    Macintyre CR, Macintyre A, Buttery J

    Elderberry did not shorten symptom duration; symptoms resolved slightly later than placebo.

    View source

    Safety

    Caveats

    Insufficient evidence. Do not use as a substitute for prescription antivirals or vaccination, and do not assume reduced transmissibility. Raw berries and other plant parts are toxic. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding without medical advice. Theoretical caution in autoimmune disease and on immunosuppressants.

    Less likely to help if

    Not applicable — no effect on viral load has been demonstrated in humans.

    Medical Disclaimer

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    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.