Supplement · Antioxidants, immune & general wellness
Elderberry
Also known as: Sambucus nigra
An immune-support berry with modest cold-and-flu evidence — and a raw-fruit caution.
- Evidence
- Silver· human data
- Sources cited
- 1
- Last reviewed
- 22 July 2026
Elderberry is an anthocyanin-rich berry taken to prevent and shorten colds and flu, with some small trials reporting reduced symptom duration.
The evidence is modest and mixed — a few positive studies, and larger or more rigorous trials less convincing — so it is a reasonable, low-risk option rather than a proven remedy. Safety note: raw or unripe elderberries (and other plant parts) are toxic and must be cooked; use only properly prepared products.