Botanical
Elderberry
Also known as: Sambucus nigra, Black elderberry, Sambucol, Elderberry Extract (Sambucus nigra)
Elderberry is a dark berry extract standardized to anthocyanins (polyphenolic flavonoids) traditionally used to support immune function and reduce cold/flu duration. Evidence supports benefits for respiratory illness severity, particularly influenza.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Elderberry product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nutricost Black Elderberry Capsules | 90 A | $0.12 |
| 2 | NOW Foods Elderberry | 89 A | $0.15 |
| 3 | NOW Foods Elderberry Liquid | 89 A | $0.30 |
| 4 | New Chapter Organic Elderberry Whole-Food Gummies | 86 A- | $0.80 |
| 5 | BioSchwartz Sambucus Elderberry Capsules | 86 A- | $0.34 |
| 6 | New Chapter Elderberry Force | 85 A- | $0.93 |
| 7 | Bluebonnet Nutrition ELDERBERRY FRUIT EXTRACT | 82 A- | $0.44 |
| 8 | Double Wood Elderberry Liquid Supplement | 81 A- | $0.83 |
| 9 | Pure Encapsulations PureDefense chewables | 81 A- | $0.68 |
| 10 | New Chapter Elderberry Syrup + Honey | 81 A- | $1.17 |
| 11 | Gaia Herbs Black Elderberry | 80 A- | $0.94 |
| 12 | Viva Naturals Elderberry, Vitamin C + Zinc | 80 A- | $0.42 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Elderberry should I take?
The typical range is 175-1000mg standardized extract daily; higher for acute illness. Up to 5 days for acute illness, can use preventively
When should I take Elderberry?
At first sign of symptoms, multiple doses daily when ill. Either way.
Which form of Elderberry is best?
Standardized extract — Consistent potency. Other forms in the catalog: Syrup, Lozenges, Capsules, Syrup (traditional, easy dosing), Gummy (convenient, often lower dose per serving), Capsule/tablet, Lozenge, Liquid extract/tincture.
Is Elderberry safe?
Commonly reported: GI upset with large amounts, Rare: allergic reactions. Serious warnings: Raw berries are toxic - only use processed, Theoretical cytokine storm concern (unproven). Safe
Which Elderberry supplement scores highest?
Nutricost Black Elderberry Capsules, at 90/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Cold/flu treatment
- Antiviral
- Immune support
- Respiratory health
- Immune support during cold and flu season
- Reduction of cold/flu symptom duration and severity
- Respiratory tract infection prevention
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support
What systematic reviews concluded
Outcomes that systematic reviews of Elderberry reached a verdict on: 1 with no effect, 2 unclear. Each is quoted from a review and linked to it on PubMed. How these were read.
Reviews found no effect (1)
“there is no evidence that it overstimulates the immune system” PMID 33827515
Not enough to say: upper respiratory/viral illness symptoms; immune system health/resilience.
How it works
- Inhibits viral hemagglutinin
- Blocks viral entry into cells
- Modulates cytokine production
- Provides anthocyanin antioxidants
Dosage
- Typical range
- 175-1000mg standardized extract daily; higher for acute illness
- Timing
- At first sign of symptoms, multiple doses daily when ill
- With food
- Either way
- Duration
- Up to 5 days for acute illness, can use preventively
- Special populations
- Children (syrup form), adults, elderly
Forms
- Standardized extract
- Syrup
- Lozenges
- Capsules
- Gummy (convenient, often lower dose per serving)· 70/100
- Capsule/tablet· 70/100
- Lozenge· 70/100
- Liquid extract/tincture· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- GI upset with large amounts
- Rare: allergic reactions
Contraindications
- Autoimmune diseases (theoretical)
- Immunosuppressant use (monitor)
Products containing Elderberry
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Elderberry on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Good clinical evidence for cold/flu duration
Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.
Related in Botanical
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.