A review by Dr. Susan Wieland of the University of Maryland School of Medicine and colleagues examined the use of elderberry for preventing and treating viral respiratory illnesses.
Background:
Elderberry has a long history of use for respiratory issues. During the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in elderberry supplements for preventing or treating the illness surged. However, concerns existed regarding elderberry potentially overstimulating the immune system and triggering a cytokine storm (an excessive immune response). Dr. Wieland's team aimed to assess the benefits and potential side effects of elderberry for these purposes.
Methods:
The researchers searched six databases, four research registries, and preprint materials, screening 1187 records. They identified five randomized trials on elderberry for treating or preventing viral respiratory illnesses. They found no studies linking elderberry to clinical inflammation issues, but three studies examined cytokine production after elderberry intake in a lab setting (ex vivo).
Results:
- The review suggested elderberry might not prevent the common cold but could potentially reduce its duration and severity. Similar findings were seen for influenza, although the evidence for both effects was considered inconclusive. (1)
- The researchers compared elderberry supplements to oseltamivir (an antiviral medication). They found that elderberry might be associated with a lower risk of influenza complications and side effects. However, evidence regarding elderberry and clinical inflammation outcomes was lacking. Interestingly, some evidence suggested elderberry might influence inflammatory markers, though this effect may diminish with continued use.
- A small study compared elderberry's effectiveness in reducing cytokines over time to diclofenac (an anti-inflammatory drug). The results suggested elderberry might be equally or slightly less effective than diclofenac. (1,2)
(Note: A brief explanation of cytokines was added for clarity)
Additional Research on Potential COVID-19 Treatments
A separate review by Brett R. Martin and Joshua Richarson examined research articles from 2005 to 2021 on potential treatments for coronavirus infections. They focused on substances with anti-inflammatory, immune-stimulating, or antiviral properties, including vitamin D, zinc, vitamin A, elderberry, garlic, licorice, stinging nettle, N-acetylcysteine, quercetin, and selenium. Their findings suggested these substances might offer some benefit, but only vitamin D, zinc, licorice, quercetin, and selenium had research specifically related to COVID-19 effects. (3)
REFERENCES
1. Susan Wieland et al, Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systemactic review, BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021 Apr 7;21(1):112.
2. Wikipedia, September 2022
3. Brett Martin and Joshua Richardson, An exploratory review of potential adjunct therapies for the treatment of coronavirus infections, J. CHiropr. Med. 2021 Dec; 20(4):199-217.