Beautiful Plants For Your Interior
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
Sambucus nigra
One of the most widely researched natural immune-supporting botanicals — the dark purple berries of the European Elder tree are packed with anthocyanins and flavonoids that support immune cell activity,
provide powerful antioxidant protection, and have demonstrated antiviral properties in multiple
clinical studies.
What Is It?
Sambucus nigra — the European Elder — is a flowering tree native to Europe and North America whose dark purple berries have been used medicinally for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests elderberry has been cultivated for its medicinal properties since prehistoric times, with records of use dating to ancient Egypt and documented extensively in European herbal traditions.
The berries contain exceptionally high concentrations of anthocyanins — the dark pigments also found in
blueberries, blackberries, and red grapes — alongside flavonols, phenolic acids, and vitamins C and A.
Raw elderberries must be cooked or processed before consumption — standardized extracts in supplements
are always properly processed for safe use.
The berries contain exceptionally high concentrations of anthocyanins — the dark pigments also found in
blueberries, blackberries, and red grapes — alongside flavonols, phenolic acids, and vitamins C and A.
Raw elderberries must be cooked or processed before consumption — standardized extracts in supplements
are always properly processed for safe use.
How It Works
Elderberry's immune benefits come primarily from its anthocyanin and flavonoid content:
- Antiviral Activity — elderberry flavonoids (particularly cyanidin 3-glucoside and cyanidin 3-sambubioside) have been shown to bind directly to viral surface proteins, preventing viral attachment to and entry into host cells
- Immune Cell Activation — elderberry compounds stimulate the production of cytokines including interleukins and tumor necrosis factor — key signaling molecules that coordinate the immune response
- Antioxidant Protection — among the highest ORAC (antioxidant capacity) scores of any commonly
consumed food — protecting immune cells from oxidative damage
- Anti-Inflammatory — flavonoids inhibit pro-inflammatory enzyme pathways while supporting balanced immune response
- Antiviral Activity — elderberry flavonoids (particularly cyanidin 3-glucoside and cyanidin 3-sambubioside) have been shown to bind directly to viral surface proteins, preventing viral attachment to and entry into host cells
- Immune Cell Activation — elderberry compounds stimulate the production of cytokines including interleukins and tumor necrosis factor — key signaling molecules that coordinate the immune response
- Antioxidant Protection — among the highest ORAC (antioxidant capacity) scores of any commonly
consumed food — protecting immune cells from oxidative damage
- Anti-Inflammatory — flavonoids inhibit pro-inflammatory enzyme pathways while supporting balanced immune response
Side Effects & Considerations
Elderberry extract is very well tolerated at standard doses:
- Very well tolerated in published clinical trials - Raw elderberries are toxic — always use properly processed supplements (this is always the case with commercial products)
- May overstimulate the immune system in those with autoimmune conditions — consult your doctor
- May interact with immunosuppressant medications
- May interact with diuretic medications
- Not recommended during pregnancy or nursing without medical supervision
- Rare allergic reactions in those sensitive to plants in the Adoxaceae family
- Very well tolerated in published clinical trials - Raw elderberries are toxic — always use properly processed supplements (this is always the case with commercial products)
- May overstimulate the immune system in those with autoimmune conditions — consult your doctor
- May interact with immunosuppressant medications
- May interact with diuretic medications
- Not recommended during pregnancy or nursing without medical supervision
- Rare allergic reactions in those sensitive to plants in the Adoxaceae family
Typical Dosage Range
300mg – 1,000mg daily
Most clinical studies use 300-900mg of standardized elderberry extract daily.
For standalone immune support during illness, higher acute doses (900-1200mg daily) are commonly used for short periods. For ongoing immune wellness, consistent daily use at standard doses is recommended. Safe for long-term use at recommended amounts.
The 50mg dose in Troomy Recovery contributes immune support within the broader formula.
Research Notes
- Zakay-Rones et al. (2004) — Randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial published in Journal of International Medical Research found elderberry extract reduced flu duration by an average of 4 days compared to placebo.
- Tiralongo et al. (2016) — Randomized controlled trial in Nutrients found elderberry supplementation significantly reduced cold duration and severity in air travelers compared to placebo.
- Hawkins et al. (2019) — Meta-analysis in Complementary Medicine Research confirmed elderberry substantially reduces upper respiratory symptoms across multiple study designs.
- Roschek et al. (2009) — Published in Phytochemistry, identified the specific anthocyanins responsible
for elderberry's direct antiviral binding activity.
- Tiralongo et al. (2016) — Randomized controlled trial in Nutrients found elderberry supplementation significantly reduced cold duration and severity in air travelers compared to placebo.
- Hawkins et al. (2019) — Meta-analysis in Complementary Medicine Research confirmed elderberry substantially reduces upper respiratory symptoms across multiple study designs.
- Roschek et al. (2009) — Published in Phytochemistry, identified the specific anthocyanins responsible
for elderberry's direct antiviral binding activity.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.