Is Elderberry As a Treatment For COVID-19 the breakthrough we’ve been waiting for? Recent trials suggest black elderberry syrup (Sambucol) might alleviate coronavirus symptoms with a promising safety profile. In one study, participants on elderberry extract found relief four days quicker than those on a placebo. For daily protection, consider Immune support gummies. Yet, more research is needed in this intriguing field.
What is COVID?
People have been using elderberry for centuries to increase immunity and treat common cold or flu symptoms, often using it in natural supplements like syrup or gummies or tea infusions. Many believe elderberry works against novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 cases as their number increases rapidly – though no scientific proof supports such claims yet; the U.S. Food and Drug Administration even advised supplement manufacturers against making any claims that their products help combat or prevent COVID-19 virus infections.
Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) contains vitamins, minerals like copper and zinc, flavonoids, phenols and other compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, among others. A laboratory study on flower extract from black Elderberry was found to increase protein levels in monocytes which control inflammation response in white blood cells called monocytes; increased levels led monocytes to kill more bacteria than usual, possibly suggesting elderberry extract could kill influenza virus; further investigation must take place before this theory can be confirmed.
Studies have demonstrated that taking black elderberry flower syrup may help alleviate some flu symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, headache and body aches. Studies show it works best when taken within 48 hours after the first signs appear; you can find this remedy both at health food stores and some supermarkets without needing a valid prescription.
Not yet known is whether other forms of elderberry, including powder and capsule, will aid against flu or COVID-19. No data exists to support its safety for pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as those living with certain medical conditions (ie pregnancy/breastfeeding/infant). Elderberry might increase immune system activity but could worsen symptoms for those suffering from an autoimmune disease like multiple sclerosis or systemic lupus erythematosus; or taking medications which suppress immunity like steroids.
Symptoms of COVID
Elderberries have long been revered for their immune-enhancing properties and used as supplements to treat colds and flu, but recently with the COVID-19 pandemic underway they’ve also become a go-to remedy. But do these traditional remedies actually work?
Elderberries, harvested from the Sambucus nigra tree, have long been touted as an effective natural immune support remedy. Elderberries may help strengthen your immune system, treat infections more efficiently, and decrease inflammation. Elderberries contain vitamins, minerals such as zinc and copper, antioxidants and flavonoids and phenols known for their anti-inflammatory properties; extract can be taken in pills, syrups, gummies or tea form for maximum efficiency.
Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of elderberry syrup for relieving symptoms associated with colds and flus. One such research paper published by Journal of International Medical Research showed that those taking an elderberry syrup experienced significantly fewer cold and flu symptoms as well as experiencing milder symptoms overall.
Other studies have demonstrated that herbal combinations containing elderberry may be as effective as oseltamivir for treating influenza viruses; however, these trials were relatively small and did not directly compare a single herbal product against its drug equivalent; also, no information is available as to their safety when used during COVID-19 trials.
Elderberries do not appear to help mitigate or treat COVID-19 symptoms or reduce their risk, yet many are using home remedies such as elderberries to try and ease symptoms that are extremely uncomfortable and distressful.
Researchers of an upcoming study aim to assess whether Sambucus nigra black elderberry extract (Sambucol with black elderberry extract 15ml four times daily for 14 days) can significantly decrease symptoms and progression to severe disease in COVID-19 patients. They intend to recruit mild or moderate confirmed COVID-19 infections from drive-through hospitals and accident and emergency departments and randomly assign either placebo or Sambucol with black elderberry extract (15ml four times daily for 14 days), along with interviews by telephone as well as daily diaries containing symptoms that need recording daily diaries for documenting.
Treatment of COVID
Elderberry has long been used in traditional folk medicine to treat colds and flu. Hippocrates himself dubbed elderberry his “medicine chest”. Not only has elderberry been shown to ease COVID symptoms, it has also been proven effective at improving recovery from flu infections; now being touted as potential treatment against new coronavirus (Covid) outbreaks.
Sambucus nigra tree berries are tart dark purple fruits used as herbal medicines for centuries. Common uses for them are dried and made into syrup or tincture to treat respiratory infections like the common cold or flu. Extracts have also been proven to reduce inflammation while strengthening natural immune response mechanisms in the body by blocking enzyme cyclooxygenase activity.
Research also indicates that elderberry extract enhances white blood cell production of cytokines – messenger molecules produced by immune system cells to fight infections – thus speeding up recovery from flu symptoms, as well as possibly diminishing their severity.
Recent research conducted with Sambucol, a liquid elderberry product, demonstrated its ability to significantly decrease flu symptoms when taken within 48 hours of first signs of illness and reduce duration by almost three days. More studies need to be completed in order to ascertain whether this particular supplement or another are effective at treating COVID.
Elderberry supplements can be taken safely in small doses; however, before making any decisions regarding herbal remedies or products containing elderberries, always speak to a healthcare provider first if you have other medical conditions which could be worsened by such as diabetes or heart disease.
If you have COVID, it is wise to stay home and rest as much as possible. Sleep can help your body combat the virus and reduce chances of severe symptoms. Hydration is also key as dehydration may exacerbate existing symptoms; having someone check in periodically on you might also be beneficial to ensure you remain taking good care.
Elderberry for COVID
Black elderberry has long been used as a natural treatment for colds and flu. Its berries and flowers can be taken in pill form for additional immunity support and antiviral properties; furthermore it may reduce COVID symptoms significantly; however it should only be used as a dietary supplement to accelerate recovery faster from viruses; recommended dosage is 150-300 mg of elderberry per day for maximum benefits.
Elderberries contain an abundance of anthocyanins, flavonols and phenolic acids – key components for supporting immunity – along with vitamins A and C essential to immune health. Their anthocyanins and flavonols have anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties as well as free radical removal properties to remove free radicals from the body more quickly. Lastly, elderberries boast high potassium levels which have the power to increase circulation.
Researchers conducted a 2021 study examining the effect of elderberry extract on the severity and duration of symptoms caused by viral respiratory infection. Their results demonstrated that elderberry significantly mitigated flu symptoms by shortening duration and decreasing frequency; it even prevented more serious conditions like pneumonia and death from appearing.
Researchers found that elderberry had a positive effect on cytokine responses of immune system during early stage flu, without inducing cytokine storms typically seen later in its course. Therefore, they concluded that using elderberry for early stage flu may be an effective treatment to avoid or mitigate illnesses associated with novel coronaviruses.
But it is important to keep in mind that this research only examined a limited sample size, and more studies are necessary to ascertain whether elderberry’s benefits extend across populations and against COVID-19. As there are limited data on these effects of elderberry, until more is known it would be best if elderberry supplements were taken under medical advice and supervision.
