What Is Sambucol Used For?

Sambucol is a line of products from PharmaCare, all containing a proprietary standardized black elderberry extract for immune system support. The Sambucol extract is distinct from other standardized elderberry extracts, according to the Sambucol official website. The company named it Sambucol after the elderberry genus, Sambucus. Products are available as tablets, quick-dissolve tablets and liquid. Consult with a qualified health care provider before taking herbal supplements.

Expert Insight

The U.S. National Institutes of Health, at its MedlinePlus website, gives elderberry the grade of "B" for treating influenza, a common use for Sambucol. Elderberry juice may improve flu symptoms in less time than it usually takes to recover from this illness, although MedlinePlus notes that additional research is needed to confirm this benefit. Elderberry could also be useful for treating bronchitis and bacterial sinusitis, but research is lacking, according to MedlinePlus.

Effectiveness

A study published in the Winter 1995 issue of the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" investigated the effects of Sambucol during an outbreak of influenza B. Significant improvement of symptoms, including fever, occurred within two days in approximately 93 percent of cases in the group treated with Sambucol. In the placebo group, about 92 percent of the patients showed improvement within six days. A complete cure occurred in nearly 90 percent of the Sambucol group within three days.

Potential

Research appearing in the April-June 2001 issue of "European Cytokine Network" cites previous studies, one in which Sambucol was effective against 10 different strains of influenza in the laboratory. Their current study tested three different Sambucol formulations in the lab on blood from 12 healthy donors. The responses indicated benefits of Sambucol for immune system activation. The authors theorized Sambucol could be useful for boosting the immune system in cancer and AIDS patients.

Components

Three flavonoids in Sambucol are likely responsible for its antiviral effects, according to physician Andrew Weil, program director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. Flavonoids called anthocyanins mainly occur in dark blue and purple fruits, such as the black elderberry, and these flavonoids in particular are noteworthy for boosting the immune system, explains the Sambucol website.

Considerations

Sambucol is not indicated for preventing or treating colds, and it apparently does not prevent the flu, although it appears effective for shortening the duration of flu symptoms. Pregnant women should not take elderberry preparations, because the herb may cause birth defects or miscarriage, according to MedlinePlus. As with any herbal preparation, some people may have an allergic reaction to Sambucol.