Elderberry, or elder, is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat wounds. It is also used to treat colds and flu. Elderberries contain flavonoids, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Flavonoids are a large family of beneficial compounds made by plants. There are several species of elder. However, European elder is most used for medicinal purposes. Consult your doctor before taking elderberry.
Influenza
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. You can experience mild to severe symptoms. Influenza can cause death in rare instances. The best prevention is to get vaccinated each year, notes the CDC. However, the flu virus changes from year to year, so you can still get the flu even if you have been vaccinated. In 2009, a very different flu virus, called H1N1 emerged and became widespread, causing the first flu pandemic in more than 40 years, reports the CDC.
Reduces Symptoms
Elderberry may help reduce flu symptoms. In human studies, a placebo-controlled, double blind study conducted by the Department of Virology at the Hadassah Medical School in Jerusalem, Israel and published in the winter issue of the "Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine," showed elderberry extract reduced influenza symptoms. In addition, part of the same study showed elderberry extract inhibited several influenza strains in test tubes.
Performed Favorably to Tamiflu
According to a study published in the July 2009 issue of the journal "Phytochemistry," elderberry flavonoids inhibited H1N1 in test tubes. According to the study, elderberry flavonoids compare favorably in H1N1 inhibition activities to the known anti-influenza activities of Oseltamivir, or Tamiflu. Tamiflu is a prescription medication used to treat influenza in adults and children older than 1 year of age. It is used only if you have had symptoms no longer than two days.
Precautions
Herbs should not replace traditional medical care, and because all herbs have the capacity to cause side effects, it is important to consult your doctor before taking elderberry. You should not take elderberry if you are pregnant or nursing. Elderberry may interact with certain medications, including diabetes, chemotherapy and immunosuppressant medications. It may increase fluid loss if you are taking diuretics. It may also have laxative effects and should not be taken with laxatives. Take elderberry only under your doctor's supervision if you are prescribed medication.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Elderberry; Steven D. Ehrlich; December 2009
- CDC.gov: Seasonal Influenza: The Disease
- "Phytochemistry"; Elderberry Flavonoids Bind to and Prevent H1N1 Infection in Vitro; B. Roschek jr et al.; July 2009
- "Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine"; Inhibition of Several Strains of Influenza Virus in Vitro and Reduction of Symptoms by an Elderberry Extract (Sambucus Nigra L.) During an Outbreak of Influenza B Panama; Z. Zakay-Rones et al.; Winter 1995
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