Elderberry has been used medicinally for centuries, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Sambucus nigra, also called black or European elder, is the variety usually used for medicinal purposes. Germany and other countries use the elder flower to treat colds and flu, while the berry is used to treat wounds and respiratory illnesses. Elderberry may have antiviral effects and may possibly affect genital warts, which are caused by a virus.
Genital Warts or HPV
Genital warts have a number of medical names: condylomata acuminata, penile warts, human papilloma virus or HPV, venereal warts and condyloma. HPV is probably the term most commonly used in the medical profession. Over 70 types of HPV are currently known, and of those, several cause genital warts. Other types of HPV can cause the flat or common warts you may get on your hands, but these warts cannot be transmitted to the genital area.
More on HPV
HPV infection is a common sexually transmitted disease in both men and women. Many people have no symptoms, but the disease can be spread even in the absence of obvious symptoms. Some types of HPV, called high-risk HPV, can lead to changes that are associated with cervical cancer or anal cancer. If you have lowered immunity, you are at greater risk for developing HPV. Elderberry may be helpful, as according to the University of Maryland Medical Center it is an immune system stimulant.
Elderberry and Viruses
Elderberry may have antiviral effects. An article in the 1995 Winter issue of the “Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine” reported that standardized elderberry extract prevented several human influenza viruses from reproducing. Patients also experienced significant improvement in symptoms within two days, while untreated patients remained symptomatic for six days. An article in the January 2010 “Phytotherapy Research” reported on a comprehensive review of elderberry research. The authors concluded that elderberry may have antiviral effects but that more studies were necessary.
Elderberry as a Treatment for HPV
MayoClinic.com, Drugs.com and the University of Maryland Medical Center do not include elderberry among possible treatments for HPV. At the time of publication, the data on elderberry for HPV are insufficient to determine if it can be helpful as a treatment for this condition. It is possible elderberry may be helpful in increasing general immunity, and Drugs.com notes elderberry does have a strong stimulant effect on cytokines, which help regulate responses to infection, inflammation and trauma. If you have questions or concerns about HPV treatment, consult a health care professional.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Elderberry; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.
- Drugs.com; Elderberry; 2009
- MayoClinic.com: HPV Infection
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Genital Warts - All Information; Susan Storck, M.D.
- “Journal of Alternative and Complementary 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
- “Phytotherapy Research”; A Systematic Review on the Sambuci Fructus Effect and Efficacy Profiles; J.E. Vlachojannis et al.; January 2010
- “Chest”; Proinflammatory Cytokines; C.A. Dinarello; August 2000
