Elderberry

Generic name: Elderberry
Brand names: Sambucol
Dosage form: oral liquid (-)
Drug class: Herbal products

Usage of Elderberry

Elderberry is a berry from a European or Black elder tree. The berries are used to make medicine.

Elderberry is also known as Arbre de Judas, Baccae, Baises de Sureau, Black-Berried Alder, Black Elder, Boor Tree, Bountry, Elderberries, Ellanwood, Ellhorn, European Alder, Fruit de Sureau, Grand Sureau, Hautbois, Holunderbeeren, Sabugeuiro-negro, Sambequier, Sambu, Sambuc, Sambuci Sambucus, Sambugo, Sauco, Saúco Europeo, Schwarzer Holunder, Seuillet, Seuillon, Sureau, Sureau Noir, Sus, Suseau, or Sussier.

Elderberry should not be confused with American Elder, Elderflower, or Dwarf Elder.

Elderberry has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating constipation. Elderberry is also possibly effective in reducing the symptoms of influenza (the flu).

Other uses not proven with research have included heart disease, gum disease, high cholesterol, obesity, or the common cold.

It is not certain whether elderberry is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Elderberry should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Elderberry is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Elderberry may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

Elderberry side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although not all side effects are known, elderberry is thought to be possibly safe when taken as directed for a short period of time.

Elderberry is possibly unsafe when uncooked leaves, stems, or fruit are consumed. The elderberry plant contains a chemical that produces cyanide in the leaves or other plant parts and in the unripe green fruit. This can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, or more serious side effects if consumed in large quantities.

Elderberry may cause serious side effects. Stop using elderberry and call your doctor at once if you have:

severe or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea;

numbness; or

severe weakness, dizziness, or confusion.

Common side effects of elderberry may include:

nausea, vomiting;

stomach cramps;

diarrhea; or

runny nose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Elderberry

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have an autoimmune disease such as:

multiple sclerosis;

lupus; or

rheumatoid arthritis.

Ask a doctor before using this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

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Warnings

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Elderberry

Do not take elderberry without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection;

medicine to treat multiple sclerosis;

medicine to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders;

medicine to treat ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease; or

steroid medicine.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect elderberry, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.