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<p><strong>Background&nbsp;</strong></p>
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<p>Elderberry is the dark purple berry of the European or black elder tree, which grows in the warmer parts of Europe, North America, Asia, and Northern Africa.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Common Names: European elder, black elder, elderberry, elder flower, sambucus&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Latin Names: Sambucus nigra&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Elderberry has been used in folk medicine to treat colds and flu.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Elderberry is promoted as a dietary supplement for colds, flu, and other conditions. It has also been promoted for COVID-19, but there is no good evidence to support its use.&nbsp;</p>
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<p><strong>How Much Do We Know?&nbsp;</strong></p>
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<p>A small number of studies in people have evaluated elderberry for flu and other upper respiratory infections. Little research has been done on other uses of elderberry.&nbsp;</p>
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<p><strong>What Have We Learned?&nbsp;</strong></p>
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<p>Some preliminary research suggests that elderberry may relieve symptoms of flu or other upper respiratory infections.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>No published research studies have evaluated the use of elderberry for COVID-19. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Federal Trade Commission have taken action against companies that marketed products with unsubstantiated claims of effectiveness for COVID-19.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>There’s not enough information to show whether elderberry is helpful for any other health purposes.&nbsp;</p>
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<p><strong>What Do We Know About Safety?&nbsp;</strong></p>
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<p>Raw unripe elderberries and other parts of the elder tree, such as the leaves and stem, contain toxic substances (e.g., sambunigrin) that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; cooking eliminates this toxin. Large quantities of the toxin may cause serious illness.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Little is known about whether it’s safe to use elderberry during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.&nbsp;</p>
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<p><strong>Keep in Mind&nbsp;</strong></p>
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<p>Don’t rely on elderberry or other dietary supplements for prevention or treatment of COVID-19. They have not been shown to be effective.&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Take charge of your health—talk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions. <br><br><strong>CONSIDERING COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY? </strong></p>
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<p>Follow these tips:&nbsp;</p>
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<ol><li>Gather information about the treatment. Look for websites that use qualified health professionals to create and review the information.&nbsp;</li><li>Find and evaluate treatment practitioners. Ask your doctor for a referral.&nbsp;</li><li>Discuss your choices with your doctor.&nbsp;</li></ol>
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<p>- By Mayo Clinic Staff&nbsp;</p>
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<p><strong>For More Information&nbsp;</strong></p>
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<p>Using Dietary Supplements Wisely&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Know the Science: 9 Questions to Help You Make Sense of Health Research&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Sources:&nbsp;</p>
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<p>https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ elderberry&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Mayo Clinic Staff: https://www. mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/complementary-alternative-medicine/in-depth/health-tip/ <br><br>Exclusive content from CARE magazine</p>
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