People mainly take Elderberry for immunity. Based on 16 first-hand reports and 6 meta-analyses & systematic reviews in the medical literature. Ranked #725 of 1,974 overall.
Of reports that state an outcome, 76% are positive.
Of the people who reported each effect, the share who said it got better.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses from PubMed, with their published conclusions.
3+ meta-analyses or systematic reviews and 10+ randomized controlled trials in humans. The grade measures how much human research exists — read the conclusions below for what it found.
Conclusion: Elderberry may be a safe option for treating viral respiratory illness, and there is no evidence that it overstimulates the immune system. However, the evidence on both benefits and harms is uncertain and information from recent and ongoing studies is necessary to make firm conclusions.
PubMed 33827515 ↗Conclusion: The quantitative synthesis of the effects yielded a large mean effect size. These findings present an alternative to antibiotic misuse for upper respiratory symptoms due to viral infections, and a potentially safer alternative to prescription drugs for routine cases of the common cold and influenza.
PubMed 30670267 ↗Conclusion: Whereas some studies may point to evidence for benefit, specific gaps preclude the authors from making firm statements with regard to the overall evidence-base for these products and ingredients and in answering the research questions. As we move toward a vision of health promotion and resilience rather than a sole focus on disease prevention and treatment, further work in this area of dietary supplements is of utmost importance.
PubMed 36364865 ↗Conclusion: Pycnogenol also reduced edema scores (n = 3), standard mean -4.09 (95% CI = -6.44 to -1.74), I2 98%, p = 0.0006). Overall, 12 of 183 ingredients contained in 199 products had evidence to support claims.
PubMed 33809656 ↗As stated by users — not a recommendation. Follow the label or your doctor.
How often each side effect came up across all reports.
Verbatim quotes, shortened only — each links to the original discussion.
“2 Capsules Elderberry Extract from Nutra Champs”
“Look up elderberries. They seem to do incredible things to the immune system”
“I have had a very high rate of success taking a full medicine cap full of elderberry liquid (I use NOW brand) every morning and night for a few days.”
“I'm taking daily NAC, D3, and elderberry, and if I or anyone I know appears to be heading towards cytokine storm I'd start using (or recommending) high dose NAC and stop the elderberry.”
“elderberry”
User data from public discussions; research from PubMed. Information only, not medical advice — talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or combining anything. Data updated October 2, 2026. How we rate