Summary of European Medicines Agency Assessment Report on Sambucus nigra. (Elderberry)
Non-Clinical Data
Elderberry Activities
Findings
Immunological Activity
May modulate activity of immune cells.
Data is not conclusive.
Antiviral Activity
Inhibitory effect on influenza virus strains studied.
Clear results in lab studies
Mixed results in studies on human cells*.
Antioxidative activity
High concentrations of chemicals known for antioxidant properties.
Mixed study results on effects of stress in cells* in vitro.
Applications Unclear
Antibacterial activity
Antibacterial activity found against H. Pylori and MRSA.
Lectin Activities
Lectins are sugar binding proteins
Lectin activities have been established by studies
Applications for lectin activities (diabetes) has been studied. Mixed results.
Toxicology
High-risk of toxicity with ripe fruit
No concerns with cooked or heat treated products.
Avoid bark of the plant. (toxic)
Clinical Data
Low Bioavailability
The proportion of active substances in elderberry that enter the circulation after being consumed is low across all preparations.
Dose response
Little data is available for dosing, likely due to low bioavailability.
Safety Data
Adverse Events
Adverse events in a few individuals have been reported.
Abdominal pain, Edema in Legs, Decreased INR (increased blood clotting)
*For the purposes of this report, Non clinical data represents pharmacodynamics, and toxicology from laboratory (in-vitro) experiments. Clinical data represents pharmacokinetic, bioavailability, and clinical trial data. Safety data represents information on clinical exposures.
