I believe everything gets a fair shot. Just because we don’t learn about elderberry in medical school or graduate school, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t look it up and understand the science. With the recent pandemic, everyone is trying all sorts of random remedies, cures, elixirs. While some, like zinc, the science supports, others, like elderberry, may do more harm than good.
For more information see my post or page on Coronavirus where I try to bust some of the myths. While zinc, which I am now taking prophylactically, may help, Vitamin C will not prevent or treat COVID-19 but may help the body in severe sepsis.
Last updated: 30 March 2020 21:00EST by Frank Cusimano
SUMMARY:
No, elderberry supplementation is not recommended to prevent or treat COVID-19. Elderberry supplementation may exacerbate the systemic inflammatory response making the disease worse. There is currently no science to support it helping prevent or treat COVID-19. Personally, I do not take elderberry due to the potential exacerbation of the systemic inflammatory response and because of concerns of the secondary metabolite cyanide, a byproduct of cyanogenic glycoside hydrolization found in uncooked elderberry.
The Science
Elderberry is a European berry from the species Sambucus nigra. Many claim that it prevents or treats the ‘flu’ (influenza) and upper respiratory infections with little evidence.
Previous results have shown that in a petri dish it may inhibit influenza viral replication, but a major limitation is that for it to inhibit viral replication both the virus and the elderberry had to be at high concentrations . The compound that inhibits viral replication ironically get’s metabolized in the liver during first pass metabolism. Meaning: if you took an elderberry supplement orally, it would first be absorbed and broken down in your liver before reaching your pulmonary system where most viral infections occur in COVID-19.
When looking at SARS-CoV2 infection, it is important to understand the disease process and what happens to the body. One of the clinical findings of COVID-19 is a robust, over-activation of the immune system, known as a cytokine storm. During a cytokine storm, Immune cells release IL-1b, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha, CCL2, in excess . This activation of the immune system actually leads to the breakdown of lung tissue causing exaggerated inflammation in the lungs. For those taking elderberry, it is important to know that elderberry extract has been shown to exacerbate inflammation and increase the release of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-a in vitro . These are the same cytokines that cause the inflammatory process in COVID19 that makes the disease process more severe. If you are taking elderberry supplements and you start to develop symptoms of COVID-19, it is recommended to stop.
Lastly, many like to compare the potential benefits of elderberry for the flu with potential benefits on SARS-CoV2. A few things to point out. The two viruses and the resulting pathophysiology are completely different. Each virus has unique surface proteins that use different cell entry mechanisms . The latent period from time of infection to time of symptoms is unique and the resulting pathology are very different. While there have been a few small trials with elderberry supplements for patients with upper respiratory symptoms, the quality of evidence remains weak and the progression of the disease does not follow that of COVID-19. COVID-19 may progress to a cytokine storm, sepsis, septic shock, and ARDS .
Concerns
It is a common misbelief that ‘natural’ foods are harmless. Just like you wouldn’t want to consume the foxglove plant , there are studies that call into question the consumption of elderberry. Unfortunately, because it is sold as a supplement, most don’t realize that elderberry contains cyanogenic glycosides which are hydrolyzed to hydrogen cyanide in the gastrointestinal tract . Ingestion of uncooked elderberries can lead to poisoning and hospitalization . While most supplemental elderberries are cooked, small amounts of these glycosides have been found to result in hospitalization from GI distress causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in adults and children .
Discussion:
Whether you chose to take it, is up to you. There is no science to support that it will prevent or treat COVID-19. I will not take elderberry due to the potential exacerbation of the systemic inflammatory response and because of the concerns of the secondary metabolite cyanide.
For more articles on the coronavirus, check here.
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Disclaimer: Opinions on this site or on social media do not reflect that of my institutions. I do not provide medical advice. If you have a medical question please see your doctor or if you have a medical emergency, please go to the nearest emergency room.. I have a PhD in Nutrition and Metabolic Biology and three masters degrees including two master’s in nutrition & metabolism. I am a personal trainer & have researched nutrition for 12 years. The info I post is my interpretation of the medical and scientific literature.
