Viral Upper Respiratory Infections (Colds and Influenza) and Sambucol

Sambucol is a standardized product containing elderberry combined with small amounts of echinacea and bee propolis. It has been widely marketed as a cold and flu remedy and has shown some promise for being effective.

Weak evidence suggests that this mixture may stimulate the immune system and also inhibit viral growth.⁷⁵

Read more details about Sambucol.

In a preliminary double-blind study, Sambucol significantly reduced the recovery time from epidemic influenza B, a relatively mild form of influenza.⁷⁶ Another small double-blind study found similar benefits in both influenza A and B.¹³⁰

Sambucol is available in some drug stores and large department stores, as well as online. See package for directions.

75. Barak V, Halperin T, Kalickman I. The effect of Sambucol, a black elderberry-based, natural product, on the production of human cytokines: I. Inflammatory cytokines. Eur Cytokine Netw. 2001;12:290-296.
76. Zakay-Rones Z, Varsano N, Zlotnik M, et al. Inhibition of several strains of influenza virus in vitro and reduction of symptoms by an elderberry extract ( Sambucus nigra L.) during an outbreak of influenza B Panama. J Altern Complement Med. 1995;1:361-369.
130. Zakay-Rones Z., Thom E., Wollan T., et al. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections. J Intern Med Res. 2004;32:132-134.