Sambucol is a popular natural health product that contains elderberry extract. It is marketed as helping to support the immune system and provide relief from cold and flu symptoms. But what exactly is Sambucol, and what scientific evidence supports its use?
What is Sambucol?
Sambucol is a branded product made from the berries of the European elder tree (Sambucus nigra). It contains concentrated black elderberry extract along with other ingredients like vitamin C, zinc, and proanthocyanidins. The berries have long been used in traditional medicine as a treatment for colds, flu, and other respiratory infections.
Sambucol was developed by virologist Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu in the 1990s. Her research showed that elderberry extract inhibited the flu virus in vitro by blocking key viral proteins needed for replication. This suggested that elderberry could potentially have antiviral effects in humans as well.
Based on her research, Dr. Mumcuoglu’s company (Razei Bar Industries/Israel) launched Sambucol as an over-the-counter syrup and supplement. Today, Sambucol products are sold in over 40 countries worldwide.
What Does Sambucol Claim to Do?
The makers of Sambucol claim that their elderberry supplement can:
- Shorten the duration of colds and flu
- Reduce flu and cold symptoms like fever, headaches, congestion, etc.
- Boost immune system function to better fight off viral infections
- Improve recovery in those already infected with influenza virus
They say that Sambucol’s effectiveness comes from its high concentration of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are natural plant pigments that act as antioxidants and have a variety of therapeutic effects.
What Does the Research Say?
Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate whether Sambucol and elderberry extract live up to theimmune-boosting and antiviral claims.
Here is a summary of some of the major published research:
Lab Studies
In vitro studies show that elderberry extract does have activity against influenza viruses. It appears to inhibit viral entry and replication in cells and block the actions of key viral enzymes needed for infection.
Human Clinical Trials
Travelers’ diarrhea: A 1995 study of travelers to Israel found those receiving elderberry extract 3 days prior to travel had significantly less diarrhea compared to placebo. Diarrhea duration was also reduced in the elderberry group.
Influenza: A 2004 study looked at 60 patients with influenza-like symptoms during an outbreak in Norway. Patients received 15 mL of elderberry or placebo syrup 4 times a day for 5 days. Those on elderberry had symptom relief 4 days earlier on average compared to placebo.
A 2009 study examined elderberry’s efficacy for treating influenza A and B infections during an epidemic season. Sixty patients received elderberry extract or placebo for 3 days. Elderberry treatment resulted in substantial improvement in most flu symptoms and shortened duration by roughly 4 days.
| Study | Participants | Methods | Main Findings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 travelers’ diarrhea study | 182 air travelers to Israel | Randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial. Participants received elderberry or placebo for 3 days before travel. | Elderberry group had significantly fewer episodes of diarrhea compared to placebo. Symptom duration was 2-3 days shorter in elderberry group. |
| 2004 Norwegian influenza study | 60 patients with flu-like symptoms | Double blind, placebo controlled trial. Participants received 15 mL elderberry or placebo syrup 4 times per day for 5 days. | Elderberry group saw relief of symptoms an average of 4 days earlier compared to placebo. |
| 2009 study on influenza A/B | 60 patients with confirmed influenza A or B | Randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial. Participants received elderberry or placebo for 3 days. | Elderberry treatment reduced symptoms significantly faster compared to placebo. Symptom duration was reduced by approximately 4 days. |
A 2019 meta-analysis compiled data from all randomized controlled trials testing elderberry for acute upper respiratory infections. They found that elderberry supplementation significantly reduces illness duration and severity compared to placebo.
Animal Research
Studies in mice and rats also show benefits of elderberry extract against the flu. In influenza-infected mice, elderberry has been found to:
- Reduce mortality risk
- Lower lung inflammation
- Inhibit viral replication and spread
- Increase levels of immune cells and antibodies
Possible Mechanisms
Researchers are still investigating exactly how elderberry works against the flu, but some potential mechanisms include:
- Antiviral activities – Directly inhibiting viral entry, fusion, and replication.
- Immune stimulation – Boosting the production of cytokines, antibodies and protective immune cells.
- Anti-inflammatory effects – Reducing pro-inflammatory signaling molecules and lung inflammation.
- Antioxidant properties – Neutralizing free radicals and oxidative stress that damages cells.
What are the Active Ingredients in Sambucol?
The key bioactive compounds in Sambucol that likely contribute to its effects include:
- Anthocyanins – These antioxidants provide elderberry’s deep purple color. They have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immune-boosting properties.
- Flavonoids – Like quercetin and rutin, flavonoids have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
- Phenolic acids – In particular chlorogenic acid, these compounds also act as antioxidants.
- Vitamin C – Some Sambucol products are fortified with vitamin C, a powerful immune system booster.
- Zinc – Zinc is added to support immune health and is critical for antiviral defenses.
The compounds in Sambucol seem to exhibit synergistic effects, working together to enhance antioxidant activity and provide multiple antiviral and immune-stimulating actions.
What are the Uses and Benefits of Sambucol?
Here are some of the top evidence-based uses and health benefits of taking Sambucol:
1. Helping Prevent and Shorten Colds
Some research indicates that elderberry supplementation around 500-1500 mg daily may reduce cold duration by roughly 2 days compared to untreated adults. It seems to be most effective when taken in the early stages of infection.
2. Shortening the Flu
Studies demonstrate that Sambucol can decrease flu symptoms by about 4 days on average. It also appears useful for reducing fever, headaches, sore throat, nasal congestion and more.
3. Supporting Influenza Recovery
Evidence shows elderberry can help patients recovering from the flu regain their strength faster. It seems effective at relieving lingering weakness and fatigue.
4. Easing Cold and Flu Complications
By reducing virus levels and controlling inflammation, Sambucol may help prevent secondary infections and complications. This can decrease the need for antibiotics in those with viral upper respiratory infections.
5. Improving Flu Vaccine Efficacy
Some research hints Sambucol may improve the body’s response to the flu vaccine. More studies are needed, but taking elderberry alongside flu vaccination may potentially boost vaccine effectiveness.
6. Serving as an Alternative to Tamiflu
The antiviral drug Tamiflu is sometimes used to treat severe flu. But it can have side effects and viruses can develop resistance. Some integrative doctors recommend Sambucol as a natural Tamiflu alternative for influenza recovery.
What Are the Side Effects of Sambucol?
When taken as directed, Sambucol is generally very well tolerated with minimal side effects. Mild stomach upset or diarrhea is occasionally reported. Allergic reactions are possible in those sensitive to elderberry products or certain inactive ingredients.
Sambucol is considered safe for adults and children over 1 year old when used for up to 5 days. It should be avoided in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to lack of safety data.
Rarely, elderberry may interact with autoimmune medications, diuretics, laxatives, or diabetes drugs. It is always best to consult your physician before using elderberry supplements.
How to Take Sambucol
Sambucol comes in several forms, including Original syrup, Black Elderberry syrup, gummies, capsules, and lozenges.
For colds and flu, the manufacturer recommends taking Sambucol according to this dosing schedule:
- Adults: 4 teaspoons (20 mL) or 4 gummies per day
- Kids: 2 teaspoons (10 mL) or 2 gummies per day
It is best taken at the very first signs of a cold or flu for the fastest symptom relief. Sambucol should be taken for 3-5 days continuously at the first onset of illness for maximum effectiveness.
Be sure to follow package instructions carefully and talk to your doctor about proper elderberry dosage and length of use.
Does Sambucol Really Work?
According to the evidence, Sambucol does seem to provide real relief for cold and flu symptoms when taken properly. Multiple studies report it shortens illness duration and reduces severity of things like fever, cough, sore throat, and congestion.
Its benefits seem most pronounced when elderberry supplementation is started within 24-48 hours of flu or cold symptoms first appearing. It may be less effective once illness is already full-blown.
Some experts theorize that elderberry’s impact may be more preventive than curative. More research is still needed to confirm efficacy and optimal usage.
Should You Take Sambucol?
Sambucol is likely a good option for cold and flu relief this season if you are an adult or child over 1 year old. It may be especially helpful for:
- Boosting immunity during peak cold and flu season
- Shortening common colds caused by rhinovirus and other bugs
- Lessening flu complications like pneumonia in higher risk groups
- Speeding recovery from influenza A and B infections
- Easing difficult-to-treat coughs and nasal congestion
Just be aware that elderberry is not a cure-all. For severe or persistent flu symptoms, make sure to see your physician. But Sambucol can serve as a safe natural supplement to potentially get you feeling better sooner.
Conclusion
Sambucol is a popular supplement made from black elderberry extract. Studies show it can reduce flu and cold duration by around 4 days when taken promptly at symptom onset. It seems to work via antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting actions.
The anthocyanins, flavonoids, and other compounds in Sambucol offer antioxidant effects that can ease symptoms like fever, congestion, and body aches. There is solid evidence that Sambucol provides real benefits for influenza recovery.
Just be sure to follow dosage guidelines carefully and consult your doctor first if you have any medical conditions or take other medications. When used properly, Sambucol can be a helpful option this cold and flu season.