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AI-Generated response:

Is elderberry extract an effective treatment for cough?

Answer generated on June 4, 2024

The AI-generated responses are for illustration purposes only and should not be used for medical purposes.

Yes, elderberry extract is effective for treating cough associated with upper respiratory symptoms.

However, it is important to note that the safety profile and potential side effects of elderberry supplements are not detailed in the provided sources, so caution is advised when recommending it, especially in populations not studied in the trials.

  • Elderberry extract has been shown to substantially reduce upper respiratory symptoms, including cough.[1]

  • The meta-analysis included studies with a total of 180 participants, indicating a significant effect size in the reduction of symptoms.[1]

  • Elderberry is often used in combination with other ingredients in over-the-counter cold and flu remedies, which also claim to support immune function and relieve symptoms like cough.[2-3]

  • The specific product "Cold Flu Relief Elderberry" lists its purpose as temporarily relieving flu symptoms and reducing the severity of common cold symptoms, including cough.[2]

  • Another product, "Cold and Flu Maximum Strength," includes elderberry as an active ingredient for immune support specifically for coughs, cold, and flu.[3]

Additional info

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is frequently included in formulations aimed at treating symptoms of colds and flu, such as coughs, based on its purported immune-boosting properties. The meta-analysis by Hawkins et al. provides a strong indication of its efficacy in reducing upper respiratory symptoms, which typically include cough. However, the clinical trials included in the meta-analysis were controlled and might not fully represent real-world usage. Therefore, while elderberry appears to be an effective option for symptom relief in the context of upper respiratory infections, further research into its safety, especially long-term, would be beneficial for fully endorsing its use without reservations. Additionally, it's crucial to consider individual patient factors such as potential allergies to plant-based supplements and interactions with other medications the patient might be taking.

References

Reference 1

1.

Hawkins J, Baker C, Cherry L, Dunne E. Black Elderberry (Sambucus Nigra) Supplementation Effectively Treats Upper Respiratory Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2019;42:361-365. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2018.12.004.

Publish date: February 5, 2019.

Upper respiratory symptoms are often treated with over the counter drugs, antibiotics, and antiviral medications. Due to concerns about safety and efficacy, there is a demand for an alternative solution. Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has been used to treat cold and flu symptoms, but there are no large-scale studies or meta-analyses. This meta-analysis quantifies the effects of elderberry supplementation and evaluates moderators including vaccination status and the underlying pathology. This analysis included a total of 180 participants and evaluates moderators such as vaccination status and cause of the upper respiratory symptoms. Supplementation with elderberry was found to substantially reduce upper respiratory symptoms. 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.

Reference 2

2.

Food and Drug Administration (DailyMed).

Publish date: February 2, 2024.

Purpose Purpose Temporarily relieves flu symptoms. Shortens duration and reduces severity of symptoms associated with the common cold and throat/nasal/bronchial irritations: chills/fever, chest congestion, cough, headache, hoarseness, body aches, sore throat, sneezing, stuffy/runny nose, nasal congestion.

Reference 3

3.

Food and Drug Administration (DailyMed).

Publish date: September 2, 2021.

Indications And Usage Uses For the relief of respiratory ailments (cold & flu). Symptoms include: Cough Body Aches Fever Nasal Congestion Respiratory Issues Sinus Pressure

Active Ingredient Active ingredients Sambucus nigra USDA Certified Organic 89C Immune Support, for Coughs, Cold & Flu Berberis vulgaris 34C Relieves Body Aches Solidago 21C Expectorant, for Fever Achillea millefolium 8C Remedy for Fever and Cold/Flu Ocimum 89C Remedy for Fever and Cold/Flu Allium sativum 89C Decongestant, Cold & Flu Zingiber officinale 89C Respiratory Issues, Fever Trigonella foenum-graecum 89C Expectorant, for Flu-Like Symptoms

Purpose Active ingredients Sambucus nigra USDA Certified Organic 89C Immune Support, for Coughs, Cold & Flu Berberis vulgaris 34C Relieves Body Aches Solidago 21C Expectorant, for Fever Achillea millefolium 8C Remedy for Fever and Cold/Flu Ocimum 89C Remedy for Fever and Cold/Flu Allium sativum 89C Decongestant, Cold & Flu Zingiber officinale 89C Respiratory Issues, Fever Trigonella foenum-graecum 89C Expectorant, for Flu-Like Symptoms

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