European Elder
European Elder (Sambucus nigra), often referred to as elderberry, is a flowering plant whose berries and flowers have been utilized for centuries in traditional medicine. It is highly valued for its dense concentration of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins and flavonoids, which contribute to its potent immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds help combat oxidative stress and may support the body's natural defense mechanisms against pathogens. Primarily, elderberry is sought after for its ability to support the immune system, especially during periods of seasonal challenges like colds and flu. Research suggests that its active compounds can inhibit viral replication and reduce the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections. It is also believed to help alleviate symptoms such as congestion, sore throat, and fever. Beyond immune support, European Elder exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit overall health. Its antioxidant profile makes it a valuable component in wellness routines aimed at promoting cellular health and reducing inflammation. It is commonly found in various forms, including syrups, lozenges, teas, and capsules.
Berries of the Sambucus nigra plant (European Elder tree/shrub)Flowers of the Sambucus nigra plant
Cheapest European Elder supplements
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Best European Elder supplements
Find the best European Elder supplements to support your general health and immunity with our expertly curated comparison list.
Value European Elder supplements
Discover the best value European Elder supplements to support your general health and boost immunity with our comprehensive comparison.
Minimum500 mg
Maximum1000 mg
Impact
High effect
Typical dose:600–1500 mg
Also known as Elderberry, its compounds can block viral entry into cells and enhance the body's immune response to viruses. It is particularly effective against several strains of influenza and common cold viruses, making it a top-tier choice for acute care.
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Impact
Situational effect
Typical dose:300–1000 mg
Elderberry is rich in antioxidants and compounds that can inhibit viral replication. Clinical studies demonstrate its use for shortening the course of acute influenza and common cold infections, making it a valuable tool for specific instances of illness rather than for daily general health.
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add_circle_outline Positive Interactions
Vitamin C
Both elderberry and Vitamin C are potent immune boosters and antioxidants, potentially enhancing overall immune defense and protection against oxidative stress.
Zinc
Often combined in immune support supplements, zinc is essential for immune cell function, and elderberry can further support the body's response to viral challenges.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in immune system regulation, complementing elderberry's efforts in strengthening the body's natural defenses.
Flavonoid
Elderberry is rich in flavonoids; combining with other flavonoid sources can amplify antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
carotenoids
Both elderberry's anthocyanins and carotenoids are powerful antioxidants, offering broader protection against free radical damage when combined.
85 Best 
Kids Black Elderberry Alcohol Free
Herb Pharm
4.9
★★★★★
(653 ratings)
European Elder: 985 mg
A high-potency, alcohol-free liquid elderberry extract for kids, offering superior value in a larger size.
82 Best 
Elderberry Soothing Syrup
Further Food
4.9
★★★★★
(82 ratings)
European Elder: 2362 mg
A very high-dose elderberry syrup with an additional soothing blend, offering potent liquid support.
80 Value 
Elderberry 500 mg
NOW
4.7
★★★★★
(6196 ratings)
European Elder: 500 mg
A potent 10:1 elderberry concentrate capsule, offering a high dose for daily wellness.
75 Budget 
Elderberry 450 mg
Solaray
4.7
★★★★★
(744 ratings)
European Elder: 350 mg
A direct VegCap providing 450mg of elderberry for straightforward immune and general health support.
70 Value 
Elderberry
Swanson
4.8
★★★★★
(495 ratings)
European Elder: 460 mg
An extremely cost-effective elderberry capsule delivering a good dose for daily wellness.
79 Best 
ImmunAbreve
Advanced Nutrition by Zahler
4.7
★★★★★
(113 ratings)
European Elder: 985 mg
This product delivers a focused blend of essential vitamins in specific forms and traditional herbs, designed to support overall wellness and immune system function.
78 Best 
Abreve
Zahler
4.6
★★★★★
(2851 ratings)
European Elder: 985 mg
This product is a multi-ingredient blend featuring a strong lineup of traditional herbs and vitamins, mainly focusing on supporting general health and immune function.
78 Best 
Black Elderberry NightTime Syrup
Gaia Herbs
4.8
★★★★★
(160 ratings)
European Elder: 1903 mg
This NightTime syrup provides black elderberry and acerola in a liquid form, designed to support general health and immunity as part of an an evening routine.
76 Best 
Black Elderberry NightTime Syrup
Gaia Herbs
4.6
★★★★★
(582 ratings)
European Elder: 1903 mg
A larger size of the NightTime elderberry and acerola syrup, offering support for general health and immunity with an evening focus.
80 Best 
Kids Black Elderberry Alcohol Free
Herb Pharm
4.8
★★★★★
(1171 ratings)
European Elder: 985 mg
A high-potency, alcohol-free liquid elderberry extract designed specifically for children.
88 Budget 
Sambucus Zinc-C
NOW
4.9
★★★★★
(18976 ratings)
European Elder: 150 mg
This liquid elderberry blend offers immune support through a concentrated elderberry extract, Vitamin C, and a well-absorbed form of zinc, all at a practical price point.
75 Budget 
Elderberry Complex Berry Flavor
AN Amazing Nutrition Amazing Formulas
4.2
★★★★★
(65 ratings)
European Elder: 200 mg
An affordable elderberry tablet combining elderberry extract with Vitamin C, Echinacea, and other herbs for general immune support.
82 Budget 
ACF Advanced Immune Response
Buried Treasure Liquid Nutrients
4.6
★★★★★
(244 ratings)
European Elder: 750 mg
A potent liquid blend featuring high levels of Vitamin C, Zinc, Elderberry, and Echinacea, combined with a focused selection of traditional herbs for advanced immune and general wellness support.
68 Value 
Elderberry
NutraMedix
4.9
★★★★★
(25 ratings)
European Elder: 500 mg
A simple 500 mg elderberry concentrate in capsule form for daily intake.
75 Value 
Elderberry 575 mg
Nutricost
4.7
★★★★★
(1750 ratings)
European Elder: 575 mg
A high-potency elderberry capsule offering 575mg per serving, focused on providing maximum elderberry at an affordable price.
70 Best 
Black Elderberry Honey
Oregon's Wild Harvest
4.5
★★★★★
(34 ratings)
European Elder: 1400 mg
An organic liquid blend of black elderberry and honey, offering a traditional, palatable approach to immune support.
78 Best 
Black Elderberry
Nature's Way
4.7
★★★★★
(18959 ratings)
European Elder: 920 mg
A very high-potency elderberry capsule offering 1150mg per serving for robust immune and general health support.
78 Value 
Elderberry 500 mg
NOW
4.7
★★★★★
(6417 ratings)
European Elder: 500 mg
A potent 10:1 elderberry concentrate capsule, suitable for high-strength elderberry support.
88 Best 
Sambucus Black Elderberry 1000 mg
Nature's Truth
4.7
★★★★★
(32715 ratings)
European Elder: 1000 mg
A high-dose elderberry capsule offering 1000 mg at an extremely economical price.
80 Value 
Black Elderberry Alcohol-Free
Herb Pharm
4.8
★★★★★
(47 ratings)
European Elder: 828 mg
A larger, cost-effective bottle of the alcohol-free liquid elderberry extract from Herb Pharm, providing consistent potency per serving.
Average$22.77
Median$19.10
Average$0.76
Median$0.59
Average$0.31
Median$0.23
Reference amount: 100 mg
Sambucus nigra is the scientific name for the European Elder tree or shrub. Various parts of the plant, especially the dark purple berries and the white flowers, have been used for centuries in traditional European folk medicine. The berries are valued for their rich content of anthocyanins and other polyphenols, while flowers are used for their diaphoretic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Refers to the well-studied and recognized plant species.
- Historically used for a wide range of traditional remedies.
- Too general, doesn't specify which part or preparation is being used, making specific health benefits and safety profiles less clear.
- Requires knowledge of proper preparation to avoid toxicity from raw parts.
Avg$16.37
Med$16.32
Avg$0.51
Med$0.53
Avg$0.36
Med$0.35
Price distribution
Polyphenols are micronutrients with antioxidant activity. European Elder is rich in various polyphenols, not just anthocyanins, but also quercetin, kaempferol, and chlorogenic acids. These compounds work synergistically to provide broad-spectrum antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supportive benefits.
- Encompasses a wider range of beneficial compounds, potentially offering broader synergistic effects.
- Supports multiple aspects of health through diverse antioxidant mechanisms.
- Less specific than focusing on anthocyanins, so specific potencies of individual beneficial compounds might be less clear.
- Standardization for total polyphenols might not guarantee optimal levels of all desired compounds.
Avg$23.86
Med$22.39
Avg$0.27
Med$0.27
Avg$0.16
Med$0.16
Price distribution
Whole elderberries (Sambucus nigra) are the raw fruit of the European Elder plant. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and potent antioxidants like anthocyanins and other polyphenols. Historically, they have been used in culinary preparations and traditional medicine to support general health and immunity. It's crucial that elderberries are cooked before consumption, as raw berries contain cyanogenic glycosides.
- Natural whole food source, providing a full spectrum of nutrients and phytonutrients.
- Can be prepared in various traditional culinary forms (e.g., syrups, jams) after cooking.
- Must be cooked thoroughly before consumption to neutralize toxic compounds.
- Concentration of active ingredients is lower and more variable than standardized extracts.
- Fresh availability is seasonal.
Avg$11.46
Med$11.46
Avg$1.29
Med$1.29
Avg$0.71
Med$0.71
Price distribution
European Elder contains various bioactive compounds, including anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which contribute to its antioxidant and immune-modulating properties. These bioactives are responsible for the plant's potential health benefits.
- Contains the beneficial compounds inherent to elderberry.
- Supports general well-being through natural plant constituents.
- Not standardized, specific concentrations of active compounds are unknown.
- Effectiveness can vary due to unquantified active ingredients.
Avg$11.68
Med$11.68
Avg$2.33
Med$2.33
Avg$1.17
Med$1.17
Price distribution
Black elderberry specifically denotes the dark purple berries of the Sambucus nigra species. These berries are a popular source for supplements due to their high concentration of beneficial compounds, including anthocyanins, flavonoids, and vitamins. While it can refer to the raw fruit, in a supplement context, it often implies a processed form like an extract, syrup, or concentrate, which has been prepared to ensure safety and potency.
- Clearly identifies the beneficial species (Sambucus nigra).
- Widely available in various preparations (syrups, capsules, gummies).
- Recognized for both general health and immune benefits.
- Can refer to whole berries (requiring cooking) or extracts, so potency and safety can vary depending on context.
- Consumers need to verify if it's an extract or whole berry product for proper usage.
Avg$17.99
Med$17.99
Avg$0.89
Med$0.89
Avg$0.45
Med$0.45
Price distribution
European Black Elderberry Extract is a highly concentrated form made from the berries of Sambucus nigra. This extract is frequently standardized to contain a specific amount of active compounds, such as anthocyanins, which are potent antioxidants and immune modulators. It is a widely studied form for its effectiveness in supporting the immune system and helping to alleviate symptoms of colds and flu.
- High concentration of active compounds, ensuring potent effects.
- Often standardized for potency, providing consistent dosages.
- Extensive research backing its immune benefits and safety profile for cold/flu.
- Convenient and easy to consume in supplement form.
- Cost can be higher due to extraction and standardization processes.
- Quality can still vary among brands if not third-party verified.
Avg$22.95
Med$22.95
Avg$0.76
Med$0.76
Avg$0.15
Med$0.15
Price distribution
Sambucus nigra cerulea, also known as Blue Elderberry or Pacific Coast Elderberry, is a subspecies found primarily in western North America. Like Sambucus nigra, its berries are rich in anthocyanins and other polyphenols, contributing to its antioxidant and potential immune-modulating properties. While sharing many characteristics with the European Black Elderberry, it is a distinct plant with its own traditional uses, though less extensively studied for direct comparisons in human clinical trials for cold/flu compared to S. nigra.
- Contains beneficial anthocyanins and polyphenols, offering antioxidant potential.
- Native to North America, often used in regional traditional medicine.
- Less extensive research specifically on human immunity compared to Sambucus nigra.
- Requires cooking similar to S. nigra due to cyanogenic glycosides in raw parts.
- May not be as readily available in international markets as European Black Elderberry.
Avg$19.10
Med$19.10
Avg$0.42
Med$0.42
Avg$0.09
Med$0.09
Price distribution
Sambucus nigra Extract is a concentrated preparation from the European Elder plant, most commonly from its berries. This extract aims to provide a higher concentration of the plant's active constituents, such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which are responsible for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supporting properties. It is a widely used form in supplements due to its convenience and enhanced potency.
- Concentrated source of beneficial compounds, allowing for lower dosages.
- Often standardized for active components, providing consistent efficacy.
- Convenient and widely available in various supplement forms.
- Backed by research for immune system support and general health.
- Quality can vary between products if not standardized or sourced from reputable suppliers.
- Potential for mild gastrointestinal upset in some sensitive individuals.
Avg$12.74
Med$12.74
Avg$0.21
Med$0.21
Avg$0.05
Med$0.05
Price distribution
Sambucus nigra is the scientific name for the European Elder tree or shrub. Various parts of the plant, especially the dark purple berries and the white flowers, have been used for centuries in traditional European folk medicine. The berries are valued for their rich content of anthocyanins and other polyphenols, while flowers are used for their diaphoretic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Refers to the well-studied and recognized plant species.
- Historically used for a wide range of traditional remedies.
- Too general, doesn't specify which part or preparation is being used, making specific health benefits and safety profiles less clear.
- Requires knowledge of proper preparation to avoid toxicity from raw parts.
Avg$43.96
Med$43.96
Avg$0.73
Med$0.73
Avg$0.24
Med$0.24
Price distribution