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OJVRTM
Online Journal of Veterinary Research©
Volume 24(11): 676-686, 2020.
Effect of an elderberry
extract on influenza symptoms.
Fan-kun
Kong, PhD.
Trial conducted by Medical Personnel at
Kong F, Effect of Elderberry Extract on Influenza
symptoms, Onl J Vet Res., 24(11): 676-687, 2020. Elderberry
(Sambucus nigra L.) has
been used to treat colds and influenza. Author describes effects of an elderberry extract slow release lozenge in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on flu
symptoms. Sixty-four patients with fever, headache, muscle aches, coughing,
nasal mucus discharge and nasal congestion for less than 24 hours were
enrolled. Patients were randomized into two groups and given 4 doses of 175 mg
of the proprietary elderberry extract per dose (n=32) or a placebo
(n=32) daily for two days. Severity of symptoms was self-monitored by the
patients and scored on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), with “0” representing no
symptoms and “10” with severe symptoms. Compared with placebo controls, in
those given elderberry, by 48 hours, 9 patients (28%) had no symptoms and 19
(60%) showed one or two mild symptoms (VAS=1). Four patients showed symptoms
improvement but to a lesser degree. In contrast, complete recovery was not
achieved by a single patient in the placebo group with only 5 (16%) improvement
in one or two symptoms. In placebos symptoms remained or became severe. No
adverse effects were observed in either group.
Key words: proprietary elderberry extract,
clinical trial, influenza, flu-like symptoms.