People with ulcerative colitis should exercise caution before consuming elderberries due to their potential interactions with some UC medications.

Elderberries have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help improve or maintain gut health. These properties may benefit people with UC by reducing gut inflammation and permeability and supporting gut microbiota health.

Some individuals with UC may be interested in complementary approaches to help manage their condition. However, research into these potential benefits is inconclusive, and components of elderberry may, in fact, adversely interact with certain UC medications.

This article discusses elderberry and its medicinal properties. It also explains how it may help UC and the potential risks of taking it with medication. Finally, it provides tips about consuming other types of berries with UC.

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Elderberry is the common name for a type of shrub. The black elderberry, Sambucus nigra, is the species people commonly use in herbal preparations.

However, these berries are toxic if a person consumes them raw. However, people can pick ripe fruit and boil it to make extracts, syrups, or jellies.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects between 600,000–900,000 people in the United States.

Research indicates that Sambucus nigra contains several immune-modulating components, that may aid UC symptoms management, including:

A 2019 study suggests that anthocyanins may benefit UC, as they protect against inflammation and gut permeability and improve the microbiota. Additionally, elderberry extract has the following effects on the intestinal lining:

  • antioxidant effects against reactive oxygen species that damage the gut
  • anti-inflammatory properties
  • suppresses pro-inflammatory processes

Elderberry can interact with medication that doctors prescribe for UC. Therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor before consuming them when taking other drugs or supplements.

The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation advises that elderberries stimulate the production of cytokines interleukin and tumor necrosis factor. Cytokines are proteins that white blood cells make to help regulate inflammation and fight off infections, which are essential roles in the immune system.

However, elderberry extracts may also increase proinflammatory cytokines, causing a shift in the immune response, and potentially worsening inflammation in UC.

For this reason, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation cautions that elderberries may reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressant medications. These medications help reduce UC symptoms by suppressing the immune system and its inflammatory responses. Examples of these medications include:

Biologic medications also have immunosuppressive effects. These medications include:

The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation explains that doctors may prescribe immunosuppressants to induce UC remission or prevent relapse. However, elderberries may stimulate the immune system and counteract the effects of immunosuppressants. Therefore, people should seek advice before consuming elderberries or taking them as a supplement.

Historically, people used all parts of the plant as herbal remedies to apply topically to issues such as wounds, sprains, or bruises. In traditional medicine, flowers have been used to reduce bleeding, diarrhea, and congestion. Many of these claims are strictly anecdotal and have little scientific backing.

More recently, 2022 research suggests that the berries of the black elder may have the following properties:

More research is necessary to assess these claims fully, and alternative treatments should never replace a conventional, medically approved treatment plan.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health cautions that raw, unripe elderberries and other parts of the plant, such as the leaves and stem, contain toxic substances. These substances include the compound sambunigrin. If people eat them, they may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Furthermore, consuming large quantities of these plant parts may cause serious illness.

People can cook the berries to make:

  • wine
  • jam or chutney
  • syrup
  • pies or crumbles
  • tinctures
  • teas

In addition, they can use elderberry flowers to make:

  • tea
  • cordial
  • pancakes or fritters
  • ice cream
  • kombucha
  • topical salves

People should boil berries properly and strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer. They can then reduce the liquid by simmering it with sugar and spices, such as cinnamon and ginger, to make a syrup.

Elderberry supplements

Retailers sell elderberry supplements in tablet, syrup, and tincture forms. One such popular supplement is Sambucol. Manufacturers usually market elderberries for immune support.

Experts advise that people with UC eat a well-balanced diet. The symptoms of UC may cause a person to lose their appetite and eat less, so someone should speak with their doctor about what is best to eat. Berries can form part of a balanced diet if an individual with UC can tolerate them.

Studies suggest that several other berries have suitable amounts of anthocyanins that may have an anti-inflammatory effect on the intestines. These include:

However, fruits with skin and seeds can contain insoluble fiber that may be hard to digest. Therefore, berries may trigger a flare of symptoms in some people with UC.

A person can speak with their doctor or dietitian to determine which foods they can tolerate.

Studies suggest that elderberries may have immune-boosting properties and act as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Research has demonstrated that elderberries may have protective effects on the intestinal tracts of people with UC.

However, because elderberries affect the immune system, they may not be suitable for people with immune conditions, particularly if they take immunosuppressants. Therefore, people should check with their doctor before consuming elderberries or taking them as a supplement.