Elderberry vs. Astragalus: Which Immune-Boosting Herb Is Best for Your Daily Defense?
Last updated: March 30, 2026
The deep purple pigmentation in these regeneratively grown elderberries indicates peak concentrations of the anthocyanins responsible for their powerful antiviral binding mechanisms.
It is the anthocyanins in elderberry that bind directly to viral surface proteins, and the polysaccharides in astragalus that activate macrophages and natural killer cells. Two herbs, two completely different mechanisms, and understanding the distinction is the difference between reaching for the right ally at the right time or wasting your money on generic immune support that misses the mark.
Here is the deeper truth that most wellness blogs will never tell you: these compounds are not manufactured by the plant for our benefit. They are defense chemicals, secondary metabolites produced when the plant is challenged by microbes, insects, and environmental stress in living soil. A plant grown in sterile, lifeless growing media will never produce the concentration of anthocyanins or polysaccharides that a plant raised in biologically active soil will. Chemistry created by struggle, not comfort. This is why at Sacred Plant Co, we view every herb through the lens of regenerative agriculture and soil biology, because the potency of these compounds is inseparable from the health of the earth that produced them. You can see the data behind this philosophy in our Haney Score data.
In this guide, we break down exactly when to use elderberry, when to use astragalus, how to identify premium quality in both, and how to combine them for a layered immune strategy that addresses both immediate threats and long-term resilience.
What You'll Learn in This Comparison
- The phytochemical divide: Why anthocyanins (elderberry) and polysaccharides (astragalus) activate entirely different branches of your immune system
- Acute vs. tonic timing: When to deploy each herb for maximum effectiveness, and why timing matters more than dosage
- Sensory quality markers: How to identify premium elderberry and astragalus by sight, smell, and texture before you ever brew a cup
- Clinical evidence decoded: What peer-reviewed meta-analyses actually say about elderberry's antiviral activity and astragalus's immune-building capacity
- The synergy protocol: A specific dual-extraction method that preserves heat-sensitive elderberry anthocyanins while fully extracting astragalus polysaccharides
- Contraindication awareness: Critical safety information for autoimmune conditions, pregnancy, and medication interactions
- Preparation mastery: Decoction, syrup, and broth recipes with exact ratios and steeping times
- Storage and potency: How to keep both herbs at peak therapeutic value for up to two years
Elderberry vs. Astragalus: Quick Comparison at a Glance
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) excels as an acute immune responder rich in antiviral anthocyanins, while astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) builds deep immune resilience over time through immunomodulating polysaccharides.
| Feature | Elderberry | Astragalus Root |
|---|---|---|
| Latin Name | Sambucus nigra | Astragalus membranaceus |
| Primary Compounds | Anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-sambubioside), quercetin, rutin | Astragalus polysaccharides (APS), astragalosides (saponins), flavonoids |
| Immune Mechanism | Direct antiviral binding, cytokine modulation, innate immune stimulation | Macrophage activation, NK cell enhancement, T-cell modulation, Wei Qi building |
| Best Timing | At first sign of illness or during acute exposure | Daily tonic use for weeks to months |
| Flavor Profile | Tart, fruity, with raspberry-cherry-lemon complexity | Mildly sweet, with honey-oak-earth undertones |
| Traditional System | European folk medicine, Native American herbalism | Traditional Chinese Medicine (Huang Qi, "Yellow Leader") |
| Adaptogenic | No | Yes |
| Duration of Use | Short-term (days to 6 weeks seasonally) | Long-term (months to years) |
| Pairs Well With | Echinacea, Ginger, Rosehips | Licorice Root, Codonopsis, Reishi |
How to Identify Premium Elderberry and Astragalus
The single most reliable indicator of herbal quality is sensory intensity: premium elderberry should stain your fingers deep violet-purple within seconds of handling, and premium astragalus should snap cleanly with a mild, sweet fragrance. If either herb fails these tests, the active compound concentration is likely compromised.
Elderberry Quality Markers
Faded or brownish berries indicate severe oxidation, whereas this uniform, near-black coloration confirms that the delicate, heat-sensitive anthocyanin structures remain fully intact.
Color: Look for berries that are uniformly deep purple to near-black. Faded, brownish, or grey berries indicate oxidation, meaning the anthocyanins responsible for antiviral activity have degraded. When you add hot water, a premium elderberry infusion should turn deep garnet-purple within minutes.
Aroma: Crush a berry between your fingers. You should detect a tart, wine-like fruitiness with notes of dark cherry and a subtle earthiness. If the scent is flat, musty, or absent, the volatile compounds have deteriorated.
Texture: Dried berries should be slightly wrinkled but pliable, not rock-hard or dusty. Excessive brittleness suggests over-drying, which damages the delicate anthocyanin structures.
Astragalus Root Quality Markers
The classic "Yellow Leader" hue on the cut surface is a primary indicator of freshness, ensuring optimal concentrations of the polysaccharides needed for deep macrophage activation.
Color: Premium astragalus root slices should be a warm, pale yellow on the interior with a thin, light brown outer bark. Dark brown or black discoloration on cut surfaces indicates age or improper storage.
Texture: The slices should snap cleanly when bent, with visible fibrous striations on the break. If the root bends without breaking, it has absorbed moisture. If it crumbles to dust, it is too old.
Aroma: Fresh astragalus has a subtle, sweet fragrance reminiscent of fresh hay and mild honey. A musty or sour smell indicates mold contamination or age degradation.
Taste test: Chew a small piece. Quality astragalus releases a gentle sweetness followed by a slight bean-like starchiness. Bitterness is a sign of adulteration or poor species selection.
Proper storage is critical for preserving these quality markers over time. Our complete guide to buying, storing, and using herbs in bulk covers airtight container selection, ideal temperature ranges, and signs of degradation to watch for.
Historical Roots of Elderberry
Sourced with a strict adherence to traditional wisdom, these whole berries retain the potent phytochemicals that European herbalists relied upon during historical seasonal outbreaks.
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has been revered across European and North American folk traditions for centuries as one of nature's most trusted seasonal protectors. The elder tree itself held sacred status in Celtic and Germanic cultures, where folklore warned against cutting its wood without first asking permission from the spirit believed to dwell within it.
In medieval Europe, elderberry preparations were consumed during epidemic outbreaks as a frontline preventative. European herbalists prescribed elderberry wine, concentrated syrups (known as "rob"), and conserves throughout autumn and winter months. Indigenous tribes in North America, including the Cherokee, prepared elderberry for respiratory complaints and fever. The deep purple berries were commonly brewed into syrups, wines, and tonics to fortify the body against seasonal threats.1
This cross-cultural consistency is striking. When multiple healing traditions on different continents arrive at the same conclusion about a single plant, the signal is worth paying attention to. Modern research has begun to validate what these traditions observed for generations.
The elder plant offers more than just the berry. Elderflower carries its own tradition of wellness, particularly for gentle respiratory and fever support, and makes a lovely complementary tea during cold season.
Ancient Wisdom of Astragalus Root
Known as Huang Qi, this premium sliced root requires extended decoction to fully release the immune-modulating adaptogens revered in classical Chinese herbalism.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) has anchored Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas for over 2,000 years as one of the most respected superior tonic herbs in the entire classical pharmacopoeia. Known as Huang Qi, which translates to "Yellow Leader," it earned its name both from the golden color of the root interior and from its reputation as the leading herb for strengthening the body's vital energy.
In TCM theory, astragalus specifically builds Wei Qi, the "defensive energy" that forms the body's first barrier against external pathogens. This concept parallels modern immunology's understanding of innate immunity. Classical practitioners prescribed astragalus in foundational formulas like Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen), combining it with Bai Zhu (Atractylodes) and Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia) to create a protective barrier against illness.2
Unlike herbs that stimulate a rapid immune response, astragalus operates on a longer timeline. Chinese medicine practitioners traditionally recommended months to years of daily use, building resilience gradually without depleting the body's reserves. This tonic approach is central to its adaptogenic classification, helping the body cope with both physical and emotional stress while keeping immune function balanced.
For a deeper exploration of Huang Qi's role in classical Chinese herbalism, including traditional decoction methods and formula pairings, see our guide to unlocking the power of astragalus root in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Active Compounds and Modern Research
Both elderberry and astragalus have earned growing attention from the scientific community, though their active compounds target fundamentally different aspects of immune function.
Elderberry: The Acute Antiviral Response
The therapeutic power of elderberry centers on its remarkably high concentration of anthocyanins, primarily cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-sambubioside. These purple pigments do more than provide color. Research indicates they may bind to viral surface proteins called hemagglutinin, interfering with a virus's ability to attach to host cells.3 The ORAC (antioxidant capacity) value of elderberries ranks among the highest of commonly consumed fruits, surpassing blueberries, cranberries, and goji berries.
A 2019 meta-analysis published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine, analyzing data from randomized controlled trials with 180 total participants, found that elderberry supplementation was associated with a substantial reduction in upper respiratory symptoms. The quantitative synthesis yielded a large mean effect size, suggesting elderberry may reduce the duration and severity of colds and flu when taken at symptom onset.4 A separate randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that symptoms were relieved on average four days earlier in the elderberry group compared to placebo, with significantly less use of rescue medication.5
Beyond direct antiviral activity, elderberry appears to support balanced cytokine production, promoting the immune signaling molecules that coordinate an effective response while helping modulate excessive inflammatory markers. The flavonoids quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol provide additional antioxidant and immune-supportive activity.
Astragalus: The Deep Immune Builder
A plant grown in lifeless media cannot produce robust defense chemicals; the complex carbohydrates responsible for astragalus's deep immune-building properties are a direct result of biological struggle in living soil.
Where elderberry works fast, astragalus works deep. Its primary bioactive components, astragalus polysaccharides (APS), represent a class of complex carbohydrates that interact with the immune system at a fundamental level. A comprehensive 2022 review published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology documented that APS can promote the activities of macrophages, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, T lymphocytes, and B lymphocytes, while inducing the expression of multiple cytokines and chemokines.6
A 2020 pharmacological review in Frontiers in Pharmacology confirmed that the main components of A. membranaceus, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, and saponins, demonstrate significant immunomodulatory, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. The review highlighted astragalus's ability to enhance immune organ index values and promote the proliferation of immune cells.7
Emerging research on astragaloside IV, one of astragalus's key saponin compounds, suggests potential support for telomerase activity, the enzyme responsible for maintaining telomere length at chromosome ends. While this research remains preliminary, it points to astragalus's possible role in supporting cellular longevity and healthy aging.8
Astragalus also demonstrates adaptogenic properties, helping modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This means it may help counteract the immune suppression that occurs during periods of chronic stress, making it particularly valuable for people navigating demanding lifestyles.
Whole Dried Elderberries
Premium Sambucus nigra berries for acute immune support and antiviral protection. Rich in anthocyanins and flavonoids, ideal for syrups, teas, and seasonal wellness formulas.
Shop ElderberriesAstragalus Root Slices (Huang Qi)
Premium Astragalus membranaceus root slices for long-term immune building and adaptogenic support. Thin-sliced for optimal extraction in decoctions, broths, and daily wellness teas.
Shop Astragalus
Astragalus Root Cut and Sifted
Cut and sifted Astragalus membranaceus root for versatile preparations. This format is ideal for tea infusions, smaller decoctions, and blending into custom herbal formulas.
Shop Astragalus CutWhen to Choose Elderberry vs. Astragalus
The choice between elderberry and astragalus depends entirely on timing: elderberry is your acute responder for active threats, while astragalus is your daily foundation for long-term immune resilience.
Choose Elderberry When:
- You feel the first scratch in your throat or early fatigue that signals something coming on. Elderberry's antiviral compounds work best when deployed early, ideally within the first 24-48 hours of symptom onset
- You have been directly exposed to illness, such as a family member or coworker who is sick. Short-term prophylactic use during active exposure windows is where elderberry excels
- Cold and flu season is at its peak. A 4-6 week course of elderberry syrup or tea during the height of seasonal illness can provide targeted protection
- You travel frequently. Airports, hotels, and conferences create concentrated exposure environments. Elderberry syrup in a small dropper bottle provides portable protection
- You want high antioxidant density alongside immune support. The anthocyanins and flavonoids in elderberry support cardiovascular health and reduce oxidative stress beyond immunity
Choose Astragalus When:
- You want to build immune resilience before illness strikes, not react after it arrives. Astragalus works best with consistent daily use over weeks and months
- Chronic stress is suppressing your immune function. As an adaptogen, astragalus modulates the stress-immunity connection by supporting the HPA axis
- You recover slowly from illness or find yourself catching every cold that circulates. This pattern suggests the deeper immune-building that astragalus provides may address the root issue
- You want a gentle, non-stimulating daily tonic. Unlike echinacea, which can feel activating, astragalus builds capacity without overstimulation
- You are interested in longevity support. The emerging research on astragaloside IV and telomere protection adds a dimension beyond standard immune support
Astragalus belongs to a broader family of adaptogenic herbs that help the body manage stress while supporting immunity. For a complete overview of how adaptogens work and which ones complement astragalus, explore our complete guide to adaptogenic herbs for stress support.
Can You Use Elderberry and Astragalus Together?
Absolutely, and the combination creates a layered immune strategy that addresses both immediate threats and foundational resilience simultaneously. Because these herbs work through entirely different mechanisms, they complement rather than duplicate each other.
The Synergy Protocol
- Travel preparation: Begin astragalus 2-3 weeks before travel to establish a foundation of immune resilience. Add elderberry during travel and for one week after return for acute protection against concentrated exposures
- Seasonal transition: Start daily astragalus as weather shifts in early autumn. Layer in elderberry when active illness begins circulating in your household or workplace
- Recovery support: Combine both herbs when recovering from illness. Elderberry addresses lingering symptoms while astragalus rebuilds depleted immune reserves
- High-stress periods: Work deadlines, caregiving demands, and sleep disruption all suppress immune function. Astragalus addresses the stress-immunity link while elderberry provides a protective buffer against opportunistic infections
The Dual-Extraction Decoction Method
This preparation sequence matters because heat sensitivity differs between the two herbs. Simmer 10-15 grams of astragalus root slices in one quart of water, covered, for 30-45 minutes to fully extract the polysaccharides and saponins. Then remove from heat, add 2 tablespoons of dried elderberries, cover again, and steep for 10 minutes only. This preserves elderberry's heat-sensitive anthocyanins while taking advantage of astragalus's need for prolonged extraction. Strain and drink 2-3 cups throughout the day. Add honey (after cooling below 110 degrees F), lemon, or fresh ginger for enhanced flavor and additional immune support.
Preparation Methods and Dosage Guidelines
The standard preventive dosage for elderberry is 1 tablespoon of syrup daily for adults or 1-2 tablespoons of dried berries steeped for 10-15 minutes, while astragalus calls for 10-15 grams of root simmered for 30-60 minutes as a daily decoction.
Elderberry Preparations
Elderberry syrup (concentrated): Combine 1 cup dried elderberries with 4 cups water. Simmer for 45 minutes, strain through cheesecloth, and stir in equal parts raw honey once cooled below 110 degrees F. For prevention, take 1 tablespoon daily for adults or 1 teaspoon for children over 2. During active illness, increase to 1 tablespoon every 3-4 hours. Refrigerate for up to 3 months, or add 2 tablespoons of brandy to extend shelf life to 6 months.
Elderberry tea (simple): Steep 1-2 tablespoons of dried berries per cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes. Strain well. Drink 1 cup daily for prevention or 2-3 cups during illness.
For a detailed, step-by-step elderberry syrup recipe with variations for children and sugar-free options, visit our ultimate guide to making elderberry syrup.
Astragalus Preparations
Traditional decoction: Place 10-15 grams (roughly a quarter cup) of astragalus root slices in one quart of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cover for 30-60 minutes. Longer simmering increases polysaccharide extraction. Strain and drink throughout the day. The roots can be reserved and simmered a second time for a lighter decoction.
Astragalus in cooking: Add 3-5 root slices directly into soups, bone broths, or rice while cooking. Remove the fibrous slices before serving. This is a traditional Chinese method of incorporating the herb into daily meals, imparting a subtle sweetness and medicinal benefit to food.
Ritual and Intention
At Sacred Plant Co, we believe preparation is part of the medicine. The act of simmering astragalus for 45 minutes or stirring elderberry syrup is not just chemistry. It is an opportunity to slow down, set an intention for your health, and participate in a tradition that stretches back millennia. Whether you approach this from a spiritual or pragmatic perspective, the mindfulness of the process has its own benefit.
Safety, Contraindications, and Energetic Considerations
Both elderberry and astragalus have strong safety profiles for most adults when used appropriately, but specific populations should exercise caution, particularly those with autoimmune conditions or those taking immunosuppressant medications.
Medical Contraindications
Important Safety Information
Autoimmune conditions: Both herbs stimulate or modulate immune function. If you have an active autoimmune condition such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis, consult your healthcare provider before use. Immune stimulation may worsen autoimmune flares.
Immunosuppressant medications: Astragalus and elderberry may interfere with drugs designed to suppress immune activity, including those used after organ transplant or for autoimmune management. Do not combine without medical guidance.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: While astragalus has a long history of use in TCM during pregnancy under practitioner guidance, Western clinical data is limited. Elderberry lacks sufficient safety data for pregnancy. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using either herb during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Allergies: Elderberry belongs to the Adoxaceae family. Those with known sensitivities to this plant family should avoid elderberry. Note that raw or uncooked elderberries and all other parts of the plant (bark, leaves, seeds) contain cyanogenic glycosides and must not be consumed raw.
Surgery: Discontinue both herbs at least two weeks before scheduled surgery due to potential effects on immune function and possible interactions with anesthesia.
Energetic Considerations (TCM and Ayurvedic Perspectives)
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, astragalus is considered warm and sweet, entering the Lung and Spleen meridians. It is generally contraindicated during the acute phase of an external pathogen invasion (when you are actively feverish and fighting infection), as it may "trap" the pathogen inside. This is precisely when elderberry is the better choice. Once the acute phase passes and you are in recovery, astragalus becomes appropriate again for rebuilding.
Elderberry, being cooling and moist in energetic terms, is well-suited for the heat and inflammation of acute illness but may not be ideal as a long-term daily tonic for constitutionally cold or damp individuals in TCM assessment. This energetic distinction further supports the complementary nature of using elderberry acutely and astragalus tonically.
Transparency and Lab Testing
At Sacred Plant Co, we believe you should be able to verify the quality of every herb you purchase. We provide Certificates of Analysis (COA) for our products, documenting purity, potency, and the absence of contaminants.
Request Elderberry COA Request Astragalus COALearn how to interpret lab results with our guide: How to Read a Certificate of Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I take elderberry and astragalus together every day?
- Yes, these herbs can be safely combined, though their ideal usage patterns differ. Astragalus is designed for continuous daily use as a tonic, building immune resilience over weeks and months. Elderberry is most effective when used seasonally (4-6 week courses during cold and flu season) or acutely at the first sign of illness. During high-risk periods, daily use of both is appropriate. Consult a healthcare provider if you have autoimmune conditions, as both herbs influence immune function.
- How quickly does each herb start working?
- Elderberry can produce noticeable effects within 24-48 hours when taken at symptom onset, while astragalus requires 2-4 weeks of consistent use to demonstrate measurable immune improvement. This timeline difference reflects their fundamentally different mechanisms. Elderberry's anthocyanins act directly on viral particles, producing a rapid response. Astragalus polysaccharides gradually enhance the production and activity of immune cells, a process that takes time to build momentum. For optimal resilience, begin astragalus well before you need elderberry.
- Are there people who should avoid these herbs entirely?
- People with active autoimmune conditions, those taking immunosuppressant medications, and individuals preparing for surgery should consult their healthcare provider before using either herb. Both elderberry and astragalus stimulate immune activity, which may be problematic when the immune system is already overactive or when medication is designed to suppress it. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also seek professional guidance. Those with allergies to the Adoxaceae family should avoid elderberry specifically. Raw elderberries must never be consumed, as they contain cyanogenic glycosides.
- Which preparation form is most effective for each herb?
- For elderberry, a properly prepared syrup or glycerite maximizes anthocyanin extraction, while dried berries steeped as tea provide good preventive support. For astragalus, traditional long-simmered decoction (30-60 minutes) is the gold standard for extracting polysaccharides and saponins. Quick steeping is insufficient for astragalus. Encapsulated extracts offer convenience but vary widely in potency. Whole herb preparations allow you to control quality and extraction method, which is why we always recommend starting with the whole dried herb.
- Can children use elderberry and astragalus?
- Both herbs are generally considered safe for children over 2 years of age in appropriate doses. For elderberry syrup: children ages 2-5 may take a quarter to half teaspoon daily, and children ages 6-12 may take half to one teaspoon. For astragalus decoction, use approximately half the adult dose. Avoid honey-based preparations for children under 12 months. Always consult a pediatrician before introducing herbal supplements to young children, especially those with health conditions.
- How should I store these herbs to maintain potency?
- Store both herbs in airtight containers in a cool, dark, dry location, where properly stored dried herbs can maintain potency for 1-2 years. Elderberries should retain their deep purple color. Fading toward brown or grey indicates anthocyanin degradation. Astragalus slices should remain firm, slightly flexible, and mildly sweet-smelling. Brittleness or musty odor means it is time to replace your supply. Prepared elderberry syrup lasts 3 months refrigerated without preservatives, or up to 6 months with alcohol added. Alcohol-based tinctures of either herb can preserve for years.
- How do elderberry and astragalus compare to echinacea for immune support?
- Each herb fills a different role in a comprehensive immune strategy. Echinacea shares some overlap with elderberry as an acute-phase herb, best used at the first sign of illness. However, echinacea primarily activates white blood cells and macrophages rather than providing direct antiviral binding like elderberry's anthocyanins. Astragalus operates on an entirely different timeline as a tonic herb. Many herbalists recommend all three: astragalus daily for foundation, elderberry during high-risk seasons, and echinacea added at the earliest sign of symptoms for maximum acute support.
Explore More Immune Support Resources
If astragalus's adaptogenic properties interest you, compare it with another powerful immune-modulating fungal ally in our Reishi vs. Astragalus comparison for immune support.
Looking to build complete herbal tea blends with immune-supporting herbs? Our guide to bulk herbs for tea covers sourcing, blending ratios, and steeping techniques for maximum therapeutic value.
For a broader overview of herbal tinctures and liquid extracts that support immune function, including elderberry and astragalus formulations, explore our guide to the best herbal tinctures for immune support.
Building Your Immune Strategy
The most effective immune strategy does not rely on a single herb. It layers complementary approaches that address both immediate threats and long-term resilience. Elderberry and astragalus represent the two essential pillars of this approach: one fast-acting and targeted, the other slow-building and comprehensive.
Consider your current health picture. If you are navigating a stressful period and want to strengthen your baseline immunity before cold season arrives, start with daily astragalus decoctions now and keep elderberry in your apothecary as your rapid-response ally. If you are already fighting something, reach for elderberry first, and once the acute phase passes, transition to astragalus to rebuild what was depleted.
At Sacred Plant Co, we believe this kind of strategic, informed herbalism, one rooted in understanding how plants actually work rather than following trends, is the future of natural wellness. Every herb we offer reflects our commitment to regenerative sourcing, transparency through lab testing, and the fundamental principle that the potency of a plant begins in the health of the soil that raised it.
Educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult qualified healthcare providers for medical concerns, particularly regarding immune conditions and medication interactions.
References
- Ulbricht C, Basch E, Cheung L, et al. An evidence-based systematic review of elderberry and elderflower (Sambucus nigra) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. J Diet Suppl. 2014;11(1):80-120.
- Wang P, Wang Z, Zhang Z, et al. A review of the botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacology, toxicology, and quality control of Astragalus membranaceus. Front Pharmacol. 2023;14:1242318.
- Torabian G, Valtchev P, Adil Q, Dehghani F. Anti-influenza activity of elderberry (Sambucus nigra). Journal of Functional Foods. 2019;54:353-360.
- 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.
- Zakay-Rones Z, Thom E, Wollan T, Wadstein J. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections. J Int Med Res. 2004;32(2):132-140.
- Li Z, Gao M, Yang B, et al. Astragalus polysaccharide: a review of its immunomodulatory effect. J Ethnopharmacol. 2022;298:115575.
- Li X, Qu L, Dong Y, et al. A review of the pharmacological action of astragalus polysaccharide. Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:349.
- Liu P, Zhao H, Luo Y. Anti-aging implications of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi): a well-known Chinese tonic. Aging and Disease. 2017;8(6):868-886.
- Wieland LS, Piechotta V, Feinberg T, et al. Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21(1):112.
- Abuelsaad A. Supplementation with astragalus polysaccharides alters Aeromonas-induced tissue-specific cellular immune response. Microb Pathog. 2014;66:48-56.
