There are a few articles circulating around the natural-health blogosphere that warn of potential increased risk when consuming Elderberry to avoid or lessen the severity of the coronavirus.
…elderberry also enhances cytokine response, which may not be so good when one of the complications of pandemic influenza is cytokine storm.
Vancouver Sun – 2010
This concern comes from a 2001 study that concluded:
Sambucol Elderberry Extract and its formulations activate the healthy immune system by increasing inflammatory cytokine production.
NCBI – 2001
But a 2016 study showed Elderberry can inhibit cytokines in people who have a health issue where cytokines were not helpful to the overall situation.
A natural preparation “Inflaminat” based on black elder berries (Sambucus nigra L.), violet tricolor herb (Viola tricolor L.) and calendula flowers (Calendula officinalis L.) possessing anti-cytokine activity was developed using the designed algorithm.
Science Direct – 2016
Furthermore, cytokine storms are a consequence of severe infections. A cytokine storm will happen when someone is severely ill with any influenza or any Coronavirus. At this point, when someone is dealing with a cytokine storm, the person should be hooked up to a ventilator.
Conclusion – Is Elderberry Safe with Coronavirus?
Elderberry, as a preventative tonic, without any added sugars, is perfectly safe to consume if someone is trying to avoid or lessen the severity of a virus, including coronavirus. Elderberry seems to suppress viruses and may reduce inflammation. Also, check out other supplements to defend against coronavirus.