Frequently Asked Questions

Sambucol is a range of great tasting food supplements founded on the unique qualities of Black Elderberries. Black Elderberries contain naturally occurring flavonoids (phytonutrients) which are powerful antioxidants. Sambucol’s Immuno Forte Range also contains Vitamin C and Zinc, which are well known for their ability to support the immune system.

Sambucol Original contains Black Elderberry. Sambucol Kids range also includes Vitamin C. Sambucol Immune Forte range also includes Vitamin C and Zinc. Please see individual product pages for full specs.

Sambucol provides a natural mode of action, via 3 simultaneous ways. The key active ingredients in Sambucol are Black Elderberries, Vitamin C and Zinc. Studies have shown that Black Elderberries are very rich in the phytochemicals known as flavonoids. Elderberries also contain anthocyanins, a class of flavonoids that act as powerful antioxidants, to maintain the immune system and protect the body’s cells. Among all fruits, Elderberries are one of the most concentrated sources of anthocyanins.They are responsible for the purple pigmentation of Black Elderberries! Research has shown that the anthocyanins in Black Elderberries can boost the production of cytokines*, the proteins that act as messengers within the immune system, and thereby serve to enhance the body’s immune response.

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, which means it cannot be stored in the body and we must take it from dietary sources. It is an antioxidant, which can help to neutralize free radicals in the body and contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative stress. Vitamin C also contributes to the normal function of the immune system, the metabolism and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

Zinc is a mineral important to the body in many ways, including contributing to the maintenance of the normal function of the immune system. It also contributes to the protection of cells in the body from oxidative stress.

* Porter, R. S., and Bode, R. F. ( 2017) A Review of the Antiviral Properties of Black Elder (Sambucus nigra L.) Products. Phytother. Res., 31: 533– 554. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5782.

Elderberry refers to several varieties of the Sambucus tree, which has clusters of white flowers and black or blue-black berries that are packed with phytonutrients. The most common variety is Sambucus nigra, also known as European Elderberry or Black Elderberry. 

Details of the uses of Elderberry have been recorded since ancient times. Hippocrates (460-370 BC), known as ‘The father of Medicine’, even referred to Elderberry as “nature’s medicine chest”. The berries have long been used for making preserves, wines, winter cordials and for adding flavour and colour to other wines. These uses are based on the Elderberry’s antioxidant properties. More recently, Elderberries have been used as dietary supplements.

Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu, an international virologist, brought the health-giving properties of the Black Elderberry into the modern pharmacy and health food stores. Sambucol is the product of over 20 years of scientific research, and the original Black Elderberry formulation used in published scientific journals. It is the most extensively researched Black Elderberry product in the world.

Not all Black Elderberry extracts are the same. Sambucol is the pioneer formulation, introduced more than 20 years ago by a leading virologist. It uses the same proprietary, naturally balanced Elderberry juice formulation used in the published scientific studies. This distinct method of manufacturing preserves and maximises the naturally occurring health benefits of the berries to guarantee consistent, immune supporting properties in every serving.

Sambucol is a food supplement that is consumed orally. Please refer to the individual product directions of use before use. Sambucol is available in a range of formats including liquids, capsules, gummies, pastilles, chewy tablets and effervescent tablet formats.

Sambucol can be taken daily for immune protection. Dosage can be increased for additional support. Please refer to the individual product directions of use before use or consult your healthcare professional.

Yes, all the Sambucol products are suitable for children. Ages vary per product, so please see individual product packs or refer to the Easy Reference Guide for suitability before use.

Yes, Sambucol has a range of products suitable for adults, including the elderly. Please see individual product packs or refer to the Easy Reference Guide for suitability before use. If you are under medical supervision or on medication, always consult your healthcare professional before taking Sambucol.

Consult your healthcare professional before taking Sambucol if you are under medical supervision, on medication, pregnant or are breastfeeding.

None of the Sambucol products contain any artificial colors. The products get their colour naturally from the Black Elderberry.

Sambucol Original liquid, Sambucol Kids Liquid and Sambucol Immuno Forte Capsules contain no flavours. The rest of the products contain natural berry flavors.

Three of the Sambucol products contain artificial sweeteners. Sambucol Immuno Forte Sugar Free Liquid contains Sorbitol. Sambucol Immuno Forte Effervescent Tablets contains Sucralose & Sorbitol. Sambucol Immuno Forte Pastilles contains Maltitol, in addition to the natural sweetener Stevia.

Sambucol liquids contain preservatives to help stabilize the products and to prevent microbial growth and undesirable taste. The following products do not contain preservatives:

• Immuno Forte Effervescent 
• Immuno Forte Capsules
• Immuno Forte Pastilles
• Immuno Forte Gummies
• Kids Gummies
• Kid Teddies

Please note that we do not currently carry Sambucol Immuno Forte Pastilles or Kids Teddies.

Select Sambucol products are sugar free (only containing natural fruit sugars). These are:

• Sambucol Sugar Free Liquid
• Immuno Forte Effervescent Tablets
• Immuno Forte Capsules

Yes, all Sambucol products are suitable for vegetarians.

The majority of Sambucol products are suitable for vegans. The only exception is Sambucol Immuno Forte Pastilles (contains honey), and Sambucol Extra Defence Liquid (contains Vitamin D3, derived from sheep’s wool lanolin). Please note that we do not currently carry Sambucol Immuno Forte Pastilles.

It is recommended to store products from the Sambucol range in a cool and dry place, below 25°C.

Consult your healthcare professional before taking Sambucol if you are under medical supervision, on medication, pregnant or are breastfeeding.

No interactions between Black Elderberry and other medications were identified from the published worldwide literature. As with all medical conditions, the patient should check with a healthcare professional before using any other supplements or medications.