03/10/2020
Elderberry, cytokines and viral infections.
My inbox has been flooded with people who are concerned about coronaviruses, and want to use elderberry to prevent viral infections, but are terrified of cytokine storm.
Cytokine storm, more formally known as grade 4 or 5 cytokine release syndrome (CRS), is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome that arises from some diseases & infections, & is usually caused by monoclonal antibody (MAB) drugs.
The likelihood of MABs causing cytokine release syndrome is so common, CRS is also known as infusion syndrome, and treatments revolve around removing the offending agent.
Symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, fast breathing, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, seizures, headache, confusion, delirium, hallucinations, tremor, and loss of coordination.
CRS not related to MABs is extremely rare. Almost all are grade 1 or grade 2, & simply require supportive care. Fever reducing medicines, extra sleep, and over the counter pain relievers are typically all that is required, if that.
So does elderberry increase cytokines? Of course. It has broad ranging immunostimulatory effects that increases the release of both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory protein messengers known as cytokines. As with all herbs, the actions are adaptogenic based on what the body needs.
INFLAMMATION IS NOT ALWAYS BAD. When you are facing an acute illness, you actually need inflammation. Increasing inflammation is literally how elderberry works. It increases cytokines which spurs the immune system into action and so we aggressively fight off pathogens. Elderberry has never been associated with a true cytokine storm to the best of my research.
If you take elderberry and experience any mild symptoms of CRS, there may be an imbalance in the immune system such as an underlying deficiency in other vitamins and minerals needed for the immune system. Load up on Vitamins D, C, Bs, zinc, and selenium.
It is prudent to avoid elderberry if you have cytokine storm. If you have true cytokine storm, report to the emergency room immediately. Failure to treat can be deadly.