The question of whether elderberry, a popular supplement for immune support, can influence testosterone levels is of growing interest. Testosterone is a powerful androgenic hormone responsible for regulating muscle mass, bone density, and reproductive function. Elderberry, derived from the Sambucus nigra plant, is widely consumed but not traditionally associated with endocrine function. The inquiry is whether the berry’s complex biological components have a direct or indirect effect on the body’s mechanisms for producing this hormone.
Established Uses of Elderberry
Elderberry has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly the European black elder (Sambucus nigra). The berries contain high concentrations of bioactive compounds, primarily anthocyanins and other polyphenols, which give them their deep purple color and strong antioxidant capacity. The primary and most studied use of elderberry extract is to support the immune system and manage symptoms of the common cold and flu. Research suggests that consuming the extract may shorten the duration and lessen the severity of respiratory symptoms, especially when taken shortly after the onset of illness.
How the Body Regulates Testosterone
Testosterone production is managed by a sophisticated signaling loop known as the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis (HPTA). This system involves three distinct endocrine glands working to maintain hormonal balance. The process begins in the hypothalamus, which releases Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH). GnRH then travels to the pituitary gland, stimulating it to secrete two gonadotropins: Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH). LH is the direct signal for testosterone synthesis, traveling to the testes where it binds to receptors on Leydig cells.
This binding triggers the enzymatic cascade that converts cholesterol into testosterone. The HPTA operates on a negative feedback loop; as testosterone levels rise, the hormone signals back to the hypothalamus and pituitary to slow the release of GnRH and LH. Any substance attempting to increase testosterone must intervene at one of these points, either by stimulating the hypothalamus or pituitary, or by directly enhancing the function of the Leydig cells.
Direct Scientific Examination of Elderberry’s Hormonal Impact
Despite the widespread use of elderberry, human clinical trials specifically investigating its effect on serum testosterone, free testosterone, or sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) are currently absent from the scientific literature. The claim that elderberry directly increases testosterone is therefore not supported by clinical evidence in people. Scientific investigations have begun to explore the topic using animal models and cell culture studies.
One study using aged male rats with symptoms of testosterone deficiency syndrome found that administration of elderberry extract increased both total and free testosterone levels. The proposed mechanism was the regulation of key steroidogenic enzymes within the Leydig cells. The extract appeared to boost the expression of enzymes that synthesize testosterone, such as 17β-HSD, while simultaneously reducing the expression of enzymes that degrade it, like 5α-reductase and aromatase.
Another animal experiment involving male rats exposed to a reproductive toxicant reported that an elderberry diet helped normalize serum testosterone levels decreased by the exposure. In vitro cell culture studies further supported these findings, demonstrating that elderberry extract could protect Leydig cells from oxidative stress damage and improve testosterone secretion. These results indicate a potential biological activity, but they cannot be extrapolated to healthy human subjects. The definitive answer requires controlled human trials, which have not yet been conducted.
Indirect Effects on Endocrine Health
While direct clinical evidence of a testosterone-boosting effect is lacking, elderberry’s established properties may offer indirect support for overall endocrine health. The body’s ability to maintain hormonal balance, or homeostasis, can be compromised by chronic, low-grade inflammation and excessive oxidative stress. These conditions can negatively affect the function of the testes and other endocrine glands.
Elderberry is rich in potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as anthocyanins, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. By mitigating oxidative stress, the extract may protect the delicate machinery of the Leydig cells from damage, potentially allowing them to function more efficiently. The positive findings in animal models suggest that the beneficial effects on testosterone are likely mediated through this antioxidant and cellular protection pathway rather than a direct stimulation of the HPTA.