Elderberry has a long history as a medicinal plant. Hippocrates, Hippocrates’ “father of medicine”, considered it his “medicine kit” because of its ability to cure a wide range of health conditions. Crazy, right? Elderberry-based medicines can even be found in Ancient Egypt.
This powerful antiviral superfruit is rich in antioxidants, which are more than those found in blueberries, lingonberries and goji berries ( 2). This is why so many people flock to this fruit to prevent seasonal flu and other viral illnesses.
The main health benefits of elderberry extract
The health benefits of elderberry extract include natural relief from colds, flu, sinus issues, nerve pain, inflammation and chronic fatigue. Here are some reasons to incorporate this antiviral fruit in your daily routine.
1. Antiviral Compounds in Elderberry
antivirin is the active compound found in elderberry. It’s the antiviral property that makes elderberry so potent. This compound is found within the proteins of black elderberry. It has strong antiviral properties and can stop the flu virus from spreading ( 3).
Elderberry extract can be used within 48 hours of the onset flu symptoms. It has been shown to reduce flu duration and alleviate symptoms on average four days earlier ( 4). The government used elderberry extract to combat the flu during the 1995 Panama flu epidemic.
It even protects against viruses such as the coronavirus. One study found that elder extracts had an inhibitory effect upon the infective bronchitis virus, which is a pathogenic virus caused by chicken coronavirus. ( 5).
2. Elderberry is good for flu and cold symptoms
Elderberry, as mentioned previously, is an effective antiviral powerful enough to eliminate or prevent the flu virus.
The trademark sambucol syrup was used in studies that examined the effects on black elderberry. Sambucol was found to reduce flu symptoms by 3-4 days in a double-blind, placebo controlled study ( 6).
Anthocyanidins are compounds found in elderberries that can boost immune system. An nutrients study in 2016 showed that elderberry supplementation can reduce symptoms and length of colds in travelers ( 7). Elderberry supplementation was shown to reduce cold symptoms in travelers who took it from the time they arrived abroad to 4 to 5 days after their arrival. The average length of their colds was two days shorter for those who took it between 10 and five days before departure.
Black elderberry even has been proven to be effective against bird flu. Sambucol (standardized elderberry extract), was shown to significantly improve influenza B symptoms in more than 93% of those who were treated. Nearly 90% of SAM-treated patients experienced complete cure within two to three days, while the placebo group saw improvement within six days ( 8).
Researchers also randomized patients in a 2009 study to give them four daily doses (175 mg) of elderberry extract. The other received a placebo for two days. The placebo group did not show any improvement, but the extract-treated group had significant improvements in flu symptoms. Researchers concluded that the extract was effective at controlling influenza symptoms ( 9).
The flu virus is immediately immobilized by the unique phytochemicals found in elderberries, according to a latest study. When taken during flu season, they prevent the virus from attaching to or entering our healthy cells.
Even if the flu is already infective, phytochemicals found in elderberry can prevent the virus from reproducing. The flu symptoms disappear within 48 hours.
Researchers made a juice serum from commercially-grown elderberries and applied it to the cells before, during, and after infected by the influenza virus.
The phytochemicals found in elderberry juice not only prevented the virus infecting healthy cells but were also more effective at inhibiting the virus in later stages of the flu cycle, when cells have already been infected.
“This observation was quite remarkable and quite significant because blocking viral cycle at different stages has a greater chance of inhibiting viral infections.” explained Dr Peter Valchev.
The center’s director said, “In addition to this, we discovered that elderberry solution stimulated cells to release certain chemicals that the immune system uses to communicate between different cell types in order to coordinate a more effective response against an invading pathogen.” Professor Fariba deghani, , told ScienceDaily.
3. It can prevent cancer
Black elderberry is a powerful antidote to cancer and AIDS.
The MedicinalFood Magazine published a study comparing the anticancer properties between American and European elderberry fruits. Although both plants have strong antioxidant abilities, the American elderberry is not as widely cultivated or promoted as its European counterpart.
Both berries were tested for their potential anticancer properties. Both extracts had significant chemopreventive properties. Elderberry extract also inhibited the activity of ornithine, which is an enzyme marker linked to the promoting stage in cancer formation ( eleven). This suggests that elderberry could be used to treat cancer naturally.
4. Allergies treated
Due to modern lifestyle and diet, people are more susceptible to allergies and other autoimmune diseases. Black elderberry has been proven to be effective in treating hay fever-like symptoms. Black elderberry is said to improve liver function and detoxification ( 12). Black elderberry’s anti-inflammatory properties can also reduce symptoms associated with allergies and strengthen the immune system.
5. Blood sugar levels can be lowered
This plant’s berry and flower have been traditionally used to treat diabetes. Now, research confirms this. It has been shown that black elderberry stimulates insulin secretion which in turn lowers blood sugar levels. It stimulates glucose metabolism which is often blocked in diabetics.
One study examined the insulin-releasing and insulin-like actions of black elderberry in vitro. Aqueous elderberry extract significantly increased glucose transport, glucose oxygenation, and glycogenesis ( 13). Glycogenesis refers to the process where excess sugar is removed from bloodstream and passed to the liver and muscles. It helps maintain normal blood sugar levels.
6. Sinus infections can be treated
Elderberry, an anti-inflammatory plant, is a natural remedy that can be used to relieve sinus pressure and other infections. One study used Sinupret, a proprietary blend that contains elderflowers. Sinupret was used to treat bacterial sinusitis. It also included an antibiotic and decongestant. The combination was more effective than those who didn’t take Sinupret ( 14).
7. Inflammation can be treated
The elderberry leaves and flowers have been used for centuries to reduce pain, swelling, inflammation, and other symptoms ( fifteen). Elderberry’s high level of antioxidants is likely to explain this. These antioxidants naturally combat free radicals, which are a major cause of the inflammatory response.
An experiment in rats showed that elderberry extract reduced inflammation and oxidative tissue destruction ( 16).
As we have seen, elderberry’s anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce nasal congestion and allergies.
Where can I buy elderberry extract
sambucol is the most common elderberry extract. However, I recommend using Nature’s Answer Alcohol-Free Sambucus. It is made with fewer ingredients and has a highly concentrated formula.
There are many brands out there, but Nature’s Answer is mine. I also use their herbal blends and they work well. ).
Follow the directions on the bottle. Children were given 1/2 teaspoon of Sambucol extract 4 times per day, while adults were given 1 tablespoon 4 times per day.
You can consult a local naturopathic doctor if you have any questions about elderberry extract’s health benefits or how to use it to treat certain health conditions.
