Elderberry

Elderberry

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has been used as a folk remedy in North America, Europe, Africa, and Western Asia. These berries pack a very nutritious punch, including vitamin A, B, B6 and C, calcium, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorous, and dietary fiber. Its healing abilities date back to the time of Hippocrates, the ancient Greek known as the “father of medicine,” where it is used as a natural remedy for a wide array of medical conditions. So whether you choose to eat elderberries raw or take them in the form of lozenges, syrups, tinctures and capsules, this nutrient powerhouse can help benefit every organ system in your body.

Benefits of Elderberry

Strong scientific evidence supports the following health benefits of elderberries:

Fights Colds and Flu

Several studies have demonstrated that elderberry extract is highly effective in treating and preventing flu-like symptoms. For instance, a 2016 study showed that elderberry supplementation can significantly reduce the duration and symptoms of a cold in air travelers.[1] Another study showed that the flavonoids in the elderberry extract bind to deadly flu viruses such as H1N1 human influenza virus and H5N1 avian influenza virus.[2] Researchers found that the group who took four doses of 175-milligram proprietary elderberry extract daily showed significant improvement in most flu symptoms while the group who took placebo showed no improvement.

Improves Digestive Health

A 2010 study published in the BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggests that elderberry has a natural laxative effect.[3] Researchers observed that patients with chronic constipation who took elderberry supplements for 5 days experienced a significant improvement in bowel function as evidenced by an increase in bowel movements.

Maintains Healthy Skin

Results from the early phase of an ongoing clinical trial show that post-menopausal women who took elderberry extracts had more moisture in their skin than those who took placebo.[4] Researchers also believe that the treatment can help combat skin inflammation because elderberries possess strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Fights Cancer

Laboratory studies specifically indicate that the elderberry has potent anti-cancer properties.[5-6] According to these studies, anthocyanins, flavonoids and other polyphenolics in elderberry can inhibit the growth and reproduction of various types of cancer cells by lowering the levels of ornithine decarboxylase, an enzyme marker that promotes cancer formation.

Improves Cholesterol Levels

A 2004 study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that elderberry juice consumption can help lower cholesterol levels.[7] The study included 34 subjects who took elderberry capsules (equivalent to 5 ml elderberry juice) for 2 weeks. After the treatment, researchers found that subjects who took the capsules had lower cholesterol levels compared to those who did not.

Aids in Weight Loss and Lowers Blood Pressure

A 2008 study published in Phytotherapy Research showed that elderberry can significantly reduce weight as well as blood pressure.[8] The study included 80 participants who consumed elderberry juice daily. After the treatment period, researchers observed that the participants had a significant reduction in weight and blood pressure, as well as improvement in physical and emotional well-being and quality of life.

Treats Gingivitis (Gum Inflammation)

Elderberry has been reported to decrease gingivitis. One study reported that combination mouthwash containing elderberry significantly decreased gum inflammation in patients with gingivitis when used three times daily for 14 days.[9]

References:

1. Tiralongo E, Wee SS, Lea RA. Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2016;8(4):182. doi:10.3390/nu8040182.
2. Available from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031942209002386.
3. Picon PD, Picon RV, Costa AF. Randomized clinical trial of a phytotherapic compound containing Pimpinella anisum, Foeniculum vulgare, Sambucus nigra, and Cassia augustifolia for chronic constipation. BMC complementary and alternative medicine. 2010; 10:17.
4. University of East Anglia. “The Elderberry Way To Perfect Skin.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 6 July 2007. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070703172020.htm>.
5. Bagchi D, Roy S, Patel V. Safety and whole-body antioxidant potential of a novel anthocyanin-rich formulation of edible berries. Molecular and cellular biochemistry. 2006; 281(1-2):197-209.
6. Thole JM, Kraft TF, Sueiro LA. A comparative evaluation of the anticancer properties of European and American elderberry fruits. Journal of medicinal food. 2006; 9(4):498-504.
7. Murkovic M, Abuja PM, Bergmann AR. Effects of elderberry juice on fasting and postprandial serum lipids and low-density lipoprotein oxidation in healthy volunteers: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. European journal of clinical nutrition. 2004; 58(2):244-9.
8. Chrubasik C, Maier T, Dawid C. An observational study and quantification of the actives in a supplement with Sambucus nigra and Asparagus officinalis used for weight reduction. Phytotherapy research : PTR. 2008; 22(7):913-8.
9. Grbic J, Wexler I, Celenti R, Altman J, Saffer A. A phase II trial of a transmucosal herbal patch for the treatment of gingivitis. J Am Dent Assoc. 2011;142(10):1168–1175.