Healthy airplane passengers who took a standardized elderberry extract for 10 days prior to travel, followed by four to five days of supplementation upon arrival at their destination, reported a greater number and duration of healthy and symptom-free days compared to passengers who supplemented with a placebo.

Elderberry is a traditional herbal used to help support and maintain joint comfort and function. Natural Factors Black Elderberry features ElderCraft® European black elderberry that is hand-harvested in Austria.

Bee the change! Did you know that we are currently witnessing a February is Heart Month! This month provides the perfect opportunity to spread At Natural Factors, we care.

We care about the source and purity of our products. We care about being good stewards of the Earth. We care about the harmony future generations must have with the natural world in order to not just survive, but thrive. We go to great lengths to nurture, cultivate, and source ingredients that support your health and well-being.

We care about the quality, purity, and efficacy of our products. Earning your trust means going above and beyond every day with every product. We care deeply for the future of our beautiful planet. It is our privilege to care for it, no matter the cost.

As citizens of the world, we believe in paying it forward and giving future generations the opportunity for a healthy, happy life. Item added to your cart. Check out Continue shopping. SOURCE — 4 MINS READ. Food Facts Product Spotlight.

May 11, Sharing Is Caring! ABOUT THE AUTHOR. Rhéaume is a graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Smith T, Gillespie M, Eckl V, et al. Herbal supplement sales in US increases by 9.

html Kilham C. Eating foods with anti-inflammatory compounds, like berries and other fruits and vegetables, can help counteract that inflammation and lead to better health and wellness.

European black elderberry Sambucus nigra contains some of the highest concentrations of antioxidants among the elderberry family due in part to their excellent growing conditions.

Sambucol only uses European black elderberry in all of our products. We harvest our berries from Central Europe, where they grow at just the right altitude to produce some of the best berries on earth.

Our berries are picked at peak ripeness and pressed using a proprietary method that helps preserve their potency. Our proprietary method means our elderberry syrups are closest to the fruit and closest to the original immune-supporting benefits of these superberries.

We care a lot about our berries. Our passion and attention to detail is turned into antioxidant-powered immune support in every Sambucol bottle. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep are all great ways to naturally support your immunity.

Life gets messy. We make it easy to support your immune system all year long with products you can take every day. We have dozens of products to choose from for your entire family—from infants to kids to adults.

Black elderberries are fantastic for supporting your immune health due to their naturally high levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body which, left unchecked, can cause damage to cells and weaken your immune system.

Sambucol harnesses the power of black elderberries using a proprietary extraction process. Sambucol is the Original Black Elderberry supplement, providing powerful support for everyday immune health. Article last updated February One group was given four doses of milligram proprietary elderberry extract daily, and the other group received a placebo for two days.

The group treated showed significant improvement in most signs of flu, while the placebo group showed no improvement in symptom severity. Researchers concluded that the extract is effective in controlling influenza symptoms. Another study published in the Journal of International Medical Research referenced above suggests that when elderberry is used within the first 48 hours of the onset of signs of flu, it can shorten the duration of flu symptoms by an average of four days.

A sinus infection is a condition in which the cavities around the nasal passages become inflamed, and this antiviral herb has promise as a sinus infection remedy. The researchers used Sinupret to treat bacterial sinusitis along with an antibiotic doxycycline or vibramycin and a decongestant.

Interestingly enough, those who took the combination did better compared to those who did not take Sinupret at all. Both the elder flower and the berry have traditionally been used to treat diabetes. Research has confirmed that extracts of elderflower stimulate glucose metabolism and the secretion of insulin, which could potentially help lower blood sugar levels.

The study found that an aqueous extract of elder significantly increased glucose transport, glucose oxidation and glycogenesis without any added insulin. Glycogenesis is the process by which excess sugar is cleared out of the bloodstream and into your muscles and liver to help maintain normal blood sugar.

Furthermore, a animal study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences noted that elderberries can serve as a potential source of bioactive compounds for formulations used for the management of diabetes.

Researchers found that both lipophilic and polar extracts of the berry lowered insulin resistance in rats with type 2 diabetes. A diuretic is a substance that promotes the production of urine. Research indicates that elder leaves, flowers and berries were used for their diuretic properties in rural populations as natural medicine.

Even the bark of the plant was used for its diuretic and slimming effects. Doctors prescribe diuretics when the body retains too much fluid, which is a common problem in older adults. Thanks to its ability to act as a safe diuretic, elderberry has been shown to promote both urination and bowel moments to help protect against fluid retention.

In traditional or folk medicine, the elder plant was used as a laxative to relieve constipation. It was added to herbal mixtures to improve regularity. Some research suggests that elderberry tea benefits constipation and can help support regularity and digestive health.

A small, randomized trial found that a specific compound containing elderberries along with several other plants could act as an effective natural laxative for the treatment of constipation.

Unfortunately, however, there are currently no studies evaluating elderberry itself for constipation relief, so more research is still needed. Elderberry has made its way into cosmetic products, and for good reason.

Its content of bioflavonoids , antioxidants and vitamin A makes it awesome for skin health. Not only that, but researchers also suspect that a compound found in the berry could give a natural boost to skin.

Anthocyanin is a type of natural plant pigment found in elderberry that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In addition to using elderberry syrup for colds, the flowers of the elder plant are also known to be an effective herbal allergy remedy.

Some herbalists put black elder flower on the list of most effective herbs used for treating hay fever-like symptoms.

It can be used for allergies on its own or in combination with other herbs and natural remedies. Edible berry extracts like elderberry extract are rich in anthocyanins and have been shown to have a broad spectrum of therapeutic, pharmacologic and anti-carcinogenic properties.

In vitro studies specifically indicate that the elderberry has some chemopreventive properties, which can help inhibit, delay or reverse cancer formation. One study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food compared the anticancer properties of European and American elderberry fruits.

European elderberry Sambucus nigra is known for its medicinal use and contains anthocyanins, flavonoids and other polyphenolics, which all contribute to the high-antioxidant capacity of its berries.

American elderberry Sambucus canadensis has not been grown or promoted as a medicinal plant like its European relative. This study tested extracts of both berries to assess anticancer potential and found that both demonstrated significant chemopreventive potential.

Additionally, the American elder extract showed inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase, which is an enzyme marker related to the promotion stage of cancer formation. Thus, elderberries show potential as cancer-fighting foods.

Although studies have found mixed results, some research suggests that elderberry extract may improve heart health.

products: Antiviral properties of black elder sambucus nigra l. Phytother Res. doi: Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central. Elderberries, raw. Vujanović M, Majkić T, Zengin G, et al. Elderberry Sambucus nigra L. juice as a novel functional product rich in health-promoting compounds.

RSC Adv. Published Dec Ginwala R, Bhavsar R, Chigbu DI, Jain P, Khan ZK. Potential role of flavonoids in treating chronic inflammatory diseases with a special focus on the anti-inflammatory activity of apigenin.

Antioxidants Basel. Published Feb 5. Sidor A, Gramza-Michałowska A. Advanced research on the antioxidant and health benefit of elderberry Sambucus nigra in food - a review. Journal of Functional Foods. Wieland LS, Piechotta V, Feinberg T, et al. Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: A systematic review.

BMC Complement Med Ther. Kirichenko TV, Sobenin IA, Markina YV, et al. Clinical effectiveness of a combination of black elder berries, violet herb, and calendula flowers in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: The results of a double-blinded placebo-controlled study.

Ho GTT, Kase ET, Wangensteen H, Barsett H. Phenolic elderberry extracts, anthocyanins, procyanidins, and metabolites influence glucose and fatty acid uptake in human skeletal muscle cells.

J Agric Food Chem. Harnett J, Oakes K, Carè J, et al. The effects of Sambucus nigra berry on acute respiratory viral infections: A rapid review of clinical studies.

Advances in Integrative Medicine. Ulbricht C, Basch E, Cheung L, et al. An evidence-based systematic review of elderberry and elderflower sambucus nigra by the natural standard research collaboration.

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health's editorial guidelines. Medically reviewed by Suzanne Fisher, RD. Suzanne Fisher, RD, is the founding owner of Fisher Nutrition Systems. learn more. In This Article View All. In This Article. High in Vitamin C. High Antioxidant Power. Promotes Heart Health.

Lowers Inflammation and Stress. Boosts Your Immune System. Good for Respiratory and Lung Health. High in Fiber. Smith T, Gillespie M, Eckl V, et al. Herbal supplement sales in US increases by 9. html Kilham C. Health benefits boost elderberry. html Mahboubi M. Sambucus nigra black elder as alternative treatment for cold and flu.

Advances in Traditional Medicine. Młynarczyk K, Walkowiak-Tomczak D, Łysiak GP. Bioactive properties of Sambucus nigra L. as a functional ingredient for food and pharmaceutical industry. J Funct Foods. Strugała P, Loi S, Bażanów B, et al. A comprehensive study on the biological activity of elderberry extract and cyanidin 3-O-glucoside and their interactions with membranes and human serum albumin.

Molecules Basel, Switzerland. Zakay-Rones Z, Thom E, Wollan T, et al. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections.

Journal of International Medical Research. FoodDate Central. Elderberries, raw [Internet]. Cited 26 November Blueberries, raw [Internet]. Cited 4 December Inhibitory activity of a standardized elderberry liquid extract against clinically-relevant human respiratory bacterial pathogens and influenza A and B viruses.

BMC Complement Altern Med. Barak V, Halperin T, Kalickman I. The effect of Sambucol, a black elderberry-based, natural product, on the production of human cytokines: I.

Inflammatory cytokines. European Cytokine Network. Zakay-Rones Z, Varsano N, Zlotnik M, et al. Inhibition of several strains of influenza virus in vitro and reduction of symptoms by an elderberry extract Sambucus nigra L.

during an outbreak of influenza B Panama. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Tiralongo E, Wee SS, Lea RA. Elderberry supplementation reduces cold duration and symptoms in air-travellers: a randomized. Double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Widyadharma IPE, Soejitno A, Jawi M. Basic properties of anthocyanins for pain management. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. Blog posts. mins read. Our Nature. The Source.

The most common type is Sambucus nigra , also known as European elderberry or black elderberry. There are many reported benefits of elderberries.

Not only are they nutritious, but they may also help address cold and flu symptoms , support heart health, and fight inflammation and infections, among other benefits. One cup grams of fresh berries contain calories, Therefore, servings can vary in their nutrition 4 , 8.

Elderberries are a low calorie food packed with vitamin C, dietary fiber and antioxidants in the form phenolic acids, flavonols, and anthocyanins. The flowers are particularly rich in flavonols.

Black elderberry extracts and flower infusions have been shown to help reduce the severity and length of influenza 9. Commercial preparations of elderberry for the treatment of colds come in various forms, including liquids, capsules, lozenges, and gummies. One study of 60 people with influenza found that those who took 15 mL of elderberry syrup four times per day showed symptom improvement in 2 to 4 days, while the control group took 7 to 8 days to improve Furthermore, a study of air travelers taking capsules containing mg of elderberry extract three times per day found that those who got sick experienced a shorter duration of illness and less severe symptoms Further large-scale studies are required to confirm these results and determine if elderberry may also play a role in preventing influenza 9.

Note that most research has only been performed on commercial products. Elderberry extract has been found to help reduce the length and severity of symptoms caused by the influenza virus.

While these results are promising, further large-scale human studies are needed. During normal metabolism, reactive molecules may be released that can accumulate in the body. This can cause oxidative stress and may lead to diseases like type 2 diabetes and cancer 12 , 13 , Antioxidants are natural components of foods, including some vitamins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, that are able to help remove these reactive molecules.

Research suggests that diets high in antioxidants may help prevent chronic disease 8 , 14 , The flowers, fruits, and leaves of the elderberry plant are excellent sources of antioxidants. For example, one of the anthocyanins found in the berries has 3.

One study comparing 15 different varieties of berries and another study comparing types of wine found that elderberry is one of the most effective antioxidants 18 , Additionally, one study found that antioxidant status improved in people 1 hour after drinking mL of elderberry juice.

Another study in rats found that elderberry extract helped reduce inflammation and oxidative tissue damage 20 , While elderberry has shown promising results in the lab, research in humans and animals is still limited.

Generally, consuming it in the diet has only a small effect on antioxidant status In addition, the processing of elderberries, such as extraction, heating, or juicing, can reduce their antioxidant activity 4. Therefore, products like syrups, juices, teas, and jams may have reduced benefits compared to some results seen in laboratory studies Elderberry fruits, leaves, and flowers are strong antioxidants.

However, their protective effects on humans appear to be insignificant. Additionally, the processing of the berries and flowers can reduce their antioxidant activity. Studies have shown elderberry juice may reduce the level of fat in the blood and decrease cholesterol. In addition, a diet high in flavonoids like anthocyanins has been found to reduce the risk of heart disease 17 , Nonetheless, one study in 34 people given mg of elderberry extract equivalent to 4 mL of juice three times a day for 2 weeks found no significant reduction in cholesterol levels However, another study in mice with high cholesterol found that a diet including black elderberry reduced the amount of cholesterol in the liver and aorta but not the blood Further studies found that rats that were fed foods containing polyphenols extracted from elderberry had reductions in blood pressure Furthermore, elderberries may reduce levels of uric acid in the blood.

Elevated uric acid is linked to increased blood pressure and negative effects on heart health 4 , Given that type 2 diabetes is a major risk factor for heart and vascular disease, blood sugar management is important in preventing these conditions 4 , 9.

A study found that elderberry flowers inhibit the enzyme alpha-glucosidase α -glucosidase , which may help lower blood sugar levels. Also, research on rats with diabetes given elderberry showed improved blood sugar control 4 , 16 , Despite these promising results, a direct reduction in heart attacks or other symptoms of heart disease has not yet been demonstrated, and further studies in humans are needed.

Elderberry has some benefits for heart health, such as reducing cholesterol, uric acid, and blood sugar levels. Although European elder has been used traditionally for thousands of years, recent research supporting its role in healthy immune support combined with the convenience of standardized extracts is finally giving elderberry the recognition it deserves.

European elder, or Sambucus nigra , L. is a small tree-like shrub native to Europe, North Africa, and North America. It is easily recognized by its creamy white flowers and sweet, deep purple berries.

Many classical physicians, such as Theophrastus, Dioscorides, and Galen, also considered the elder tree and its berries a go-to source for health support. An abundance of free radicals is a significant challenges to health maintenance.

Antioxidants aside, elderberries are extremely nourishing. They contain phytosterols, carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids, and a wealth of vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health and well-being.

When consumed as a food, elderberries need to be cooked. The raw berries contain toxic cyanogenic glycosides that can build up in the body as cyanide and cause illness. The heat helps degrade these glycosides and makes the berries safe to enjoy. Anyone hoping to maintain winter wellness through the cold months might consider adding elderberry extract to their toolbox of immune support.

Elderberry has been traditionally used to support and maintain immune and upper respiratory health and may offer this same support today.

Elderberry has also proved useful for adults wishing to support respiratory health while traveling. Healthy airplane passengers who took a standardized elderberry extract for 10 days prior to travel, followed by four to five days of supplementation upon arrival at their destination, reported a greater number and duration of healthy and symptom-free days compared to passengers who supplemented with a placebo.

Elderberry is a traditional herbal used to help support and maintain joint comfort and function. Natural Factors Black Elderberry features ElderCraft® European black elderberry that is hand-harvested in Austria. Bee the change! Did you know that we are currently witnessing a February is Heart Month!

This month provides the perfect opportunity to spread At Natural Factors, we care. We care about the source and purity of our products. We care about being good stewards of the Earth.

We care about the harmony future generations must have with the natural world in order to not just survive, but thrive. We go to great lengths to nurture, cultivate, and source ingredients that support your health and well-being. We care about the quality, purity, and efficacy of our products.

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Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. Health benefits of elderberry. Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, R. What are elderberries?

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Read more about our vetting process. Was this helpful? Share on Pinterest Eating cooked elderberries may reduce the symptoms of colds and the flu.

Evidence-based health benefits of elderberries. Elderberry nutrition. Share on Pinterest One cup of elderberries provides around one-third of the recommended daily intake of fiber. Side effects of raw elderberries. How to use elderberries.

Share on Pinterest A person can make elderberry syrup by boiling the berries in a mixture of water and sugar.

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