The Elderberry, known scientifically as Sambucus nigra, is celebrated for its potent antiviral properties and immune-enhancing benefits, making it a key ingredient in immune-boosting gummies. Research shows that high-quality preparations like eldosamb notably diminish HIV spread and lower viral infectious titres. Moreover, its robust anti-inflammatory capabilities significantly reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-a and IFN-g.
Boosts Immune System
Elderberries are dark purple berries known to provide numerous health benefits, from supporting normal blood sugar balance to improving lung and skin health. Elderberry has been used as a natural immune booster for centuries; now its popularity is making a comeback, thanks to their potential ability to combat colds and flu outbreaks.
While elderberry extract and syrup possess promising antiviral properties, it should be remembered that studies are limited. According to researchers however, elderberry syrup and extract can shorten the duration of common colds by two days while also improving symptoms without increasing risks of serious side effects.
Reason being, berries contain certain compounds and substances which help balance out our immune systems instead of overstimulating it – as with many supplements. Elderberries in particular have been shown to boost T-lymphocyte counts – white blood cells used against infections.
Elderberry also contains vitamin C, an important antioxidant known to support immune cells’ functioning and promote heart and connective tissue health – potentially even helping prevent age-related memory loss.
Berry products contain high concentrations of anti-inflammatory and antiviral flavonoids and anthocyanins, along with vitamins A and E which strengthen immune systems while protecting from free radical damage.
Elderberry has also been demonstrated to exhibit effective direct antiviral properties against influenza virus infections, acting by interfering with key viral proteins involved in viral attachment and entry into host cells.
In addition to clinical trials, some in vitro studies have also demonstrated how elderberry can significantly enhance dendritic cell immunity and cytokine production, as well as decreasing IL-6 and the release of TNF-alpha factors. Finally, elderberry was found to significantly inhibit inflammation by decreasing IL-6 production.
Prevents Colds & Flu
Elderberries have long been recognized for their amazing healing powers. Not only can you enjoy them as a tasty treat, but elderberries are considered one of nature’s most powerful healing plants, boasting antioxidants and other phytochemical compounds which may boost immunity, ease inflammation and decrease stress levels – many natural health experts advocate using elderberry tea for cold and flu symptoms as a preventative remedy.
Research indicates that Sambucus nigra (commonly referred to as European elderberry) flowers and berries may be especially effective at preventing and treating influenza and cold/flu virus infections. Researchers discovered that its phytochemicals inhibited various stages of influenza virus’ lifecycle such as attachment/entry into cells; as well as strengthening defense mechanisms against it.
Another study concluded that individuals taking elderberry extract shortened the duration and severity of flu symptoms by two days when compared with those taking placebo, although no statistical difference could be noted between elderberry and placebo in terms of duration and severity of cold symptoms.
JAMA Internal Medicine research published earlier this month shows that elderberry extract possesses antiviral properties. Scientists observed its ability to inhibit influenza A and B virus spread, as well as shorten the duration of cold symptoms in a small clinical trial.
Elderberry extract has shown promising results in helping prevent and treat cold and flu symptoms, taking either in the form of syrup or supplement. When choosing supplements it’s important to read their labels thoroughly as some contain excessive added sugars that could compromise your immune system.
Add elderberry to your regular diet by purchasing it at either a health food store or online. Elderberry comes in both syrup and gummy form; some supplements combine elderberry with other herbal remedies like Echinacea for maximum germ fighting power. Or alternatively, make your own syrup by boiling some elderberries in water!
Aids in Weight Loss
Elderberry contains many essential micronutrients that aid weight loss. This includes vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, folic acid, and vitamin A as well as antioxidants to fight oxidative stress that leads to fat storage and cell damage. Furthermore, its nutritional qualities also reduce inflammation which in turn prevent inflammatory diseases like arthritis and diabetes as inflammation can slow metabolism leading to weight gain.
Elderberry can not only boost immunity but is also an invaluable digestive aid. Packed with fiber-rich elderberries, this nutritional powerhouse can keep the gut healthy during times when your risk for infections or illnesses increase – like during winter when colds and flu are most prevalent.
Elderberry may help with weight loss by helping to lower blood sugar levels. According to research, an aqueous extract of elderflower stimulates glucose transport and oxidation processes as well as secretion of insulin; these actions all work in concert to maintain normal blood sugar levels thereby encouraging weight loss by decreasing your reliance on carbohydrates for energy sources.
Elderberry contains many benefits; however, before adding it to your diet it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional first. Elderberries can interact with certain medications and cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. People suffering from autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis or SLE should avoid it because the herb may trigger an immune response which worsens symptoms.
Overall, elderberry is generally safe to consume with few known side effects. However, it’s important to keep in mind that leaves, twigs, uncooked and raw berries contain toxic cyanogenic glycosides which may lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea if consumed too frequently. Elderberries can also act as diuretics which cause you to urinate more often leading to dehydration and an imbalance of sodium levels; pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid it as too much can yellow their urine and interfere with lab tests.
Prevents Cancer
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra), also referred to as black elder, European elder or Sambucus, is a deciduous shrub native to Europe and Asia that features cream-white flowers with blue-black berries. Although native, its popularity in North America has greatly expanded. Elderberries are prized medicinal plants; traditionally they have been used to treat colds, flu symptoms and other ailments with great success. Antioxidants like quercetin, kaempferol and rutin have also been used; plus they contain anthocyanidins; finally they contain phenolic acids such as ursolic acid oleanolic acid betulinic acid; all these compounds possess anti chemopreventive properties helping prevent and even reverse cancer formation processes!
Elderberry contains antioxidants which are known to reduce cancerous cell growth and prevent cell damage, as well as boost production of immune-enhancing cytokines. Anthocyanins have also been proven to protect neuronal damage while rutin helps stop blood clot formation – all features which contribute to elderberry’s anti-inflammatory capabilities.
Elderberry contains anthocyanins that may help protect against Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia by decreasing amyloid plaque build-up in the brain, and reduce symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Elderberries should be avoided by people suffering from autoimmune conditions as taking elderberries could increase immune activity and make symptoms worse.
Studies indicate that black elderberry and its constituents have significant effects on reproductive processes and fertility by modulating regulators of oxidative stress, inflammation responses, and angiogenesis; however, their functional interrelationships still need further elucidation. Furthermore, black elderberry’s constituents rutin and anthocyanins may serve as biostimulants in animal biotechnology to induce ovarian stimulation, superovulation, assisted reproduction as well as superovulation – yet further research must be conducted in order to ascertain which dosages will best serve these purposes.
