#king #elderberries #immunity
elderberry (Sambucus nigra) it occurs throughout Europe, northwestern Africa and Asia Minor. It is also commonly found in Poland in the lowlands and lower parts of the mountains.
The name of the plant comes from the color of the fruit, which are shiny, black or black-purple drupes.
Both have been used in medicine for a long time flowers (Sambuci flos), as well as i elderberry fruit (Sambuci fructus).
How does elderberry work?
The results of scientific research conducted in recent years both for the entire raw materials, i.e. elderberry flowers and fruits,
as well as compounds isolated from them indicate that they have multidirectional effects, including: effect:
- diaphoretic
- anti-inflammatory
- antiviral
- antibacterial
- antioxidant
- expectorant
- immunomodulatory
- hypoglycemic
- lowering lipid levels
Antibacterial effect of elderberry
Elderberry fruit extract inhibits growth responsible for streptococcal infections of the upper respiratory tract (including Streptococcus pyogenes).
In the work of Herst et al., significant activity of extracts from elderberry leaves and fruits was also found against numerous nosocomial pathogensincluding, among others: against methicillin-resistant patients strains of Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus),
and also gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella poona, Pseudomonas aeruginosa).
Antibacterial and antifungal effects of elderberry
In the work of Mohammadsadghi et al. it was observed inhibiting the growth of strains Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella thypi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and yeast Candida albicans by methanolic extract of elderberry fruit.
For the antibacterial effect of extracts
tannins are most likely responsible for Sambucus nigra (derivatives of gallic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, caffeic acid) i triterpenes
(alpha- and beta-amyrin, oleanic acid).
Antiviral effect of elderberry
In vitro studies have shown that Sambucus nigra fruit extracts have the ability to… inhibiting the multiplication of influenza viruses type A (H5N1) i type B in cell cultures. It was found that in favor of direct activity against the influenza virus Flavonoids are probably responsible for H1N1: 5,7,3′,4′-tetramethoxyquercetin and dihydromyricetin ester
and 3,4,5-trihydroxycyclohexanecarboxylic acid.
The antiviral activity of elderberry extracts is most likely related to their ability to block hemagglutinin, a surface protein of the virus that allows it to enter the host cell.
Raw materials obtained from elderberry are also active against other viruses, including: to herpes labialis virus (Herpes simplex virus, HSV).
Immunomodulating effect of elderberry
The immunomodulatory effect is associated with increasing the production of cytokineswhich in turn leads to activation of phagocytes (epid cells) and facilitates their migration to the infected place.
For immunomodulatory activity corresponds to the high-molecular fraction (polysaccharides) of extracts from elderberry fruits and flowers.
Antioxidant effect of black elderberry
Antioxidant effect show anthocyanin compounds elderberry. Laboratory tests have shown that even low concentrations (4 mcg/ml) effectively regenerate alpha-tocopherol from tocopheroxyl radicals in the lipid peroxidation model.
The antioxidant effect and the ability to penetrate the endothelium of vessels and seal them are an important element of strengthening natural resistance to infections.
Diaphoretic effect of elderberry
ØBeneficial effect in patients with symptoms of flu or cold is also diaphoretic effect Sambucus nigra extracts. This action is related to a lowering of the activation threshold of thermoregulation centers and an increase in the sensitivity of sweat glands to temperature. Flavonoids present in the raw material are most likely responsible for this type of effect.
Expectorant effect of elderberry
Elderberry extracts may also show expectorant effect – related to presence triterpenes.
These compounds, by irritating the nerve endings in the gastric mucosa, stimulate the vagus nerve center. As a result, there is an increase secretion of watery mucus in the respiratory tract and facilitate expectorationadditionally supported by the spasmolytic effect of flavonoids.
Elderberry extracts may therefore be helpful in inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.
Clinical trials of elderberry
In a randomized clinical trial conducted during the flu season on a group of 60 patients, it was found that taking a product based on elderberry extract causes the symptoms of flu disappear by an average of 3-4 days faster compared to the placebo group.
Where can you find elderberry?
- active ingredients of natural origin
- no added sugar, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, alcohol-free
- synergistic effect of active ingredients
- as much as 1,500 mg of elderberry extract (5:1) in 1 dose – equivalent to 7,500 mg of fresh elderberry fruit + patented mixture of herbs + vitamins
- excellent taste, easy to serve
- can be used separately or as an additive to food and drinks
