Elderberry
Used throughout the ages as a medicine for coughs, colds and the flu, elderberry is now one of the most popular natural remedies for respiratory infections. There is also evidence to suggest the elder plant is beneficial in heart disease, diabetes, sinus pain, inflammation and fluid retention. I’m sure you are getting the picture that this medicinal plant is a real powerhouse for good health. So let’s delve further into the world of the elderberry.
What is elderberry?
Elderberry is the small ripe berry from the elder plant, otherwise known as sambucus nigra. The flowers (elderflowers) are also used in herbal medicine in tablets, teas or cordials and have slightly different actions to the berries. Anthocyanidins and various flavonoids are abundant in the berries and flowers which is what makes this herb so powerful.
Many of the studies examining elderberry’s antiviral actions have been conducted on a proprietary product known as sambucol. The elder berry seems to have a stronger antiviral and antioxidant profile, while the flowers are antimicrobial, diaphoretic, diuretic and help to clear mucous.
How elderberry can benefit you
Most people are familiar with elderberry for cold and flu support but there is much more to this herb than meets the eye.
Flu prevention
Elderberry is a great first aid herb to have on hand during the winter months. In vitro studies of sambucol, whose chief ingredient is elderberry, was effective against ten strains of influenza virus.
Other studies have found it effective against dangerous strains of flu including H1N1 and influenza A and B.
Flu treatment
In a 2009 study, patients were divided into two groups. The first group was given four doses of elderberry extract daily, and the other group received a placebo daily for two days. The extract-treated group showed significant improvement in most flu symptoms while the placebo group showed no improvement or an increase in severity of symptoms.
Another study found that when elderberry is taken within the first 48 hours of symptoms, it can reduce the duration of flu symptoms by an average of 4 days. Elder, when taken as a hot infusion can work immediately as a diaphoretic. This means it promotes sweating and improves the ability of the immune system to fight infection.
Reduces complications from the flu
During the flu it’s possible for a bacterial infection to cause complications and lead to a secondary infection such as pneumonia. Elderberry can help protect against this by providing additional antimicrobial activity against bacterial strains involved in pneumonia.
Sinusitis
With elder’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions, it’s no surprise elderflower is effective for sinus infections.
Travelling
Sitting in confined areas such as a plane can increase your susceptibility to picking up respiratory infections. A recent 2016 study found that supplementing with elderberry can reduce these odds. 312 passengers travelling in economy from Australia to an overseas destination supplemented with elderberry or placebo.
The travellers who took elderberry had a significant reduction in cold duration and severity—with more colds occurring in the placebo group.
To maximise the results and to help protect yourself from colds while travelling consider supplementing with elderberry before and during travel.
Heart health
It has been proposed that elderberry’s polyphenols may be useful in people with heart disease. This is because they have been shown to reduce free radical damage, cholesterol and blood pressure in animal studies.
Anti-diabetic
Diabetes is an emerging disorder which puts a large strain on Australia’s healthcare system. Extracts of elderflower has been shown to increase insulin levels, enhance muscle glucose uptake and glycogenesis. All these actions in the body result in healthy blood sugar levels by removing sugar from circulation into cells to be used as energy.
Diuretic
Elderflower has been traditionally used as a diuretic agent. This is particularly helpful if you retain fluid and this causes you discomfort. A diuretic helps to increase the production of urine and eliminate excess fluid from the body.
How to take elderberry
Elderberry can be found in a variety of forms, from jams and syrups to lozenges and even wines. The most popular way to take elderberry for cold and flu is in syrup, capsule or powder form. Sometimes it is found with other ingredients such as honey, zinc and vitamin C for an additional immune boost. The great news is elderberry tastes great and is suitable for kids over the age of 2.
Safety profile
Elderberry appears to have a very good safety profile. However, the unripe and uncooked berries should never be consumed as they contain cyanide. In rare cases elderberry has caused allergic reactions and should be used in caution in sensitive individuals.
In summary
- Elder is a popular herbal medicine— both the flower and the berry are used medicinally
- Elderberry can reduce the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms
- Elderflower may be helpful for fluid retention, elevated blood sugars and sinus infections
- Elderberry has a pleasant fruity flavour—making it an easy supplement to take, especially in children
References
- Braun L, Cohen M. Herbs and natural supplements: An evidence based guide vol. 2. Churchill Livingstone, Australia https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-434/elderberry
- Krawitz C, et al. 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. 2011 Feb 25;11:16 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21352539
- Tiralongo E, et al. Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2016 Mar 24;8(4):182 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27023596
- Kong F, Pilot Clinical Study on a Proprietary Elderberry Extract: Efficacy in Addressing Influenza Symptoms, Online J Pharmacol Pharmacokin 5:32‐43, 2009. http://omicron-pharma.com/pdfs/ElderberryClinicalOJPK_Published.pdf
- Ulbricht C, et al. An evidence-based systematic review of elderberry and elderflower (Sambucus nigra) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. J Diet Suppl. 2014 Mar;11(1):80-120 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24409980
- Melzer J, et al. Systematic review of clinical data with BNO-101 (Sinupret) in the treatment of sinusitis. Forsch Komplementmed. 2006 Apr;13(2):78-87 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16645287
This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you have any concerns or questions about your health you should consult with a health professional.