Benefits of Elderberry for good health

Elderberry plant (Sambucus spp.) extract is nutraceutical product which has historically been used both as food and as a remedy for health problems. Elderberry extract contains anthocyanins, which is a subset of flavonoids and has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effects. The active compounds that are present in elderberries which are responsible for its medicinal properties includes: Vibrulin, Quercetin, Rutin and Anthocyanins.¹ Extract of elderberry has demonstrated in-vitro to have inhibitory effect on influenza A and influenza B viruses as well as for H1N1 “swine” flu virus. In addition to this direct action on the viruses, Elderberry may also have an effect on the immune system through cytokines. In fact, Elderberry ingredient featured in the top 10 selling Nutraceutical/herb ingredients in the US in 2020.  Additionally, Elderberry extract as a nutraceutical formulation is supported by clinical research for immune health.

As known, physical activity and nutrition are most essential factors which lead to healthy lifestyle, having potential benefits to maintaining healthy immunity which is often overlooked. Nutraceutical products also play a very important role in maintaining healthy lifestyle. Immune functions keep changing throughout the lifespan with distinct differences which are evident at particular phases.³

Elderberry is currently being extensively used across European countries because of its health benefits and flavours. Austria is the world’s largest elderberry-producing country. Elderberry extract is also popular in the nutraceutical fraternity in India and across the world. Recent researcher in Europe has shown that elderberries are concentrated sources of anthocyanins, potent purple pigments that appear to benefit health in various ways. ⁴

Elderberries contain many active chemicals, including anthocyanins, which have proven to boost immune function and exhibit anti-viral effects. Oral ingestion of Elderberry results in detectable levels of anthocyanins in the blood plasma. As a result Elderberry supplementation has become a very popular remedy for upper respiratory symptoms, and industry predictions indicate that the demand is continuing to rise.⁵

Background of disease⁶

An upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), also known as the common cold, is one of the most common illnesses, which leads to more primary care provider visits and absences from work and school than any other illness every year. It is caused by a virus that inflames the membranes in the lining of the nose and throat. Among all of the present cold viruses, the rhinoviruses is responsible to cause the majority of colds. Other viruses also include the corona virus, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, enterovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). After the virus enters one’s body, it causes a reaction- the body’s immune system begins to react to the foreign virus. This, in turn, causes:

• Swelling of the lining of the nose (making it hard to breath and also causes congestion)
• Cough (Increased mucus dripping down the throat)
• Sneezing (that cause irritation in the nose)
• An increase in production of mucus (a runny nose)

It is very important to keep in mind that there is no permanent cure for the common cold and that antibiotics will not help much to treat a common cold. Medications are used to mainly relieve the symptoms, but will not help the cold to go away any faster. Therefore, the available treatment is based on helping the symptoms and supportive care. Few of the treatments may include:

• Increased fluid intake
• Avoidance of second hand smoke
• There are other medications for treating cough, congestion, or runny noses.

Current treatment

The cold and flu symptoms are often treated with over the counter drugs, though prescription drugs, such as zanamivir, oseltamivir, or peramivir may be prescribed for treating cases of influenza. To reduce cough, antitussives are prescribed such as Dextromethorphan and guaifenesin. For upper respiratory tract infections antibiotics such as, Amoxicillin and Azithromycin are used. Cold and flu symptoms are also treated with antibiotics.

Challenges in current treatment

The medications that are available may have some irritant effect on the airways, also the delivery system can be cumbersome and time consuming. The treatment may be costly. Few of them also cause increase in anxiety. To overcome all these challenges, Nutraceuticals like Elderberry can be an a better and safer natural alternative. It enhances the immune function by boosting the production of cytokines. Elderberry has negligible side effects when used properly for very short period of time up to five days. It helps to tame inflammations, lessen stress and protect heart too. Less irritant effects are associated with it. And other health benefits of Elderberry are as follows:

• Fights harmful bacteria
• Helps fight cancer
• Could protect against UV radiation
• May support the immune system

Evidence⁷

Overview

In a multicentre randomised, placebo-controlled study, which was performed on 80 patients who had fever ≥ 38.0 °C and at least one of the respiratory influenza symptom, the subjects were randomly divided in to two groups, and were receiving either 15 ml elderberry or placebo syrup four times a day, during meals, for 5 days. The efficacy of treatment was evaluated by assessing the experienced symptoms and overall well-being.

Conclusion

A complete cure was achieved within 2-3 days in nearly 90% of the group of patients, treated with Elderberry compared with at least 6 days in the placebo group. The results also showed that Elderberry syrup is  effective against influenza A virus infections. The study also suggested that the duration of the illness can be reduced by 3-4 days with elderberry syrup compared with placebo.

According to Dr. Gerhard Rechkemmer, director of the center, anthocyanins that are found in elderberries have more antioxidant capacity than either vitamin E or vitamin C. According to his research, Elderberry anthocyanins enhances immune functions by boosting the production of cytokines, proteins acting as messengers in the immune system to help  regulate immune response.⁸

Some of the preliminary evidences from small studies that have been promising are as follows:

• A study from 2012 suggested that Elderberry could help  prevent influenza by stimulating an immune response.⁹
• A study from 2016 on airline passengers suggested that use of Elderberry extract for around 10 days before and five days after a flight led to milder symptoms and 50% fewer sick days from the cold. Negligible side effects were experienced such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.⁵

• A 2019 study on Elderberry for cold and flu, it appeared to have great reduction in the upper airway symptoms.¹⁰

Commercials

Elderberry is a clinically proven nutraceutical ingredient to help  reduce the severity and duration of symptoms associated with common cold and there are multiple manufacturers in India who manufacture formulations containing Elderberry ingredient, including BLUMEN BIOVITALS HEALTHKARE.

References:

1. https://www.medindia.net/dietandnutrition/health-benefits-of-elderberry.htm
2. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/2022-nutraceutical-ingredient-trends-one-expert-s-forecast
3. Davison G, Kehaya C, Wyn Jones A. Nutritional and physical activity interventions to improve immunity. American journal of lifestyle medicine. 2016 May;10(3):152-69.
4. Mocanu ML, Amariei S. Elderberries—A Source of Bioactive Compounds with Antiviral Action. Plants. 2022 Mar 10;11(6):740.
5. Hawkins J, Baker C, Cherry L, Dunne E. Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials. Complementary therapies in medicine. 2019 Feb 1;42:361-5.
6. https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/upper-respiratory-infection-uri-or-common-cold
7. Zakay-Rones Z, Thom E, Wollan T, Wadstein J. 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. 2004 Apr;32(2):132-40.
8. HTTPS://WWW.NUTRAINGREDIENTS.COM/ARTICLE/2001/09/12/ELDERBERRY-S-HEALTH-BENEFITS
9. Kinoshita E, Hayashi K, Katayama H, Hayashi T, Obata A. Anti-influenza virus effects of elderberry juice and its fractions. Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry. 2012:120112.
10. 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 Mar 24;8(4):182.