Elderberries have been a topic of interest in the world of natural remedies, particularly regarding their impact on colds and flu. Here, are seven mainstream scientific studies on elderberry and their findings.
Study #1
Sambucus ebulus Fruits Modulate Inflammation and Complement System Activity in Humans (PubMed 2023)
This study looked at a drink made from Sambucus ebulus (Elderberries), known for its health benefits. The elderberry drink contains high levels of anthocyanins, which are beneficial for health because they are potent antioxidants that can reduce inflammation among many other things. The research aimed to see how this drink affects blood markers related to inflammation and immune system health. Fifty-three healthy people drank it for four weeks, and their blood was tested before and after to see any changes.
After drinking the Elderberry drink, levels of certain inflammation markers in the blood, such as IL-6, TNFα, and IL-8, went down. This suggests the drink might reduce inflammation. The study also found that men and women reacted differently; for example, the decrease in IL-6 was more noticeable in men. The drink also affected the complement system, a key part of the immune response, by lowering levels of components like C3 and C4. These results show that the elderberry drink might help regulate the immune system.
The study found a small increase in lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell), but no major changes in other blood cell counts. This suggests that the elderberry drink’s effects are more specific to inflammation and immune processes rather than broadly affecting all blood cells. These findings are encouraging for understanding how natural products like elderberry can help manage inflammation and immune responses.
Study #2
Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers (PubMed 2016)
The study was a Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial” focused on the effects of elderberry on colds during air travel. It involved 312 economy class passengers traveling from Australia to overseas. The study found that those who took elderberry supplements had shorter and less severe colds compared to the placebo group.
The participants were divided into two groups: one group received elderberry supplements, and the other received a placebo. The study monitored the participants for cold symptoms and their duration during the trip and for a few days after their return. The researchers assessed various factors, including the severity of cold symptoms and the overall impact on the participants’ health. This study suggests that elderberry can be beneficial in reducing the duration and severity of colds in air travelers.
Study #3
Randomized Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Oral Elderberry Extract (PubMed 2004)
In this study, researchers examined the effects of elderberry syrup on patients suffering from influenza A and B. They recruited 60 individuals exhibiting flu symptoms and divided them into two groups. One group received elderberry syrup, while the other was given a placebo. The study aimed to assess how quickly patients recovered from their symptoms with elderberry treatment compared to those who received the placebo.
The findings were quite promising for the elderberry group. Those who took elderberry syrup experienced significant improvement in their symptoms, on average, about four days earlier than those in the placebo group. This quicker recovery suggests that elderberry syrup could be an effective treatment for reducing the duration of influenza symptoms.
Furthermore, the study observed that participants in the elderberry group relied less on additional medications, indicating the syrup’s standalone effectiveness in managing flu symptoms. This aspect of the study highlights elderberry’s potential as a more natural, self-sufficient remedy for flu treatment.
Study #4
Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) Supplementation Effectively Treats Upper Respiratory Symptoms (Science Direct 2019)
The research involved a total of 180 participants, and they evaluated factors like vaccination status and the cause of respiratory symptoms. The results showed that supplementation with black elderberry substantially reduced the duration and severity of upper respiratory symptoms. This suggests that elderberry could be a safer alternative to antibiotics and prescription drugs for treating common cold and flu symptoms.
Elderberries contain active chemicals that boost immune function and have antiviral effects. This study is the first meta-analysis on the effects of elderberry supplementation for upper respiratory symptoms. It found that elderberry supplementation significantly reduces symptom duration. Importantly, it appears to work effectively against symptoms caused by the influenza virus.
Study #5
Elderberry for Prevention and Treatment of Viral Respiratory Illnesses (PubMed 2021)
This study aimed to investigate the use of elderberry for preventing and treating viral respiratory infections, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers conducted a systematic review, searching various sources for relevant studies. They analyzed five randomized trials on elderberry supplements and viral respiratory illnesses.
The results suggested that elderberry may not prevent the common cold, but it might reduce the duration and severity of colds, although the evidence was uncertain. There was also uncertain evidence regarding elderberry’s effect on influenza duration. However, elderberry-containing products appeared to have a lower risk of influenza complications and adverse events compared to oseltamivir.
In conclusion, elderberry could be considered a safe option for treating viral respiratory illnesses, with no evidence of overstimulating the immune system. However, the study emphasized that the evidence on both benefits and harms remains uncertain, and more research from recent and ongoing studies is needed for conclusive conclusions. In short, some of the randomized trials observed suggested a benefit, while others did not.
Study #6
Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms (PubMed 2018)
Researchers conducted a study to explore alternatives to traditional treatments like over-the-counter medications, antibiotics, and antivirals for upper respiratory symptoms associated with colds and flu. The focus was on black elderberry (Sambucus nigra), a natural remedy. This study, a meta-analysis, included 180 participants and aimed to assess the effectiveness of elderberry supplements in reducing these symptoms. The analysis also considered factors such as the vaccination status of participants and the specific causes of their respiratory symptoms.
The study concluded that elderberry supplements significantly reduce the duration and severity of upper respiratory symptoms. This suggests that elderberry could be a more sustainable and safer alternative to conventional medications, especially for common colds and flu.
Study #7
Polysaccharides from European Black Elderberry Extract (PubMed 2022)
The study is about European black elderberry, a plant often linked to cold and flu relief. Researchers wanted to see if and how its extracts affect the immune system. They tested two types: a water extract (EC15) and an alcoholic extract (EE25), specifically looking at the parts of these extracts called polysaccharides, which are a type of carbohydrate.
They focused on dendritic cells, a key player in the immune system that helps kickstart the body’s defense by activating T cells. The study involved various tests to see how well these elderberry extracts helped dendritic cells mature and, in turn, get T cells ready for action. They also measured cytokines, which are substances secreted by cells of the immune system to communicate and mount a response.
Here’s where it gets interesting. The water-based elderberry extract (EC15), especially the parts rich in polysaccharides, did a great job at maturing dendritic cells and boosting their ability to activate T cells. The alcohol-based extract (EE25), however, didn’t show these benefits. Plus, there was a noticeable increase in cytokines with the water extract, indicating a stronger immune response.
This study suggests that certain elements in the water-based elderberry extract could be effective in enhancing our immune response, particularly against common infections like colds and flu. The alcoholic extract, on the other hand, didn’t exhibit these positive effects.
Final Thoughts
The current evidence suggests that elderberry could be a useful addition to cold and flu treatment regimens, particularly in the early stages, or for reducing the severity of symptoms. Elderberries, with their rich history in traditional medicine and growing scientific backing, offer an intriguing natural option for those seeking to bolster their defenses against the common cold and flu.
As with any alternative treatment, it’s crucial to consult healthcare professionals before incorporating elderberry into your health regimen, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions or those taking other medications.
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