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Elderberry Confirmed as Immunity Booster

Analysis by Dr. Joseph MercolaFact Checked

elderberries confirmed as immunity booster

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

Research found compounds in black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) could directly inhibit viral entry into cells and subsequent replication, in part attributed to the anthocyanidin responsible for the vivid purple coloring of the fruit

Flu is caused by the influenza virus, triggering fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches and fatigue lasting five to seven days; you may be infectious up to 24 hours before your first symptom

Flu vaccines are produced before the first seasonal outbreak, so manufacturers can only estimate which viruses to include in the vaccine; according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu vaccine has been less than 50% effective more than half the time in the past 14 years

Elderberries are high in phytonutrients but must be cooked thoroughly before use as they contain a poisonous cyanide-producing chemical. In addition to elderberry, using quercetin during a viral illness may reduce the length of your illness

Elderberries have been used for hundreds of years for their health benefits. Many believe the high number of antioxidants in the berries contribute to its ability to fight the flu, support the immune system and relieve colds. Elderberries are the fruit of the Sambucus tree, the most common of which is Sambucus nigra.1

 The plant, also known as black elderberry, European elderberry and European elder, has documented origins dating as far back as 2000 B.C. in Switzerland, where there is evidence that the ancient Swiss cultivated it. However, since it's also believed to be native to North America, historians speculate that it's possible its seeds were spread by the retreating Ice Age more than 10,000 years ago.2

Recipes using elderberries for medicinal purposes have been recorded dating back to ancient Egypt, where they were used as a skin and burn potion.3 Historians generally credit Hippocrates as the first physician to use it, who described the elderberry as his "medicine chest."4

Herbal products and folk medicines have been used for centuries to combat a range of ailments, sometimes to the embarrassment of modern scientists. A chemical and biomolecular engineering research team from the University of Sydney focused a new study5 on the phytochemicals and compounds found in elderberries that may positively affect health.

Elderberry Extract May Minimize Flu Symptoms

Although there are several different types of elderberry plants, the most commonly known and studied is the Sambucus nigra. Supplements are available as syrup, gummies, lozenges, pills and tea, and were believed to work by supplying antioxidants and supporting the natural immune support response.6

In the current study,7 researchers found compounds in the elderberry could directly inhibit the flu virus's entrance into cells and subsequent replication. Flu-fighting properties had been observed in previous studies, but this group examined the actual mechanism the phytochemicals used to combat the influenza infection.

The researchers used commercially cultivated elderberries, which were used for elderberry juice serum. They applied this to cells before, during and after they had infected them with the influenza virus. As expected, the juice was effective at stopping the virus from infecting the cells.8

However, they were surprised to find the juice also effectively inhibited replication after the cells had been infected with the virus. The authors found this significant since blocking the virus at several stages increases the potential it may inhibit infection. Study author Fariba Dehghani, Ph.D., commented:9

"In addition to that, we identified that the elderberry solution also stimulated the cells to release certain cytokines, which are chemical messengers that the immune system uses for communication between different cell types to coordinate a more efficient response against the invading pathogen."

The team also discovered the antiviral activity was in part attributed to the anthocyanidin compounds, phytonutrients responsible for the vivid purple coloring in the fruit. The study supported the results of a previous study10 in which adults suffering from flu-like symptoms who took elderberry syrup had their illnesses clear on average four days sooner than those who took a placebo syrup.

Another study11 tested the effectiveness of an elderberry product on 312 overseas air travelers. The researchers found there was not a statistically significant difference in the number who acquired a cold, but those taking the syrup had a shorter duration and less severe cold symptoms than the control group.

Key Facts About the Flu

Influenza, commonly called flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that may cause mild to severe symptoms. Although some of the symptoms are similar, flu is different from a cold caused by a separate set of viruses. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),12 flu symptoms may occur rapidly and include:

Fever or feeling feverish and experiencing chills

Muscle or body aches

Headaches

Sore throat

Cough

Runny or stuffy nose

Fatigue

Some may experience vomiting and diarrhea, although this is more common in children than adults. Most think of flu season occurring between October and May when millions across the U.S. contract the virus.13 However, while this is the most common time, the virus may spread at any time during the year.

Wintertime flu is more common as the virus lives longer indoors during the winter months when the air is less humid than it is outside. During the winter, we also tend to spend more time indoors and have closer contact with others, making it easier for the virus to spread.14

The virus spreads through the air after an individual who is infected sneezes, coughs or speaks. Sometimes it may be passed through an object that's been touched or coughed on. An individual may touch the contaminated item and then touch their nose or mouth, at which time the virus enters their system.

 Those carrying the virus may be contagious 24 hours before their symptoms first appear and up to seven days after they experience their first symptoms. This means it's possible to pass the flu virus on even before you know you're sick. Symptoms of flu usually last from five to seven days.15

While there are more than 100 different viruses known to trigger cold symptoms, there are only four influenza viruses.16,17 Scientists have named them Types A, B, C and D.

Type A flu viruses may be found in different animals as well as humans, including ducks, chickens, horses, pigs and seals.18 Type B viruses only affect people. Type C viruses cause mild respiratory symptoms while Type A and B are responsible for seasonal outbreaks. Type D is associated with cattle and so far has not been known to infect humans.19

The Flu Vaccine Will Always Struggle To Be Effective

Each year the influenza virus changes slightly, which the CDC describes as drift or shift.20 In some years, this means flu symptoms may be mild as your body was exposed to a similar virus and has produced antibodies to fight the infection. Approximately every 10 years to 40 years the virus undergoes a major change and more people get severe symptoms and a pandemic may arise.21

Vaccines are produced before flu season begins, so scientists must resort to an educated guess as to how the virus may have changed from the year before to adjust their vaccine for the current year.

According to the CDC, three production technologies have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including egg-based vaccines, cell-based vaccines and recombinant vaccines.22

Each is made by manufacturers in the private sector. Over the last 14 seasons, CDC data show the vaccine is less than 50% effective more than half the time.23 As just one example, the CDC estimated the overall effectiveness for the 2017 flu vaccine was a modest 38%.

Steer Clear of Drugs to Treat the Flu

Should you or your child be infected with the influenza virus, your doctor or pediatrician may recommend Tamiflu.24 However, it's important to note this antiviral drug shortens flu symptoms by less than 17 hours,25 does not reduce viral spread, and does not lessen your risk of complications such as pneumonia.26

A review of the literature by the Cochrane group also warns that the health risks associated with Tamiflu could far outweigh the benefits.27 Many pharmaceutical drugs come with side effects, and Tamiflu is not exempt. Risks may include seizures, brain infections, psychosis and other neuropsychiatric problems.

A 2015 study28 reported how a 22-year-old man experienced auditory hallucinations, memory deterioration, mood swings, suicidal feelings and insomnia after taking the drug. An ABC News story29 described how a 6-year-old girl started hallucinating and attempted to jump out a second-story window after taking Tamiflu.

Another study30 found more than half of all children suffered side effects from Tamiflu. A journalist in the Atlantic noted,31 "The only people helped by the proven-to-be-ineffective drug are its manufacturers." A 2013 Forbes32 article spelled out several flaws in the science behind Tamiflu, and how the benefits were overstated.

 Despite this overwhelming evidence, the CDC still recommends flu vaccines and antiviral drugs like Tamiflu and continues to claim the drugs may prevent serious complications,33although the evidence clearly shows these antivirals do no such thing. The take-home message is to do your homework and not blindly follow public health recommendations.

 More Benefits to Using Elderberry

While researchers found elderberry products could reduce cold and flu symptoms without the side effects associated with the flu shot or antiviral medications, the berries may also have additional benefits. If you choose to pick your own elderberries, they may be used to make juice, wine, extracts, syrups and jams.34

When picking, seek out blue, dark purple or black fruit as only these varieties may be eaten.35 It is crucial that they are completely ripened and you cook them thoroughly before ingesting since the raw berries are poisonous, containing a cyanide-producing chemical.36In addition to the flu fighting benefits, elderberries may also:

Promote detoxification37

Reduce cardiovascular disease38

Promote wound healing39

Soften skin and treat acne40

Soothe sunburns41

Promote the healing of sprains and bruises42

Naturally Support Your Immune System

Your immune system is your first line of defense against infections, so the most effective method of preventing illness is support your immune system. Your diet and other lifestyle factors are foundational to immune function. Nutrition may be the most vital component in maintaining — or gaining — a healthy immune system.

The addition of elderberry and taking quercetin during a viral illness may help reduce the length of your illness. Research from Appalachian State University in North Carolina found quercetin could reduce illness and boost mental performance after extreme physical stress.43

Successfully running the gauntlet of flu season may be simply a matter of keeping your immune system boosted by applying a few key health strategies. Aside from school and work, other points at which your immune system might be compromised include during travel, and when you are sleep deprived or stressed out.

 Sources and References

1 Medical News Today, October 9, 2018

2 The Herb Society of America, 2013

3 Journal of Dietary Supplements January 2014

4 BMC Complement Altern Med 2011; 11: 16

5, 7 Journal of Functional Food, 2019;54:353

6 Discover. What Is Elderberry Good For? May 2, 2022

8, 9 Science Daily, April 23, 2019

10 Journal of International Medical Research, 2004;32(2):132

11 Nutrients, 2016;8(4):182

12 Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Facts About Influenza

13 Kids Health, Flu Facts

14 CDC. How Flu Spreads

15 Harvard Health Publishing, How Long Does the Flu Last?

16, 19 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Types of Influenza Viruses September 27, 2017

17 Stat Pearls, Influenza February 18, 2019

18 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Transmission … Between Animals and People, February 10, 2015

20 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, How the Flu Virus Changes

21 CDC Pink Book May 16, 2018

22 Center for Disease Control and Prevention, How Influenza Vaccines are Made

23 CDC, February 15, 2018. Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness, 2005-2018

24 Mayo Clinic, Influenza (Flu) April 11, 2019

25, 26 BMJ 2014;348:g2545

27 Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD008965

28 Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience, 2015; 13(2): 209–211

29 ABC News, January 16, 2018

30 Eurosurveillance July 2009; 14(30)

31 The Atlantic February 19, 2013

32 Forbes, January 8, 2013

33 Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Preventive Steps

34 Utah State University Extension, Elderberry in the Garden

35 The Spruce, January 9, 2019

36 Molecules. 2021 Mar; 26(5): 1384

37 The Alchemists Kitchen, Elderberry: Queen of Herbs

38 International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2017;18(3):584

39 Cure Joy, September 21, 2017

40 American Nutrition Association, August 6, 2017

41 Lily Farm Fresh Skin Care, Elderberry, A Medicinal Plant

42 Medscape, Elderberry

43 Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2012 Aug; 2(4): 131–138

From comments section:

Elderberry extracts prevented GSH depletion, ROS production, and DNA fragmentation Bioactivity tests revealed that elderberry juice was an extremely potent agent in the NO free radical scavenging process (53.06 g TE per L of juice), while in reducing excessive enzyme activity, the The best result was achieved in the inhibition of the enzyme tyrosinase (54.70 mg KAE per g of juice).

www.sciencedirect.com/.../S1756464614002400  (2015)

www.babybearsfarm.com/uploads/7/1/2/5/71259929/charlebois284-292.pdf  (2007)

pubs.rsc.org/.../d0ra09129d  (2020)

bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12906-02..  (2021)

link.springer.com/.../s11696-021-01862-x  (2022)

pubs.acs.org/.../acs.jafc.2c00010  (2022)

www.sciencedirect.com/.../S2590157522002358  (2022).

Immunodaat, a proprietary botanical extract, contains standardized elderberry extract (Sambucus Nigra L.). Elderberry is used as an immunity enhancer for the prevention and treatment of various respiratory diseases and as an antioxidant. A prospective, multicenter, randomized, comparative, open-label clinical study was conducted in 74 subjects who recovered from post-COVID-19 symptoms of mild to moderate COVID-19 in the past.

The study concludes that the use of Immunodaat for 30 days helped normalize physical and mental symptoms that occurred due to Post COVID and prolonged COVID. Immunodaat can be considered as a safe and effective natural ingredient in the management of Post COVID-19 or prolonged COVID condition. www.medrxiv.org/.../2022.10.04.22280680v2  (2022)

3 recommendations to rescue patients from COVID-19 infection 1) People who have been exposed to nicotine prior to their exposure to the virus are "set" to be at increased risk because nicotine can directly affect the virus's putative receptor (ACE2) and lead to detrimental signaling. in the epithelial cells of the lung. Furthermore, several cytokines, including IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-, which are induced by smoking, could trigger a "cytokine storm" in COVID-19. febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/.../febs.15303 (2020) 2) Mouth spray as recommended by Dr. Mercola.

Blocking virus entry is a potential therapeutic target, direct virus clearance in the throat by betadine oral or nasal spray could be more effective than angiotensin receptor 2 (AR2) receptor downregulation 3) The use of elderberry supplements may be effective in an early course of the disease. Although not tested in coronavirus, elderberry supplements were shown to be effective in cold and influenza by a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study and meta-analysis. Currently, since elderberry supplements can be purchased by anyone without a prescription as an over-the-counter medication, if it does not cause any significant harm, there is no reason not to use it and it can be applied early in the course of the disease.

Although there have been some reports of some cytokines being increased by elderberry supplements, elderberry supplements also have various types of other effects. In addition, we should also refer to the evidence-based systematic review of elderberry and elderflower by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration, which could be applied to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

At this point, we should be able to guide the use of these elderberry supplements to the general population or patients with COVID-19 as follows: “Elderberry supplements can be used in people with COVID-19 in an early course of the disease , if understanding the previous efficacy of these and the possible adverse effects”. alkalinediet.com/.../ElderberryAntiViral.pdf  (2021)

www.researchgate.net/profile/Ethan-Basch/publication/259696401_An_Evid.. the-Natural-Standard-Research-Collaboration.pdf --- ELDERBERRIES AS A POTENTIAL SUPPLEMENT TO IMPROVE VASCULAR FUNCTION IN A SARS-COV-2 ENVIRONMENT According to the literature, anthocyanins, a major subgroup of flavonoid polyphenols found in berries, have been well-investigated for their vascular-protective properties, as well as the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related deaths.

Elderberries have previously been used as a natural remedy for the treatment of colds, flu, and consequently cardiovascular health due to a high content of cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), one of the main anthocyanins found in the human diet. The literature reported many studies showing that EE has both antiviral and vascular protective properties that need to be further investigated as a nutritional component used against the indirect effect of SARS-CoV-2 on vascular function. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/.../jfbc.14091  (2022)