Elderberry has been hailed as the best remedy for colds and fevers since the time of Hippocrates, and has become increasingly popular around the world. Some people call it "European isatis root", which has the effect of improving immunity and anti-virus.
Elderberry is the fruit of a deciduous shrub belonging to the Capsicum family. It contains a variety of anthocyanins, xanthoids, polyphenols and other nutrients.
A randomized, double-blind trial of elderberry extract was conducted during the 1992-1993 influenza outbreak in Israel. In the trial, patients were given the medication as soon as they first developed flu symptoms. Half of the subjects were given elderberry. extract, and the other half were given placebo for control.
On the second day after administration, 75 percent of patients in the elderberry group reported some improvement in symptoms; on the third day, 90 percent of patients in the elderberry group reported complete improvement. In the placebo group, only 8% reported symptom relief within 24 hours, and 90% of patients were not considered completely cured until the sixth day. In other studies, elderberry extract has been shown to be effective against both influenza A and B viruses.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted in Norway in 2000 showed that patients who received elderberry extract (at a dose of 15 ml four times a day) needed less time to relieve symptoms than those who received a placebo. The time was reduced by four days; elderberry extract reduced symptoms of both influenza A and B in two to three days, while patients in the placebo group continued to experience symptom relief for six days.
Elderberries are rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients that can enhance the body's immune system. Elderberries are dark purple in color, a sign that they contain anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are flavonoids and are powerful antioxidants. Their antioxidant capacity is stronger than vitamin C and can protect cells from damage. Elderberries contain anthocyanins, which increase the secretion of cytokines, a type of immunity-boosting protein. Anthocyanins also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce severe flu symptoms, such as pain and fever.
Post time: Dec-01-2023