Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 21 Researches
7.3
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 3 Reviews
8.4
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 2 Gummies
Serving Per Container: 30
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
20
Total Carbohydrate
5 g
2%**
Total Sugars
3 g
†
Includes 3 g Added Sugars
6%**
Vitamin C
45 mg
50%
Zinc
7.5 mg
68%
Sodium
15 mg
<1%
Organic Black Elderberry Concentrate (Sambucus nigra) (fruit) (65:1)
150 mg
†
Organic VitaBerry® Fruit BlendStrawberry, Raspberry, Blueberry, Tart Cherry, Elderberry, Cranberry Powders
25 mg
†
Bacillus coagulans (Lactospore®)
10 mg(1 Billion CFU)
†
Top Medical Research Studies
8
We explored the effectiveness of elderberry in treating influenza, drawing from clinical trials that examined its impact. Over the years, three specific trials involving different elderberry preparations were conducted, with a total of only 77 participants receiving treatment. While these trials concluded that elderberry could be effective against influenza, the very limited sample size raises questions about the robustness of these findings.
Additionally, it’s important to note that in the larger context of herbal remedies, there isn’t enough comprehensive evidence to fully endorse elderberry as a reliable treatment. Though the studies indicated some level of efficacy against the flu, the small number of participants means we must approach these results with caution.
Given that substantial evidence of safety and effectiveness is lacking, it wouldn't be prudent to rely solely on elderberry for influenza treatment, especially among vulnerable groups like pregnant women.
Additionally, it’s important to note that in the larger context of herbal remedies, there isn’t enough comprehensive evidence to fully endorse elderberry as a reliable treatment. Though the studies indicated some level of efficacy against the flu, the small number of participants means we must approach these results with caution.
Given that substantial evidence of safety and effectiveness is lacking, it wouldn't be prudent to rely solely on elderberry for influenza treatment, especially among vulnerable groups like pregnant women.
Read More
7
Elderberry extract combats influenza effectively
We examined the effects of a standardized elderberry extract, specifically looking into its ability to combat influenza viruses and certain harmful bacteria that affect our respiratory system. Through rigorous testing, which included the use of different concentrations of the elderberry extract, we were able to assess its antimicrobial properties as well as its antiviral potential against two strains of influenza, including one known for its severity.
The results were promising, as the elderberry extract showed significant activity against both bacterial pathogens and influenza viruses. By employing techniques like bacterial growth experiments and cell culture assays, we confirmed that the extract can inhibit the propagation of these pathogens effectively. This suggests that elderberry might serve as a useful option for enhancing our defenses against respiratory infections.
Overall, our investigation indicated that incorporating elderberry as a natural product could potentially offer more avenues to explore in the fight against infections, especially during flu season or in the presence of super-infections that are common with influenza cases.
The results were promising, as the elderberry extract showed significant activity against both bacterial pathogens and influenza viruses. By employing techniques like bacterial growth experiments and cell culture assays, we confirmed that the extract can inhibit the propagation of these pathogens effectively. This suggests that elderberry might serve as a useful option for enhancing our defenses against respiratory infections.
Overall, our investigation indicated that incorporating elderberry as a natural product could potentially offer more avenues to explore in the fight against infections, especially during flu season or in the presence of super-infections that are common with influenza cases.
Read More
9
Our exploration focused on the effects of European black elderberry extracts, particularly their potential to enhance immune responses against influenza. We specifically evaluated a water extract, enriched in polysaccharides, and compared it to a conventional alcoholic extract.
The findings revealed that the water extract and its polysaccharide fractions significantly promoted the maturation of dendritic cells, which play a vital role in activating T cells. In fact, these matured dendritic cells showed a much higher capacity to stimulate T cells compared to the untreated cells. Conversely, the ethanol extract did not lead to any notable stimulation of T cells.
We also observed that the presence of elderberry extracts increased the release of key inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, indicating a robust immune response. Overall, our research suggests that the polysaccharides sourced from elderberry may be beneficial for developing strong immune responses, particularly against viral infections like influenza.
The findings revealed that the water extract and its polysaccharide fractions significantly promoted the maturation of dendritic cells, which play a vital role in activating T cells. In fact, these matured dendritic cells showed a much higher capacity to stimulate T cells compared to the untreated cells. Conversely, the ethanol extract did not lead to any notable stimulation of T cells.
We also observed that the presence of elderberry extracts increased the release of key inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, indicating a robust immune response. Overall, our research suggests that the polysaccharides sourced from elderberry may be beneficial for developing strong immune responses, particularly against viral infections like influenza.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Shortened flu duration
3 people found this helpful
Awesome! Elderberry is a superb aid for health. It boosts the immune system, relieves flu symptoms, and reduces duration. Studies show that elderberry can lessen flu symptoms within 48 hours and significantly shorten cold duration in air travellers. This jar is delicious, sweet and sour, and both adults and children love it. I will certainly repurchase.
Read More
7.5
Useful during colds
Delicious prophylaxis during ARVI and influenza. Chewing lollipops with a pleasant berry flavour are particularly beneficial during colds. I recommend everyone to buy!
Read More
7.5
Vitamin supplement
Delicious! I use elderberry with zinc to supplement my vitamins during snacks, along with vitamin C from oranges. My doctor advised me that zinc is good for boosting immunity and preventing influenza, making this a great addition to my routine.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 21 Researches
7.3
- All Researches
9
We investigated the potential of a unique formulation combining vitamin C with a complex of alkaloids to combat the H1N1 influenza virus. Our approach involved creating nanoparticles that encapsulate both the alkaloid-rich fraction and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to enhance the water solubility and bioavailability of these components.
The results were promising, showing that our formulated nanoparticles had a significant selective antiviral effect against the H1N1 virus, achieving an IC50 of 2.7 μg/mL. Notably, this effect was observed without harming the host cells, suggesting that the treatment could be both effective and safe.
However, it's important to note that while the presence of vitamin C in the formulation seems beneficial, we also included other active ingredients, making it difficult to assess the isolated impact of vitamin C alone. The combination of these elements appears to contribute to the overall effectiveness against influenza.
In summary, our findings indicate that this new delivery system might be a promising avenue for treating influenza viruses, with vitamin C playing a supportive role among other powerful components.
The results were promising, showing that our formulated nanoparticles had a significant selective antiviral effect against the H1N1 virus, achieving an IC50 of 2.7 μg/mL. Notably, this effect was observed without harming the host cells, suggesting that the treatment could be both effective and safe.
However, it's important to note that while the presence of vitamin C in the formulation seems beneficial, we also included other active ingredients, making it difficult to assess the isolated impact of vitamin C alone. The combination of these elements appears to contribute to the overall effectiveness against influenza.
In summary, our findings indicate that this new delivery system might be a promising avenue for treating influenza viruses, with vitamin C playing a supportive role among other powerful components.
Read More
9
Impact of Zinc on Vaccine Response
We examined how combining zinc with other essential micronutrients could impact the immune response to an influenza vaccine. Our study found that this combination, including vitamins C and D, selenium, manganese, and N-acetyl cysteine, led to increased levels of protective antibodies after vaccinations in mice.
Notably, the supplementation improved not just the overall antibody response but also boosted specific immune responses vital for effective virus clearance. We observed a rise in specific types of immune cells, such as germinal center B cells and helper T cells, which are crucial in fighting off infections. Moreover, this combination influenced a greater differentiation of T helper cells, enhancing the production of important cytokines.
While our findings highlighted the beneficial effects of this micronutrient combination on immunity, it is also important to note that the study evaluated these effects in a controlled setting involving multiple micronutrients. Although zinc is included, its isolated impact on the immune response to influenza was less discernible due to the mixture of supplements tested. Overall, our research lays the groundwork for future studies aimed at improving vaccination responses through dietary adjustments.
Notably, the supplementation improved not just the overall antibody response but also boosted specific immune responses vital for effective virus clearance. We observed a rise in specific types of immune cells, such as germinal center B cells and helper T cells, which are crucial in fighting off infections. Moreover, this combination influenced a greater differentiation of T helper cells, enhancing the production of important cytokines.
While our findings highlighted the beneficial effects of this micronutrient combination on immunity, it is also important to note that the study evaluated these effects in a controlled setting involving multiple micronutrients. Although zinc is included, its isolated impact on the immune response to influenza was less discernible due to the mixture of supplements tested. Overall, our research lays the groundwork for future studies aimed at improving vaccination responses through dietary adjustments.
Read More
9
Our exploration focused on the effects of European black elderberry extracts, particularly their potential to enhance immune responses against influenza. We specifically evaluated a water extract, enriched in polysaccharides, and compared it to a conventional alcoholic extract.
The findings revealed that the water extract and its polysaccharide fractions significantly promoted the maturation of dendritic cells, which play a vital role in activating T cells. In fact, these matured dendritic cells showed a much higher capacity to stimulate T cells compared to the untreated cells. Conversely, the ethanol extract did not lead to any notable stimulation of T cells.
We also observed that the presence of elderberry extracts increased the release of key inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, indicating a robust immune response. Overall, our research suggests that the polysaccharides sourced from elderberry may be beneficial for developing strong immune responses, particularly against viral infections like influenza.
The findings revealed that the water extract and its polysaccharide fractions significantly promoted the maturation of dendritic cells, which play a vital role in activating T cells. In fact, these matured dendritic cells showed a much higher capacity to stimulate T cells compared to the untreated cells. Conversely, the ethanol extract did not lead to any notable stimulation of T cells.
We also observed that the presence of elderberry extracts increased the release of key inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, indicating a robust immune response. Overall, our research suggests that the polysaccharides sourced from elderberry may be beneficial for developing strong immune responses, particularly against viral infections like influenza.
Read More
9
Elderberry alleviates respiratory symptoms
Our analysis focused on the effectiveness of black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) as a treatment for upper respiratory symptoms, which often stem from viral infections like the flu. We evaluated data from 180 participants across various studies to gauge how elderberry supplementation can alleviate these symptoms.
What we found was quite promising: elderberry seems to significantly reduce upper respiratory symptoms, showcasing a large mean effect size in our analysis. This could point towards a valuable alternative for those suffering from cold and flu symptoms.
However, it is essential to note that while elderberry appears to be effective in reducing these symptoms, our study did not isolate its effects specifically on influenza. This means that while there’s potential, we can’t make conclusive claims regarding its impact on influenza over other upper respiratory issues.
Overall, these findings invite a closer look at elderberry as a possible safe and effective option for managing respiratory health, especially for those looking to avoid antibiotics and prescription medications.
What we found was quite promising: elderberry seems to significantly reduce upper respiratory symptoms, showcasing a large mean effect size in our analysis. This could point towards a valuable alternative for those suffering from cold and flu symptoms.
However, it is essential to note that while elderberry appears to be effective in reducing these symptoms, our study did not isolate its effects specifically on influenza. This means that while there’s potential, we can’t make conclusive claims regarding its impact on influenza over other upper respiratory issues.
Overall, these findings invite a closer look at elderberry as a possible safe and effective option for managing respiratory health, especially for those looking to avoid antibiotics and prescription medications.
Read More
8
We investigated how zinc, delivered through epipharyngeal abrasive therapy (EAT), might impact the expression of a key molecule known as Cav1.2, which plays a crucial role in allowing the influenza A virus to enter cells. The study included two groups of patients: one group that received EAT, which involved scratching the epipharyngeal mucosa with a zinc chloride-treated swab, and another group that did not receive this treatment.
By analyzing tissue samples, we observed that the levels of Cav1.2 were significantly lower in the EAT-treated patients compared to those who were not treated. In fact, the expression of Cav1.2 in the patients who underwent EAT was measured to be 4.19 times lower than in the non-treated group. This suggests that the squamous metaplasia induced by EAT might help reduce the entry of the influenza virus by down-regulating this key protein.
Our findings indicate that EAT, through its zinc content, could serve as a simple and effective method to potentially prevent influenza infection by limiting the virus's ability to enter cells.
By analyzing tissue samples, we observed that the levels of Cav1.2 were significantly lower in the EAT-treated patients compared to those who were not treated. In fact, the expression of Cav1.2 in the patients who underwent EAT was measured to be 4.19 times lower than in the non-treated group. This suggests that the squamous metaplasia induced by EAT might help reduce the entry of the influenza virus by down-regulating this key protein.
Our findings indicate that EAT, through its zinc content, could serve as a simple and effective method to potentially prevent influenza infection by limiting the virus's ability to enter cells.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 3 Reviews
8.4
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Shortened flu duration
3 people found this helpful
Awesome! Elderberry is a superb aid for health. It boosts the immune system, relieves flu symptoms, and reduces duration. Studies show that elderberry can lessen flu symptoms within 48 hours and significantly shorten cold duration in air travellers. This jar is delicious, sweet and sour, and both adults and children love it. I will certainly repurchase.
Read More
7.5
Useful during colds
Delicious prophylaxis during ARVI and influenza. Chewing lollipops with a pleasant berry flavour are particularly beneficial during colds. I recommend everyone to buy!
Read More
7.5
Vitamin supplement
Delicious! I use elderberry with zinc to supplement my vitamins during snacks, along with vitamin C from oranges. My doctor advised me that zinc is good for boosting immunity and preventing influenza, making this a great addition to my routine.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
9
Shortened flu duration
3 people found this helpful
Awesome! Elderberry is a superb aid for health. It boosts the immune system, relieves flu symptoms, and reduces duration. Studies show that elderberry can lessen flu symptoms within 48 hours and significantly shorten cold duration in air travellers. This jar is delicious, sweet and sour, and both adults and children love it. I will certainly repurchase.
7.5
Vitamin supplement
Delicious! I use elderberry with zinc to supplement my vitamins during snacks, along with vitamin C from oranges. My doctor advised me that zinc is good for boosting immunity and preventing influenza, making this a great addition to my routine.
7.5
Useful during colds
Delicious prophylaxis during ARVI and influenza. Chewing lollipops with a pleasant berry flavour are particularly beneficial during colds. I recommend everyone to buy!
7
We systematically reviewed how vitamin C affects respiratory tract infections (RTIs), including influenza. This involved analyzing results from numerous studies to understand how effective vitamin C is in either preventing these infections or alleviating their symptoms.
Our findings reveal that vitamin C supplementation can reduce the risk of RTIs, with a reported risk ratio of 0.96. This means that taking vitamin C may lower the chance of getting an RTI compared to not taking it at all.
Additionally, we observed that vitamin C can help shorten the duration of symptoms by approximately 9%, making recovery from a potential influenza infection a bit quicker. Interestingly, the benefits of vitamin C seemed to be more pronounced among men and in populations from middle-income countries, compared to women and those in higher-income areas.
While the results are promising, it’s essential to note that vitamin C alone might not be a complete solution for preventing influenza. More research is necessary to fully understand its effectiveness, particularly in light of other emerging viruses and health challenges.
Our findings reveal that vitamin C supplementation can reduce the risk of RTIs, with a reported risk ratio of 0.96. This means that taking vitamin C may lower the chance of getting an RTI compared to not taking it at all.
Additionally, we observed that vitamin C can help shorten the duration of symptoms by approximately 9%, making recovery from a potential influenza infection a bit quicker. Interestingly, the benefits of vitamin C seemed to be more pronounced among men and in populations from middle-income countries, compared to women and those in higher-income areas.
While the results are promising, it’s essential to note that vitamin C alone might not be a complete solution for preventing influenza. More research is necessary to fully understand its effectiveness, particularly in light of other emerging viruses and health challenges.
7
We examined how serum levels of vitamin C could influence mortality rates from influenza and pneumonia. The study analyzed data from 7,428 participants aged 45 and older, utilizing information from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES-III).
Through our research, we discovered that vitamin C, along with other antioxidants like carotenoids, showed a nonlinear relationship with mortality from these respiratory illnesses. Specifically, those in the third quartile of serum vitamin C displayed a lower risk of dying from influenza or pneumonia compared to those in the lowest quartile, with a hazard ratio of 0.38.
This implies that having a moderately high level of vitamin C may help reduce the risk of mortality from these diseases. However, the protective effect seemed to weaken for those in the highest quartile of vitamin C, suggesting a more complex relationship.
Overall, this study highlights the potential benefits of maintaining healthy levels of vitamin C in the blood, indicating that antioxidant intake may positively influence mortality risk among adults facing influenza or pneumonia. Nevertheless, more research is needed in diverse populations to confirm these findings and explore their implications further.
Through our research, we discovered that vitamin C, along with other antioxidants like carotenoids, showed a nonlinear relationship with mortality from these respiratory illnesses. Specifically, those in the third quartile of serum vitamin C displayed a lower risk of dying from influenza or pneumonia compared to those in the lowest quartile, with a hazard ratio of 0.38.
This implies that having a moderately high level of vitamin C may help reduce the risk of mortality from these diseases. However, the protective effect seemed to weaken for those in the highest quartile of vitamin C, suggesting a more complex relationship.
Overall, this study highlights the potential benefits of maintaining healthy levels of vitamin C in the blood, indicating that antioxidant intake may positively influence mortality risk among adults facing influenza or pneumonia. Nevertheless, more research is needed in diverse populations to confirm these findings and explore their implications further.
9
We investigated the potential of a unique formulation combining vitamin C with a complex of alkaloids to combat the H1N1 influenza virus. Our approach involved creating nanoparticles that encapsulate both the alkaloid-rich fraction and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to enhance the water solubility and bioavailability of these components.
The results were promising, showing that our formulated nanoparticles had a significant selective antiviral effect against the H1N1 virus, achieving an IC50 of 2.7 μg/mL. Notably, this effect was observed without harming the host cells, suggesting that the treatment could be both effective and safe.
However, it's important to note that while the presence of vitamin C in the formulation seems beneficial, we also included other active ingredients, making it difficult to assess the isolated impact of vitamin C alone. The combination of these elements appears to contribute to the overall effectiveness against influenza.
In summary, our findings indicate that this new delivery system might be a promising avenue for treating influenza viruses, with vitamin C playing a supportive role among other powerful components.
The results were promising, showing that our formulated nanoparticles had a significant selective antiviral effect against the H1N1 virus, achieving an IC50 of 2.7 μg/mL. Notably, this effect was observed without harming the host cells, suggesting that the treatment could be both effective and safe.
However, it's important to note that while the presence of vitamin C in the formulation seems beneficial, we also included other active ingredients, making it difficult to assess the isolated impact of vitamin C alone. The combination of these elements appears to contribute to the overall effectiveness against influenza.
In summary, our findings indicate that this new delivery system might be a promising avenue for treating influenza viruses, with vitamin C playing a supportive role among other powerful components.
References
- Park JH, Lee Y, Choi M, Park E. The Role of Some Vitamins in Respiratory-related Viral Infections: A Narrative Review. Clin Nutr Res. 2023;12:77. doi:10.7762/cnr.2023.12.1.77
- Liu MJ, Han ZY, Wang HW, Yu CL, Xu XL, et al. [Effect and mechanism of acupoint injection on influenza A virus induced pneumonia in mice]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2022;42:1017. doi:10.13703/j.0255-2930.20210713-k0002
- Fahmy SA, Mahdy NK, Al Mulla H, ElMeshad AN, Issa MY, et al. PLGA/PEG Nanoparticles Loaded with Cyclodextrin- Alkaloid Complex and Ascorbic Acid with Promising Antimicrobial Activities. Pharmaceutics. 2022;14. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics14010142
- Kang H, Hu H, Park SK. Serum antioxidant status and mortality from influenza and pneumonia in US adults. Public Health Nutr. 2022;25:1. doi:10.1017/S1368980022000027
- Abioye AI, Bromage S, Fawzi W. Effect of micronutrient supplements on influenza and other respiratory tract infections among adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Glob Health. 2021;6. doi:10.1136/bmjgh-2020-003176
- Márquez-Domínguez L, Reyes-Leyva J, Herrera-Camacho I, Santos-López G, Scior T. Five Novel Non-Sialic Acid-Like Scaffolds Inhibit In Vitro H1N1 and H5N2 Neuraminidase Activity of Influenza a Virus. Molecules. 2020;25. doi:10.3390/molecules25184248
- Bufan B, Arsenović-Ranin N, Živković I, Ćuruvija I, Blagojević V, et al. Modulation of T-Cell-Dependent Humoral Immune Response to Influenza Vaccine by Multiple Antioxidant/Immunomodulatory Micronutrient Supplementation. Vaccines (Basel). 2024;12. doi:10.3390/vaccines12070743
- Nishi K, Yoshimoto S, Nishi S, Nishi T, Nishi R, et al. Epipharyngeal Abrasive Therapy Down-regulates the Expression of Cav1.2: A Key Molecule in Influenza Virus Entry. In Vivo. 2022;36:2357. doi:10.21873/invivo.12967
- Stich L, Plattner S, McDougall G, Austin C, Steinkasserer A. Polysaccharides from European Black Elderberry Extract Enhance Dendritic Cell Mediated T Cell Immune Responses. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23. doi:10.3390/ijms23073949
- Wieland LS, Piechotta V, Feinberg T, Ludeman E, Hutton B, et al. Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21:112. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03283-5
- Macknin M, Wolski K, Negrey J, Mace S. Elderberry Extract Outpatient Influenza Treatment for Emergency Room Patients Ages 5 and Above: a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Gen Intern Med. 2020;35:3271. doi:10.1007/s11606-020-06170-w
- Harnett J, Oakes K, Carè J, Leach M, Brown D, et al. The effects of berry on acute respiratory viral infections: A rapid review of clinical studies. Adv Integr Med. 2020;7:240. doi:10.1016/j.aimed.2020.08.001
- 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. Complement Ther Med. 2019;42:361. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2018.12.004
- Shahsavandi S, Ebrahimi MM, Hasaninejad Farahani A. Interfering With Lipid Raft Association: A Mechanism to Control Influenza Virus Infection By . Iran J Pharm Res. 2017;16:1147.
- Holst L, Havnen GC, Nordeng H. Echinacea and elderberry-should they be used against upper respiratory tract infections during pregnancy?. Front Pharmacol. 2014;5:31. doi:10.3389/fphar.2014.00031
- Swaminathan K, Dyason JC, Maggioni A, von Itzstein M, Downard KM. Binding of a natural anthocyanin inhibitor to influenza neuraminidase by mass spectrometry. Anal Bioanal Chem. 2013;405:6563. doi:10.1007/s00216-013-7068-x
- Kinoshita E, Hayashi K, Katayama H, Hayashi T, Obata A. Anti-influenza virus effects of elderberry juice and its fractions. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2012;76:1633.
- Smee DF, Hurst BL, Wong MH. Effects of TheraMax on influenza virus infections in cell culture and in mice. Antivir Chem Chemother. 2011;21:231. doi:10.3851/IMP1744
- Krawitz C, Mraheil MA, Stein M, Imirzalioglu C, Domann E, 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;11:16. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-11-16
- Aida M, Togawa N, Mizuyama K, Aoki Y, Suehiro S, et al. strain SANK70258 suppresses symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection via immune modulation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, comparative study. Front Immunol. 2024;15:1389920. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2024.1389920
- Baron M. A patented strain of Bacillus coagulans increased immune response to viral challenge. Postgrad Med. 2009;121:114. doi:10.3810/pgm.2009.03.1971
