Can Nature Made Elderberry with Vitamin C and Zinc help with Flu?
' 
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 10 Researches
7.7
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 2 Reviews
8.2
Top Medical Research Studies
8
Vitamin C mitigates flu pneumonia
A new mechanism of vitamin C effects on A/FM/1/47(H1N1) virus-induced pneumonia in restraint-stressed mice.
Highly relevant study findings
We examined the effects of vitamin C on pneumonia caused by the influenza virus, specifically the H1N1 strain, in mice under stress. The study found that when exposed to restraint stress, the mice experienced increased mortality and more severe pneumonia symptoms.
However, by giving them oral vitamin C at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg, we observed a significant reduction in these severe outcomes. Vitamin C seemed to modulate the expression of certain genes related to the immune response, such as MAVS and IRF3, and increased the expression of NF-κB, which plays a key role in the body's antiviral defense.
Our research suggested that vitamin C's protective effects might stem from its ability to inhibit excess cortisol production in the adrenal gland, which is often elevated due to stress. By lowering cortisol levels, vitamin C may help reduce susceptibility to influenza infections, making it a potential ally during the flu season, especially for those experiencing stress.
Through these findings, we highlighted a new mechanism for how vitamin C can be beneficial during influenza infections, particularly for those who are feeling overwhelmed.
However, by giving them oral vitamin C at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg, we observed a significant reduction in these severe outcomes. Vitamin C seemed to modulate the expression of certain genes related to the immune response, such as MAVS and IRF3, and increased the expression of NF-κB, which plays a key role in the body's antiviral defense.
Our research suggested that vitamin C's protective effects might stem from its ability to inhibit excess cortisol production in the adrenal gland, which is often elevated due to stress. By lowering cortisol levels, vitamin C may help reduce susceptibility to influenza infections, making it a potential ally during the flu season, especially for those experiencing stress.
Through these findings, we highlighted a new mechanism for how vitamin C can be beneficial during influenza infections, particularly for those who are feeling overwhelmed.
Read More
8
Vitamin C triterpene flu inhibitors
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel L-ascorbic acid-conjugated pentacyclic triterpene derivatives as potential influenza virus entry inhibitors.
Relevant investigation of vitamin C
We recently explored the potential of novel compounds that are combinations of L-ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, and pentacyclic triterpenes in battling the flu. The study focused on compounds we created and tested against the influenza virus in MDCK cells, particularly looking at their effectiveness and any possible side effects.
Among all the compounds we evaluated, one stood out: the 2,3-O,O-dibenzyl-6-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid-betulinic acid conjugate. It displayed significant anti-influenza activity with an effective concentration (EC50) of just 8.7 μM and was not toxic to the cells used in our testing. This suggests that combining vitamin C with these triterpenes might enhance their ability to fight the flu virus, marking an exciting avenue for further research.
We also discovered that this particular compound acts early in the influenza lifecycle, interfering with the virus's ability to attach to cells. We confirmed this by observing that it inhibited the hemagglutination—a crucial step that allows the virus to spread. Our findings indicate that L-ascorbic acid-conjugated triterpenes hold promise as potential anti-influenza agents, specifically targeting viral entry and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment strategies.
Among all the compounds we evaluated, one stood out: the 2,3-O,O-dibenzyl-6-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid-betulinic acid conjugate. It displayed significant anti-influenza activity with an effective concentration (EC50) of just 8.7 μM and was not toxic to the cells used in our testing. This suggests that combining vitamin C with these triterpenes might enhance their ability to fight the flu virus, marking an exciting avenue for further research.
We also discovered that this particular compound acts early in the influenza lifecycle, interfering with the virus's ability to attach to cells. We confirmed this by observing that it inhibited the hemagglutination—a crucial step that allows the virus to spread. Our findings indicate that L-ascorbic acid-conjugated triterpenes hold promise as potential anti-influenza agents, specifically targeting viral entry and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment strategies.
Read More
8
Zinc treatment impacts flu virus entry
Epipharyngeal Abrasive Therapy Down-regulates the Expression of Cav1.2: A Key Molecule in Influenza Virus Entry.
Relevance to flu prevention explored
In our study, we examined how epipharyngeal abrasive therapy (EAT), which includes the use of zinc chloride, affects the expression of a key molecule known as Cav1.2. This molecule is essential for the influenza virus to enter cells, making it a crucial target in flu prevention strategies.
We compared two groups of patients: those who received EAT and those who did not. Our findings revealed that the levels of Cav1.2 were significantly lower in the EAT group, at a striking 4.19 times less than in the non-treated group. This suggests that the squamous metaplasia induced by EAT—which is a process of changing the epithelium—could be a beneficial approach to limiting flu infections.
The results of the study highlight zinc's potential indirect role in flu prevention by remarking on its contribution to lowering the expression of a critical receptor for the virus. Although we didn't isolate the effects of zinc alone, the findings indicate that treatments involving zinc, like EAT, may offer a straightforward way to help limit the impact of influenza.
We compared two groups of patients: those who received EAT and those who did not. Our findings revealed that the levels of Cav1.2 were significantly lower in the EAT group, at a striking 4.19 times less than in the non-treated group. This suggests that the squamous metaplasia induced by EAT—which is a process of changing the epithelium—could be a beneficial approach to limiting flu infections.
The results of the study highlight zinc's potential indirect role in flu prevention by remarking on its contribution to lowering the expression of a critical receptor for the virus. Although we didn't isolate the effects of zinc alone, the findings indicate that treatments involving zinc, like EAT, may offer a straightforward way to help limit the impact of influenza.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
8
Preventive Measures
I use these daily during the flu and cold season (October to April) to enhance my immune system. While I've not contracted any flu or severe cold during this time, luck may play a part. They do seem to reduce the severity and duration of illness, and at $15, they’re a good buy, providing effective elderberry, vitamin C, and zinc.
Read More
8.8
Teachers' Ally
Absolutely delightful! I've noticed a significant difference during cold and flu season while teaching. It’s been noticeably beneficial.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 10 Researches
7.7
9
Immune booster for flu treatment
Red ginseng and vitamin C increase immune cell activity and decrease lung inflammation induced by influenza A virus/H1N1 infection.
Synergistic effects with limited isolation
We set out to discover how red ginseng and vitamin C work together to enhance immune cell function and fight off viral infections like the flu. In our investigation, we treated human immune cells and specific types of mice unable to produce vitamin C, looking closely at their reaction to influenza A virus/H1N1.
Our findings were quite promising. We observed that both red ginseng and vitamin C elevated the activation levels of immune cells, particularly T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells, known for their vital role in combating viruses. This combination not only helped boost immune cell activity but also reduced lung inflammation caused by the influenza virus, which is crucial for better survival rates during infections.
In cases where vitamin C levels were low in a specific mouse model, we noted that the added nutrients significantly improved their condition. They experienced reduced viral load and inflammation in their lungs after receiving red ginseng and vitamin C, compared to those without this supplementation. These insights suggest that while red ginseng and vitamin C collectively support immune health, the interplay of these substances can be crucial in managing flu infections effectively.
Our findings were quite promising. We observed that both red ginseng and vitamin C elevated the activation levels of immune cells, particularly T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells, known for their vital role in combating viruses. This combination not only helped boost immune cell activity but also reduced lung inflammation caused by the influenza virus, which is crucial for better survival rates during infections.
In cases where vitamin C levels were low in a specific mouse model, we noted that the added nutrients significantly improved their condition. They experienced reduced viral load and inflammation in their lungs after receiving red ginseng and vitamin C, compared to those without this supplementation. These insights suggest that while red ginseng and vitamin C collectively support immune health, the interplay of these substances can be crucial in managing flu infections effectively.
Read More
9
Zinc and flavonoids combat flu
Inhibition of Respiratory RNA Viruses by a Composition of Ionophoric Polyphenols with Metal Ions.
Study includes multiple treatments
We investigated the potential of zinc in combination with herbal polyphenols and copper to reduce the infectivity of respiratory RNA viruses, including the flu. This study is particularly timely due to the ongoing challenges posed by viruses like SARS-CoV-2, highlighting the need for effective therapeutic solutions.
Zinc ions are known to play a role in modulating viral RNA replication, which makes them an appealing option for decreasing viral loads and infectivity. However, a significant challenge is that the natural concentration of zinc in our cells is often too low for effective results. To tackle this, we combined zinc picolinate, a form of zinc that’s easier for the body to absorb, with a range of flavonoids—natural compounds renowned for their antioxidant properties and existing antiviral effects.
We ensured that these combinations were safe by assessing their impact on cultured cells, confirming that they didn’t harm cell viability. When tested further, our results revealed an impressive 50-95% reduction in viral genome replication levels across a variety of respiratory RNA viruses, including the flu virus, which suggests that this combination therapy could be promising in the fight against such illnesses.
Overall, our findings highlight an innovative approach to treating viral infections that is non-toxic, derived from nature, and may remain effective against emerging viral strains.
Zinc ions are known to play a role in modulating viral RNA replication, which makes them an appealing option for decreasing viral loads and infectivity. However, a significant challenge is that the natural concentration of zinc in our cells is often too low for effective results. To tackle this, we combined zinc picolinate, a form of zinc that’s easier for the body to absorb, with a range of flavonoids—natural compounds renowned for their antioxidant properties and existing antiviral effects.
We ensured that these combinations were safe by assessing their impact on cultured cells, confirming that they didn’t harm cell viability. When tested further, our results revealed an impressive 50-95% reduction in viral genome replication levels across a variety of respiratory RNA viruses, including the flu virus, which suggests that this combination therapy could be promising in the fight against such illnesses.
Overall, our findings highlight an innovative approach to treating viral infections that is non-toxic, derived from nature, and may remain effective against emerging viral strains.
Read More
8
Vitamin C triterpene flu inhibitors
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel L-ascorbic acid-conjugated pentacyclic triterpene derivatives as potential influenza virus entry inhibitors.
Relevant investigation of vitamin C
We recently explored the potential of novel compounds that are combinations of L-ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, and pentacyclic triterpenes in battling the flu. The study focused on compounds we created and tested against the influenza virus in MDCK cells, particularly looking at their effectiveness and any possible side effects.
Among all the compounds we evaluated, one stood out: the 2,3-O,O-dibenzyl-6-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid-betulinic acid conjugate. It displayed significant anti-influenza activity with an effective concentration (EC50) of just 8.7 μM and was not toxic to the cells used in our testing. This suggests that combining vitamin C with these triterpenes might enhance their ability to fight the flu virus, marking an exciting avenue for further research.
We also discovered that this particular compound acts early in the influenza lifecycle, interfering with the virus's ability to attach to cells. We confirmed this by observing that it inhibited the hemagglutination—a crucial step that allows the virus to spread. Our findings indicate that L-ascorbic acid-conjugated triterpenes hold promise as potential anti-influenza agents, specifically targeting viral entry and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment strategies.
Among all the compounds we evaluated, one stood out: the 2,3-O,O-dibenzyl-6-deoxy-L-ascorbic acid-betulinic acid conjugate. It displayed significant anti-influenza activity with an effective concentration (EC50) of just 8.7 μM and was not toxic to the cells used in our testing. This suggests that combining vitamin C with these triterpenes might enhance their ability to fight the flu virus, marking an exciting avenue for further research.
We also discovered that this particular compound acts early in the influenza lifecycle, interfering with the virus's ability to attach to cells. We confirmed this by observing that it inhibited the hemagglutination—a crucial step that allows the virus to spread. Our findings indicate that L-ascorbic acid-conjugated triterpenes hold promise as potential anti-influenza agents, specifically targeting viral entry and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment strategies.
Read More
8
Vitamin C mitigates flu pneumonia
A new mechanism of vitamin C effects on A/FM/1/47(H1N1) virus-induced pneumonia in restraint-stressed mice.
Highly relevant study findings
We examined the effects of vitamin C on pneumonia caused by the influenza virus, specifically the H1N1 strain, in mice under stress. The study found that when exposed to restraint stress, the mice experienced increased mortality and more severe pneumonia symptoms.
However, by giving them oral vitamin C at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg, we observed a significant reduction in these severe outcomes. Vitamin C seemed to modulate the expression of certain genes related to the immune response, such as MAVS and IRF3, and increased the expression of NF-κB, which plays a key role in the body's antiviral defense.
Our research suggested that vitamin C's protective effects might stem from its ability to inhibit excess cortisol production in the adrenal gland, which is often elevated due to stress. By lowering cortisol levels, vitamin C may help reduce susceptibility to influenza infections, making it a potential ally during the flu season, especially for those experiencing stress.
Through these findings, we highlighted a new mechanism for how vitamin C can be beneficial during influenza infections, particularly for those who are feeling overwhelmed.
However, by giving them oral vitamin C at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg, we observed a significant reduction in these severe outcomes. Vitamin C seemed to modulate the expression of certain genes related to the immune response, such as MAVS and IRF3, and increased the expression of NF-κB, which plays a key role in the body's antiviral defense.
Our research suggested that vitamin C's protective effects might stem from its ability to inhibit excess cortisol production in the adrenal gland, which is often elevated due to stress. By lowering cortisol levels, vitamin C may help reduce susceptibility to influenza infections, making it a potential ally during the flu season, especially for those experiencing stress.
Through these findings, we highlighted a new mechanism for how vitamin C can be beneficial during influenza infections, particularly for those who are feeling overwhelmed.
Read More
8
Zinc mouthwash reduces flu symptoms
Efficacy of regular gargling with a cetylpyridinium chloride plus zinc containing mouthwash can reduce upper respiratory symptoms.
Potential impact of zinc unclear
In our evaluation of how zinc can impact flu symptoms, we observed a study that examined the effects of gargling with an antimicrobial mouthwash containing zinc and cetylpyridinium chloride.
A total of 150 individuals participated, divided into two groups: one group followed a regular oral hygiene routine with fluoride toothpaste, while the other group followed the same routine but added gargling with a mouthwash containing 0.075% zinc.
The results revealed that regular gargling with this mouthwash helped reduce the frequency and severity of upper respiratory symptoms, with participants using the mouthwash showing a 21.5% lower frequency and 11% reduced severity in symptoms.
However, it's important to note that the study did not isolate the effects of zinc, leaving questions about the specific contributions of this mineral to the overall findings. Therefore, while we can see that the mouthwash appears beneficial, we cannot definitively attribute its effects solely to zinc.
A total of 150 individuals participated, divided into two groups: one group followed a regular oral hygiene routine with fluoride toothpaste, while the other group followed the same routine but added gargling with a mouthwash containing 0.075% zinc.
The results revealed that regular gargling with this mouthwash helped reduce the frequency and severity of upper respiratory symptoms, with participants using the mouthwash showing a 21.5% lower frequency and 11% reduced severity in symptoms.
However, it's important to note that the study did not isolate the effects of zinc, leaving questions about the specific contributions of this mineral to the overall findings. Therefore, while we can see that the mouthwash appears beneficial, we cannot definitively attribute its effects solely to zinc.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 2 Reviews
8.2
8.8
Teachers' Ally
Absolutely delightful! I've noticed a significant difference during cold and flu season while teaching. It’s been noticeably beneficial.
8
Preventive Measures
I use these daily during the flu and cold season (October to April) to enhance my immune system. While I've not contracted any flu or severe cold during this time, luck may play a part. They do seem to reduce the severity and duration of illness, and at $15, they’re a good buy, providing effective elderberry, vitamin C, and zinc.
Read More
