We investigated the effects of black elderberry extract on liver health and metabolic issues in a mouse model of obesity. Mice were divided into different groups and fed either a low-fat diet or a high-fat diet, with some groups receiving varying amounts of elderberry extract. Our focus was on understanding how this extract, rich in anthocyanins, could impact liver weight, serum triglycerides, and other markers of metabolic health.
After 16 weeks, we observed that mice receiving black elderberry extract had significantly lower liver weights and serum triglycerides compared to those on the high-fat diet alone. Additionally, indicators of inflammation and insulin resistance were reduced in the extract groups. Interestingly, the higher dose of elderberry extract also led to changes in liver gene expression that suggest reduced fat synthesis, which could further protect liver health.
Overall, our findings suggest that black elderberry extract may offer benefits by improving metabolic disturbances that are common in obesity, particularly those affecting the liver. This research highlights a promising dietary approach to support liver function and overall health in obese individuals.
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We explored the effects of elderberry extract on liver health, specifically looking at how it affects hyperlipidemia—a condition marked by high-fat levels in the blood. This was conducted using BioF1B hamsters, which were fed a high-fat fish oil diet known to induce hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress.
Through our study, we discovered that supplementing the hamsters' diet with anthocyanin-rich elderberry extract led to a significant decrease in both plasma and liver lipids. This indicated that elderberry could potentially counteract the hyperlipidemia triggered by fish oil consumption.
Additionally, we measured lipid peroxidation through specific compounds in the plasma and liver, finding noteworthy reductions when elderberry extract was included in their diet. This suggests that elderberry not only helps in reducing fat levels but also aids in minimizing oxidative stress in the liver.
Overall, our findings indicate that elderberry extract may play an effective role in managing hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress related to dietary fish oil in hamsters, which could have implications for understanding its effects on liver health.
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Liver health benefits from elderberryLong-Term Supplementation of Black Elderberries Promotes Hyperlipidemia, but Reduces Liver Inflammation and Improves HDL Function and Atherosclerotic Plaque Stability in Apolipoprotein E-Knockout Mice.
Moderate relevance to liver disease
We conducted a study to evaluate the effects of long-term supplementation of black elderberry extract on liver inflammation and cholesterol levels in a specific type of mouse known as apoE mice. These mice were divided into three groups, with some receiving a low-fat diet supplemented with varying amounts of elderberry extract for 24 weeks.
Our findings revealed that the highest dosage of elderberry extract led to notable increases in total serum cholesterol levels. Interestingly, this didn’t seem to negatively impact liver health. In fact, both lower and higher doses of elderberry extract improved the ability of HDL cholesterol to function effectively, which is crucial for cardiovascular health.
While elderberry supplementation did contribute to elevated cholesterol levels, it also reduced liver inflammation and improved markers associated with liver function. We observed that the extract led to an increase in connective tissue in the aortic region, which may suggest a stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques, potentially lowering the risk of heart disease.
Overall, our study highlights the potential of black elderberry extract to not only support liver health but also enhance HDL functionality. This finding is particularly exciting as it opens avenues for using antioxidant-rich foods as part of a diet that promotes overall cardiovascular wellness.
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