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NOW Supplements Sambucus Zinc-C Elderberry Concentrate and Vitamin C
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 14 Researches
7.6
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 6 Reviews
8.4
Supplement Facts
Serving Size:  1 Lozenge
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
<5
 
Total Carbohydrate
<1 g
<1%**
Total Sugars
0 g
Includes 0 g Added Sugars
 
0%**
Xylitol
<1 g
Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid)
100 mg
111%
Zinc (elemental) (from 15 mg Zinc Bisglycinate) (TRAACS™)
3 mg
27%
Elderberry (10:1 Concentrate)(Sambucus nigra) (Fruit)
150 mg

Top Medical Research Studies

9
Vitamin C enhances immune response
Lysine vitcylation is a vitamin C-derived protein modification that enhances STAT1-mediated immune response.
Significant immune response findings
We delved into how vitamin C might influence cancer treatment, focusing on its effects on the immune system. Our findings revealed that vitamin C directly modifies certain proteins, leading to a new type of protein change called vitcylation. This process specifically affects a protein known as STAT1.

By modifying STAT1, vitamin C enhances its ability to signal for immune responses. We found that this modification occurs in both controlled environments and living cells, depending on factors like dosage and acidity. As a result of vitcylation, the action of STAT1 is improved, which activates important immune responses in tumor cells and boosts the expression of molecules that help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

Interestingly, this research sheds light on the potential of vitamin C as a treatment that not only affects cancer directly but also empowers the body’s own defenses. These insights pave the way for new approaches to cancer therapy that leverage the immune system in conjunction with vitamin C.
Read More
8
Zinc's role in cancer immunity
cancer cells outcompete macrophages for microenvironmental zinc to drive immunotherapy resistance.
Strong link between zinc and immunity
We explored how zinc levels impact cancer cells and immune function, particularly focusing on macrophages, which are crucial for our body’s defense against tumors. Our research revealed that cancer cells often have decreased expression of specific genes tied to immune response, and this links to resistance against therapies designed to unblock immune checkpoints.

By upregulating a zinc importer known as SLC39A9, these cancer cells manage to hoard zinc for themselves, leaving the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME) depleted of this vital nutrient. This competition for zinc results in macrophages becoming zinc-starved, which diminishes their ability to perform essential tasks like engulfing and destroying cancer cells.

Interestingly, we found that when we replenished zinc levels in the TME—through a dietary intervention—these macrophages could regain their pro-phagocytic function. This change significantly improved the response of certain tumors to immunotherapy treatments. Notably, T cells weren’t required for this transformation, indicating that macrophages alone play a pivotal role.

Our results are clinically relevant, showing that cancer patients with reduced zinc levels in their body tend to experience worse outcomes. Overall, we identified a new mechanism by which cancer cells can disrupt immune function, highlighting zinc’s critical role in both tumor environments and immunotherapy effectiveness.
Read More
8
Elderberry protein's anticancer potential
Recombinant pebulin protein, a type 2 ribosome-inactivating protein isolated from dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus L.) shows anticancer and antifungal activities in vitro.
Strong focus on cancer effects
We focused on a newly identified protein called pebulin, derived from dwarf elder, and examined its potential anticancer effects. The protein was successfully produced in E. coli and purified for further testing.

Our tests revealed that pebulin is not only capable of agglutinating red blood cells from all human blood types but also has significant inhibitory effects on cancer cell lines like MCF-7 and HT-29. This means that pebulin could slow down the growth of these cancer cells, a promising outcome we found particularly exciting.

Additionally, we noted that pebulin demonstrated effectiveness against certain plant fungi, showcasing its versatile bioactivity. The study suggests that pebulin may offer a new avenue for cancer treatment, particularly considering its impact on both cancer cells and fungi.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

9.5
Prostate cancer prevention
This product is very useful in preventing prostate cancer and provides general benefits to the body.
Read More
8
Supports cancer treatment
Black elderberry is celebrated for its medicinal qualities and positively impacts the immune system, particularly during the colder months. In folk medicine, the entire plant—flowers, bark, berries, leaves, and root—is utilised. Rich in biologically active substances like glucosides, fatty and organic acids, and Vitamin C (up to 50%), black elderberry serves as an anti-inflammatory and diaphoretic. It is effective in treating influenza, respiratory issues, and in the initial stages of cancer, as well as mastopathy and various tumours. Additionally, elderberry berries help eliminate radionuclides and heavy metals from the body, providing enduring immunomodulatory benefits.
Read More
8.8
Cancer prevention benefits
Doctors suggest taking zinc in the morning, with chelated forms during meals and picolinate and citrate an hour before. Zinc is vital in producing approximately 100 enzymes, acting as an antioxidant, neutralising free radicals, and aiding in cancer prevention. It also stimulates blood production and collagen synthesis, essential for healing. The product quality is excellent, with natural ingredients, appealing packaging, and a reasonable price. The benefits are remarkable, the convenient size is welcome, and the taste is enjoyable.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 14 Researches
7.6
  • All Researches
9
Vitamin C enhances immune response
Lysine vitcylation is a vitamin C-derived protein modification that enhances STAT1-mediated immune response.
Significant immune response findings
We delved into how vitamin C might influence cancer treatment, focusing on its effects on the immune system. Our findings revealed that vitamin C directly modifies certain proteins, leading to a new type of protein change called vitcylation. This process specifically affects a protein known as STAT1.

By modifying STAT1, vitamin C enhances its ability to signal for immune responses. We found that this modification occurs in both controlled environments and living cells, depending on factors like dosage and acidity. As a result of vitcylation, the action of STAT1 is improved, which activates important immune responses in tumor cells and boosts the expression of molecules that help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

Interestingly, this research sheds light on the potential of vitamin C as a treatment that not only affects cancer directly but also empowers the body’s own defenses. These insights pave the way for new approaches to cancer therapy that leverage the immune system in conjunction with vitamin C.
Read More
9
Zinc enhances TNBC treatment efficacy
Zinc-copper bimetallic nanoplatforms trigger photothermal-amplified cuproptosis and cGAS-STING activation for enhancing triple-negative breast cancer immunotherapy.
Zinc's role is complex here
We developed an innovative treatment approach for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) using zinc-copper bimetallic nanoplatforms. These specially designed nanostructures help promote a type of cell death known as cuproptosis while also boosting the immune system's response to tumors. By leveraging these properties, we aimed to find a way to make existing immune therapies more effective against TNBC, which is notoriously difficult to treat.

The mechanism behind this approach involves the nanoplatforms releasing both zinc and copper ions within the acidic environment of tumors. This releases hydroxyl radicals and impacts certain proteins in cancer cells, disrupting their function and leading to cell death. Additionally, the released mitochondrial DNA works alongside zinc to activate pathways that boost the immune response, ultimately helping to improve the effectiveness of anti-PD-L1 treatments.

Furthermore, we observed that using a near-infrared laser significantly enhances these effects. Together, the combination of our nanoplatforms and immune therapies results in a powerful treatment strategy, showcasing zinc's potential role in fighting TNBC.

Overall, our findings suggest a promising new direction for TNBC therapy by uniting the benefits of cuproptosis, immune activation, and laser therapy.
Read More
9
Zinc works alongside nanomedicine
Cascade specific endogenous Fe interference and catalysis for tumor therapy with stemness suppression.
Relevance score indicates effectiveness
We investigated an innovative approach to cancer treatment by using a special nanomedicine that combines zinc with a compound called 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid (DHT). This combination aims to target the cancer stem-like cells, which are known for their role in tumor recurrence and spread.

The nanomedicine works by effectively pulling in the cancer's own iron and releasing zinc. This process not only helps in reducing the iron levels in tumors but also enhances the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are crucial for damaging cancer cells. By lowering iron, we push the cancer stem cells towards differentiation, while the increased ROS levels help trigger cell death.

What's especially compelling about our findings is that this treatment appears to tackle both aggressive cancer stem-like cells and the bulk of the tumor, showing promise in preventing cancer growth, recurrence, and metastasis. The results have been especially notable in cases of triple-negative breast tumors, providing an exciting potential path for future cancer therapies that take advantage of these properties.
Read More
8
Zinc's role in cancer immunity
Implanted Microneedles Loaded with Sparfloxacin and Zinc-Manganese Sulfide Nanoparticles Activates Immunity for Postoperative Triple-Negative Breast Cancer to Prevent Recurrence and Metastasis.
Significant cancer treatment findings
We investigated the impact of zinc, specifically when combined with manganese sulfide, on preventing the recurrence of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) post-surgery. This approach involved microneedles loaded with Sparfloxacin and zinc-manganese sulfide, which were targeted for localized treatment to enhance immune response while also addressing wound infection risk.

Through this innovative design, we observed that the zinc-manganese formulation not only displayed strong antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties but also played a role in promoting immune activation. This led to significant reductions in tumor growth and lung metastasis, alongside improved wound healing. The therapy activated key immune pathways, particularly the cGAS-STING pathway, which further bolstered the body’s ability to fight cancer cells.

Overall, the results suggest that zinc, paired with manganese, can provide an effective strategy for enhancing both local and systemic immune responses. This has promising implications for preventing cancer recurrence, particularly in challenging cases like TNBC, paving the way for potential new treatment approaches in oncology.
Read More
8
Zinc may lower prostate cancer risk
Association of composite dietary antioxidant index with high risk of prostate cancer in middle-aged and elderly men: insights from NHANES.
Highlights zinc's protective role
Our exploration focused on how dietary antioxidants, particularly zinc, relate to prostate cancer risks in middle-aged and older men. We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which included over 5,600 participants, to investigate these associations.

We discovered that higher levels of a composite dietary antioxidant index, which includes zinc, were linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Specifically, zinc and selenium showed strong protective effects. This implies that including adequate amounts of these nutrients in our diet may help lower prostate cancer risk.

Ultimately, our findings suggest that maintaining a diet rich in antioxidants, like zinc, could offer significant benefits for prostate health, especially among older men. It's a fascinating area of research that underscores the importance of nutrition in cancer prevention.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 6 Reviews
8.4
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9.5
Prostate cancer prevention
This product is very useful in preventing prostate cancer and provides general benefits to the body.
8
Supports cancer treatment
Black elderberry is celebrated for its medicinal qualities and positively impacts the immune system, particularly during the colder months. In folk medicine, the entire plant—flowers, bark, berries, leaves, and root—is utilised. Rich in biologically active substances like glucosides, fatty and organic acids, and Vitamin C (up to 50%), black elderberry serves as an anti-inflammatory and diaphoretic. It is effective in treating influenza, respiratory issues, and in the initial stages of cancer, as well as mastopathy and various tumours. Additionally, elderberry berries help eliminate radionuclides and heavy metals from the body, providing enduring immunomodulatory benefits.
Read More
8.8
Cancer prevention benefits
Doctors suggest taking zinc in the morning, with chelated forms during meals and picolinate and citrate an hour before. Zinc is vital in producing approximately 100 enzymes, acting as an antioxidant, neutralising free radicals, and aiding in cancer prevention. It also stimulates blood production and collagen synthesis, essential for healing. The product quality is excellent, with natural ingredients, appealing packaging, and a reasonable price. The benefits are remarkable, the convenient size is welcome, and the taste is enjoyable.
Read More
8.8
Essential for cancer prevention
Doctors recommend zinc intake in the morning, with chelated forms consumed during meals, and picolinate and citrate taken an hour before meals. Zinc contributes to around 100 types of enzymes in the human body, serving as an antioxidant that neutralises free radicals, thus reducing cancer risk. It also enhances blood production and promotes collagen synthesis for effective healing. The quality of the product is excellent, featuring natural ingredients, appealing packaging, and an attractive price. Overall, the benefits are substantial, the size is practical, and the taste is pleasant.
Read More
8.8
Good for cancer prevention
Doctors recommend zinc intake in the morning, favouring chelated forms during meals and picolinate and citrate an hour before. Zinc is essential for the production of around 100 enzymes, functioning as an antioxidant that helps mitigate free radicals, thereby preventing cancer. It also stimulates blood production and aids in collagen synthesis, crucial for healing. The product stands out for its high quality, with natural ingredients in appealing packaging, all at a great price. The benefits are impressive, the size is convenient, and the taste is agreeable.
Read More
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