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NOW Supplements Sambucus Zinc-C Elderberry Concentrate and Vitamin C
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 21 Researches
7.6
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 3 Reviews
8.6
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 reduces liver injury
The Effect of Ascorbic Acid on Hepatic Ischaemia-Reperfusion Injury in Wistar Rats: An Experimental Study.
Highly relevant protective effects
We evaluated how vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, can help protect the liver during procedures that temporarily cut off blood flow—a process known as ischaemia followed by reperfusion. In this study, we used thirty-six male Wistar rats, split into control groups and experimental ones. Each group received the same total dose of vitamin C, administered at different times: either before the ischaemia, before the reperfusion, or both.

Our findings showed that the animals given vitamin C before both the ischaemia and reperfusion had improved outcomes. They had lower levels of liver enzymes, indicating less liver damage, and showed reduced inflammation. Additionally, their portal blood flow was better when compared to the other groups. Overall, our results suggest that administering vitamin C at specific times can significantly reduce liver injury associated with ischaemia-reperfusion.

This study highlights the potential of vitamin C as a protective agent in situations where liver damage is a concern during surgeries or treatments involving blood flow disruption.
Read More
9
L-AP mitigates liver injury
L-AP Alleviates Liver Injury in Septic Mice by Inhibiting Macrophage Activation via Suppressing NF-κB and NLRP3 Inflammasome/Caspase-1 Signal Pathways.
Highly relevant to liver injury
This study investigated how L-ascorbic acid 6-palmitate (L-AP), a derivative of vitamin C, could affect liver injury during sepsis. We focused on understanding its potential to alleviate liver damage caused by an overactive immune response. Through a series of experiments, including the cecal ligation and puncture method in mice, we observed that L-AP significantly increased the survival rates of these animals.

We found that L-AP treatment also reduced liver inflammation, which was evidenced by improved liver tissue health, less liver cell death, and lower levels of liver enzymes in the blood. Interestingly, the effects of L-AP were similar to the results seen in mice that lacked the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key player in inflammation.

Moreover, L-AP appeared to dampen the hyper-inflammatory response characteristic of sepsis. In both the liver tissues and cultured macrophages, we noted a decrease in inflammatory markers linked to the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. This included lower expression levels of specific inflammatory proteins and less macrophage activation, promoting a more anti-inflammatory response instead.

Overall, our findings reveal that L-AP may help protect the liver during severe bacterial infections by mitigating the harmful effects of macrophage activation and the resultant inflammation. While this study points toward the possible benefits of an ascorbic acid derivative in treating septic liver damage, further investigation is necessary to fully unravel its mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications.
Read More
9
Zinc's Role in Liver Health
Genetic inactivation of zinc transporter SLC39A5 improves liver function and hyperglycemia in obesogenic settings.
High relevance to liver disease studies
We focused on the connection between zinc and liver health, particularly how it may influence conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic issues, including type II diabetes (T2D). Our analysis of data from a large genetics cohort revealed a significant finding: rare genetic variants that reduce the function of the zinc transporter SLC39A5 were linked to better metabolic profiles and lower T2D risk.

To delve deeper into these results, we used both laboratory and animal models. We developed mice that completely lacked SLC39A5 and observed promising outcomes. These mice showcased improved liver function and lower blood sugar levels after being subjected to obesity challenges, whether congenital or diet-induced.

Notably, this improvement seemed to be associated with increased levels of zinc in the liver, which activated key signaling pathways involved in metabolism, such as AMPK and AKT. Furthermore, these mice exhibited less liver inflammation and fibrosis in models of diet-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Together, these findings position SLC39A5 as a potentially valuable target for treating liver-related metabolic disorders, emphasizing zinc's crucial role in managing liver health and blood sugar regulation.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

9.5
Effective cold prevention
They taste great and, importantly, they work! During the autumn and winter months, these saved our family from colds and illnesses.
Read More
8.8
Prevents illness progression
A fantastic product from NOW for immunity! I tested it on my husband, who had a temperature for several days. A negative COVID test later showed antibodies. I'm confident this product prevented the illness from worsening.
Read More
8
Faster recovery noted
The right supplement during viral diseases helps to recover more quickly.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 21 Researches
7.6
  • All Researches
9.5
Vitamin C enhances liver cancer treatment
Case report: The efficacy of adding high doses of intravenous vitamin C to the combination therapy of atezolizumab and bevacizumab in unresectable HCC.
Combination therapy shows promise.
We observed an intriguing case involving a 68-year-old male patient diagnosed with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This case focused on the potential benefits of incorporating high-dose intravenous vitamin C into the treatment regimen alongside atezolizumab and bevacizumab.

Initially, the patient underwent the combination therapy, but while the imaging showed stable disease, there was only a modest decline in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. Unfortunately, the patient's condition further declined. In response, a dose of 30 grams of intravenous vitamin C was added to the treatment plan.

Remarkably, this adjustment led to a swift and noteworthy reduction in AFP levels, normalization of liver function tests, and substantial improvement in overall symptoms. Four months later, imaging indicated significant tumor shrinkage and necrosis.

As of 30 months post-diagnosis, the patient benefits from the combined regimen, showing normal liver function and a dramatically reduced AFP level, all while maintaining an active lifestyle. This case demonstrates the potential synergistic effects of high-dose vitamin C in treating unresectable HCC alongside standard therapies, warranting further investigation into such combination approaches.
Read More
9
Vitamin C reduces liver injury
The Effect of Ascorbic Acid on Hepatic Ischaemia-Reperfusion Injury in Wistar Rats: An Experimental Study.
Highly relevant protective effects
We evaluated how vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, can help protect the liver during procedures that temporarily cut off blood flow—a process known as ischaemia followed by reperfusion. In this study, we used thirty-six male Wistar rats, split into control groups and experimental ones. Each group received the same total dose of vitamin C, administered at different times: either before the ischaemia, before the reperfusion, or both.

Our findings showed that the animals given vitamin C before both the ischaemia and reperfusion had improved outcomes. They had lower levels of liver enzymes, indicating less liver damage, and showed reduced inflammation. Additionally, their portal blood flow was better when compared to the other groups. Overall, our results suggest that administering vitamin C at specific times can significantly reduce liver injury associated with ischaemia-reperfusion.

This study highlights the potential of vitamin C as a protective agent in situations where liver damage is a concern during surgeries or treatments involving blood flow disruption.
Read More
9
L-AP mitigates liver injury
L-AP Alleviates Liver Injury in Septic Mice by Inhibiting Macrophage Activation via Suppressing NF-κB and NLRP3 Inflammasome/Caspase-1 Signal Pathways.
Highly relevant to liver injury
This study investigated how L-ascorbic acid 6-palmitate (L-AP), a derivative of vitamin C, could affect liver injury during sepsis. We focused on understanding its potential to alleviate liver damage caused by an overactive immune response. Through a series of experiments, including the cecal ligation and puncture method in mice, we observed that L-AP significantly increased the survival rates of these animals.

We found that L-AP treatment also reduced liver inflammation, which was evidenced by improved liver tissue health, less liver cell death, and lower levels of liver enzymes in the blood. Interestingly, the effects of L-AP were similar to the results seen in mice that lacked the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key player in inflammation.

Moreover, L-AP appeared to dampen the hyper-inflammatory response characteristic of sepsis. In both the liver tissues and cultured macrophages, we noted a decrease in inflammatory markers linked to the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. This included lower expression levels of specific inflammatory proteins and less macrophage activation, promoting a more anti-inflammatory response instead.

Overall, our findings reveal that L-AP may help protect the liver during severe bacterial infections by mitigating the harmful effects of macrophage activation and the resultant inflammation. While this study points toward the possible benefits of an ascorbic acid derivative in treating septic liver damage, further investigation is necessary to fully unravel its mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications.
Read More
9
Zinc's Role in Liver Health
Genetic inactivation of zinc transporter SLC39A5 improves liver function and hyperglycemia in obesogenic settings.
High relevance to liver disease studies
We focused on the connection between zinc and liver health, particularly how it may influence conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic issues, including type II diabetes (T2D). Our analysis of data from a large genetics cohort revealed a significant finding: rare genetic variants that reduce the function of the zinc transporter SLC39A5 were linked to better metabolic profiles and lower T2D risk.

To delve deeper into these results, we used both laboratory and animal models. We developed mice that completely lacked SLC39A5 and observed promising outcomes. These mice showcased improved liver function and lower blood sugar levels after being subjected to obesity challenges, whether congenital or diet-induced.

Notably, this improvement seemed to be associated with increased levels of zinc in the liver, which activated key signaling pathways involved in metabolism, such as AMPK and AKT. Furthermore, these mice exhibited less liver inflammation and fibrosis in models of diet-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Together, these findings position SLC39A5 as a potentially valuable target for treating liver-related metabolic disorders, emphasizing zinc's crucial role in managing liver health and blood sugar regulation.
Read More
9
Zinc supplementation and liver health
Zinc promotes microbial p-coumaric acid production that protects against cholestatic liver injury.
High relevance to liver disease
We explored how zinc supplementation could help manage cholestatic liver disease, a condition that currently lacks effective treatment options. Our study involved both mice and human participants, revealing interesting changes in gut microbiome dynamics when zinc was introduced. Specifically, we noted that zinc boosts levels of a beneficial bacterium called Blautia producta, which in turn helps produce p-coumaric acid.

The fascinating part is that higher p-coumaric acid levels were linked to reduced liver injury in patients with cholestatic liver disease. In experiments with mice, we found that the protective effects of zinc were partly due to the ability of p-coumaric acid to limit harmful reactive oxygen species in liver cells. This suggests that p-coumaric acid directly supports liver health by preventing cell death and damage.

However, the benefits of zinc were less pronounced when we manipulated the production of p-coumaric acid. This implies that the relationship between zinc, gut bacteria, and liver health is quite intricate. Overall, our findings suggest that zinc may provide valuable support for individuals suffering from cholestatic liver disease, primarily through its influence on the gut microbiome and subsequent metabolic processes.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 3 Reviews
8.6
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9.5
Effective cold prevention
They taste great and, importantly, they work! During the autumn and winter months, these saved our family from colds and illnesses.
8.8
Prevents illness progression
A fantastic product from NOW for immunity! I tested it on my husband, who had a temperature for several days. A negative COVID test later showed antibodies. I'm confident this product prevented the illness from worsening.
8
Faster recovery noted
The right supplement during viral diseases helps to recover more quickly.
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