Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 8 Researches
7.8
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 96 Reviews
8
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Veg Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Elderberry (10:1 Concentrate) (Sambucus nigra) (Fruit)
500 mg
**
Top Medical Research Studies
9
We delved into how elderberry, specifically from the black elderberry fruit, impacts the flu virus, H1N1. Using an innovative technique called Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART TOF-MS), we were able to identify the powerful anti-viral properties of elderberry extract without the need for complicated processes like separation or derivatization.
Our findings revealed that elderberry extract does indeed inhibit H1N1 infection in a lab setting, with an effective concentration (IC50) of 252 micrograms per milliliter. Interestingly, we discovered that flavonoids present in the elderberry bind to H1N1 virions—essentially blocking their ability to infect host cells.
Among the compounds, two key flavonoids emerged: the 5,7,3',4'-tetra-O-methylquercetin and dihydromyricetin. These compounds not only bound to the virus but also effectively prevented infection. Notably, the tetra-O-methylquercetin demonstrated an impressive IC50 of just 0.13 micrograms per milliliter, which is comparable to well-known antiviral medications like Oseltamivir and Amantadine.
In summary, elderberry shows promising potential as a natural remedy against the H1N1 flu, offering a fascinating area for further research and utilization in flu prevention strategies.
Our findings revealed that elderberry extract does indeed inhibit H1N1 infection in a lab setting, with an effective concentration (IC50) of 252 micrograms per milliliter. Interestingly, we discovered that flavonoids present in the elderberry bind to H1N1 virions—essentially blocking their ability to infect host cells.
Among the compounds, two key flavonoids emerged: the 5,7,3',4'-tetra-O-methylquercetin and dihydromyricetin. These compounds not only bound to the virus but also effectively prevented infection. Notably, the tetra-O-methylquercetin demonstrated an impressive IC50 of just 0.13 micrograms per milliliter, which is comparable to well-known antiviral medications like Oseltamivir and Amantadine.
In summary, elderberry shows promising potential as a natural remedy against the H1N1 flu, offering a fascinating area for further research and utilization in flu prevention strategies.
Read More
8
Elderberry effective against flu pathogens
We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a standardized elderberry extract against influenza viruses and respiratory bacterial pathogens. The study utilized liquid cultures to examine how various concentrations of the elderberry extract—specifically 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%—inhibited bacterial growth.
Our findings revealed that the elderberry extract is not just a potential ally against flu viruses, but also demonstrates activity against several harmful bacteria. We specifically tested its effects on both H5N1-type influenza A and influenza B viruses using reputable laboratory methods.
The results suggest that elderberry could offer additional strategies for combating infections, particularly during the flu season when complications often arise from bacterial super-infections following viral illnesses. These findings encourage the exploration of natural products like elderberry as a supportive treatment for respiratory infections.
Our findings revealed that the elderberry extract is not just a potential ally against flu viruses, but also demonstrates activity against several harmful bacteria. We specifically tested its effects on both H5N1-type influenza A and influenza B viruses using reputable laboratory methods.
The results suggest that elderberry could offer additional strategies for combating infections, particularly during the flu season when complications often arise from bacterial super-infections following viral illnesses. These findings encourage the exploration of natural products like elderberry as a supportive treatment for respiratory infections.
Read More
7
We evaluated the effectiveness of elderberry juice, specifically concentrated juice (CJ-E), in combating the human influenza A virus (IFV). Our experiments involved administering CJ-E to mice infected with IFV to observe any potential antiviral effects. While we found that CJ-E had a strong impact on the mice, its antiviral action was less impressive when tested in a controlled cell culture environment.
To further assess its effects, we separated CJ-E into different fractions using ultrafiltration and anion-exchange chromatography. We concentrated on the high-molecular-weight fractions of CJ-E, which appeared to significantly suppress viral replication in the mice's bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALFs). Moreover, these fractions seemed to boost the production of IFV-specific neutralizing antibodies in the serum, along with increasing secretory IgA levels in BALFs and feces.
Particularly, one fraction, Fr. II from the high-molecular-weight group, which contained acidic polysaccharides, showed notable strength in defending against the flu infection. In conclusion, our findings suggest that CJ-E can stimulate the immune response and may play a preventative role against the influenza virus infection.
To further assess its effects, we separated CJ-E into different fractions using ultrafiltration and anion-exchange chromatography. We concentrated on the high-molecular-weight fractions of CJ-E, which appeared to significantly suppress viral replication in the mice's bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALFs). Moreover, these fractions seemed to boost the production of IFV-specific neutralizing antibodies in the serum, along with increasing secretory IgA levels in BALFs and feces.
Particularly, one fraction, Fr. II from the high-molecular-weight group, which contained acidic polysaccharides, showed notable strength in defending against the flu infection. In conclusion, our findings suggest that CJ-E can stimulate the immune response and may play a preventative role against the influenza virus infection.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
10
Effective against flu
70 people found this helpful
Very effective drug! I take elderberry with sodium ascorbate from NutriBiotic for immunity. The combination of elderberry and ascorbic acid offers a powerful antiviral effect. We started using it on a friend's recommendation and have been consistently impressed! I combine this with other treatments during acute respiratory infections—it always helps. We took it during flu epidemics—nobody in the family got sick. At the onset of our respiratory viral infections, when I felt aches throughout my body, we recovered completely in 2-3 days. Both I (44) and my son (12) found this combination indispensable.
Read More
7.5
Immunity booster
33 people found this helpful
Elderberry is well-known in Europe and America as a natural immunity enhancer. It effectively supports your immune response against the flu and provides antioxidant benefits. Now Foods Black Elderberry utilises natural herbs and essential vitamins to help neutralise free radicals, ensuring good health and immunity. Highly recommended!
Read More
9
Antiviral properties
21 people found this helpful
Research shows that elderberry exhibits potent antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. It's noted for its antipyretic and expectorant properties. The elderberry mixture supports the immune system and respiratory health, particularly during seasonal illnesses. The entire elderberry plant has medicinal benefits, and its composition includes high levels of Vitamin C, making it effective in treating influenza and colds.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 8 Researches
7.8
- All Researches
9
We explored how European black elderberry affects the immune response, particularly regarding flu infections. Through comparing its water extract and polysaccharide fractions to a traditional alcoholic extract, we focused on the role of dendritic cells (DCs), which are crucial for triggering strong T cell responses.
Our findings showed that the water extract and its polysaccharide components effectively matured DCs, enhancing their ability to stimulate T cells significantly. In contrast, the traditional alcoholic extract did not demonstrate any capacity to induce T cell stimulation.
We also observed that the water extracts promoted the production of key inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, contributing to a robust immune response, which may be beneficial in fighting off viruses like influenza. Thus, it appears that the polysaccharides from elderberry extracts can play a significant role in modulating the immune system, potentially equipping us to better combat viral threats.
Our findings showed that the water extract and its polysaccharide components effectively matured DCs, enhancing their ability to stimulate T cells significantly. In contrast, the traditional alcoholic extract did not demonstrate any capacity to induce T cell stimulation.
We also observed that the water extracts promoted the production of key inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, contributing to a robust immune response, which may be beneficial in fighting off viruses like influenza. Thus, it appears that the polysaccharides from elderberry extracts can play a significant role in modulating the immune system, potentially equipping us to better combat viral threats.
Read More
9
We assessed the effectiveness of black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) in treating upper respiratory symptoms, particularly those associated with the flu. The study included 180 participants and examined various factors, such as vaccination status and the underlying causes of symptoms.
Our findings indicated that elderberry supplementation significantly reduced upper respiratory symptoms, offering a promising alternative for those seeking relief without relying on over-the-counter medications or antibiotics. The analysis revealed a strong positive impact, suggesting that elderberry could be particularly beneficial for treating symptoms arising from viral infections.
Overall, this research indicates that elderberry can serve as a safer, effective option for managing flu symptoms and common colds. This could help address concerns about antibiotic misuse and provide a more natural remedy during flu season.
Our findings indicated that elderberry supplementation significantly reduced upper respiratory symptoms, offering a promising alternative for those seeking relief without relying on over-the-counter medications or antibiotics. The analysis revealed a strong positive impact, suggesting that elderberry could be particularly beneficial for treating symptoms arising from viral infections.
Overall, this research indicates that elderberry can serve as a safer, effective option for managing flu symptoms and common colds. This could help address concerns about antibiotic misuse and provide a more natural remedy during flu season.
Read More
9
We delved into how elderberry, specifically from the black elderberry fruit, impacts the flu virus, H1N1. Using an innovative technique called Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART TOF-MS), we were able to identify the powerful anti-viral properties of elderberry extract without the need for complicated processes like separation or derivatization.
Our findings revealed that elderberry extract does indeed inhibit H1N1 infection in a lab setting, with an effective concentration (IC50) of 252 micrograms per milliliter. Interestingly, we discovered that flavonoids present in the elderberry bind to H1N1 virions—essentially blocking their ability to infect host cells.
Among the compounds, two key flavonoids emerged: the 5,7,3',4'-tetra-O-methylquercetin and dihydromyricetin. These compounds not only bound to the virus but also effectively prevented infection. Notably, the tetra-O-methylquercetin demonstrated an impressive IC50 of just 0.13 micrograms per milliliter, which is comparable to well-known antiviral medications like Oseltamivir and Amantadine.
In summary, elderberry shows promising potential as a natural remedy against the H1N1 flu, offering a fascinating area for further research and utilization in flu prevention strategies.
Our findings revealed that elderberry extract does indeed inhibit H1N1 infection in a lab setting, with an effective concentration (IC50) of 252 micrograms per milliliter. Interestingly, we discovered that flavonoids present in the elderberry bind to H1N1 virions—essentially blocking their ability to infect host cells.
Among the compounds, two key flavonoids emerged: the 5,7,3',4'-tetra-O-methylquercetin and dihydromyricetin. These compounds not only bound to the virus but also effectively prevented infection. Notably, the tetra-O-methylquercetin demonstrated an impressive IC50 of just 0.13 micrograms per milliliter, which is comparable to well-known antiviral medications like Oseltamivir and Amantadine.
In summary, elderberry shows promising potential as a natural remedy against the H1N1 flu, offering a fascinating area for further research and utilization in flu prevention strategies.
Read More
8
We examined how elderberry might impact flu treatment based on several studies. From 1995 to 2013, three clinical trials looked specifically at different elderberry preparations, and all concluded that elderberry could be effective against influenza. However, it's important to note that these studies involved only 77 people, which is quite small for drawing definitive conclusions.
While the potential for elderberry's effectiveness seems promising, the limited sample size means we should be cautious in making broad claims about its benefits. There were no human or animal studies mentioned that specifically researched the safety of elderberry during pregnancy, presenting a gap in knowledge that is concerning for pregnant women considering herbal treatments for flu.
Overall, while elderberry appears effective against the flu based on the small trials, we need much more comprehensive research to better understand its efficacy and safety, particularly for vulnerable populations like pregnant women.
While the potential for elderberry's effectiveness seems promising, the limited sample size means we should be cautious in making broad claims about its benefits. There were no human or animal studies mentioned that specifically researched the safety of elderberry during pregnancy, presenting a gap in knowledge that is concerning for pregnant women considering herbal treatments for flu.
Overall, while elderberry appears effective against the flu based on the small trials, we need much more comprehensive research to better understand its efficacy and safety, particularly for vulnerable populations like pregnant women.
Read More
8
Elderberry effective against flu pathogens
We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a standardized elderberry extract against influenza viruses and respiratory bacterial pathogens. The study utilized liquid cultures to examine how various concentrations of the elderberry extract—specifically 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%—inhibited bacterial growth.
Our findings revealed that the elderberry extract is not just a potential ally against flu viruses, but also demonstrates activity against several harmful bacteria. We specifically tested its effects on both H5N1-type influenza A and influenza B viruses using reputable laboratory methods.
The results suggest that elderberry could offer additional strategies for combating infections, particularly during the flu season when complications often arise from bacterial super-infections following viral illnesses. These findings encourage the exploration of natural products like elderberry as a supportive treatment for respiratory infections.
Our findings revealed that the elderberry extract is not just a potential ally against flu viruses, but also demonstrates activity against several harmful bacteria. We specifically tested its effects on both H5N1-type influenza A and influenza B viruses using reputable laboratory methods.
The results suggest that elderberry could offer additional strategies for combating infections, particularly during the flu season when complications often arise from bacterial super-infections following viral illnesses. These findings encourage the exploration of natural products like elderberry as a supportive treatment for respiratory infections.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 96 Reviews
8
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
10
Effective against flu
70 people found this helpful
Very effective drug! I take elderberry with sodium ascorbate from NutriBiotic for immunity. The combination of elderberry and ascorbic acid offers a powerful antiviral effect. We started using it on a friend's recommendation and have been consistently impressed! I combine this with other treatments during acute respiratory infections—it always helps. We took it during flu epidemics—nobody in the family got sick. At the onset of our respiratory viral infections, when I felt aches throughout my body, we recovered completely in 2-3 days. Both I (44) and my son (12) found this combination indispensable.
Read More
7.5
Immunity booster
33 people found this helpful
Elderberry is well-known in Europe and America as a natural immunity enhancer. It effectively supports your immune response against the flu and provides antioxidant benefits. Now Foods Black Elderberry utilises natural herbs and essential vitamins to help neutralise free radicals, ensuring good health and immunity. Highly recommended!
Read More
9
Antiviral properties
21 people found this helpful
Research shows that elderberry exhibits potent antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. It's noted for its antipyretic and expectorant properties. The elderberry mixture supports the immune system and respiratory health, particularly during seasonal illnesses. The entire elderberry plant has medicinal benefits, and its composition includes high levels of Vitamin C, making it effective in treating influenza and colds.
Read More
7.5
Copes with colds
14 people found this helpful
I first tried elderberry in 2020 during a viral outbreak. It significantly bolstered my immunity, helping me handle flu and colds effectively. It's a great antioxidant. I plan to continue taking it as needed. My experience has been very positive; it worked well during my illness over a week.
Read More
7.5
Flu symptoms mild
13 people found this helpful
A great anti-flu product, essential for the flu season. An effective antiviral! My daughter's paediatrician was astonished that she had the flu as she looked well and didn't feel as poorly as she could have.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
9
Rapid flu relief
12 people found this helpful
This natural antiviral is effective against various strains of the influenza virus and also herpes simplex. Although the capsules are larger, I prefer the syrup, as it doesn't stain teeth. Starting at the earliest symptoms, taking it three times a day eliminates symptoms by the second day. It worked for my entire family without side effects.
9
Improved flu recovery
4 people found this helpful
Best! Immune antioxidant. This product is easy to consume with no side effects. The ingredient quality comes from a reliable company. Regular intake of elderberry is believed to aid in delaying ageing and is linked to immune health and sirtuin 6 activation. Recently, I caught the flu, and after increasing the dose of this product, alongside vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc by three times, I felt better within three days. The taste is pleasant. Wishing good health to all.
7.5
Milder flu symptoms
4 people found this helpful
Works well! I was sceptical about whether supplements could enhance my immune system, but this one does seem effective! I’m frequently around children and used to fall ill every few months. However, since taking this, I experience only mild symptoms that last 1-2 days, if at all. No more colds or flus for me!
10
Effective against flu
70 people found this helpful
Very effective drug! I take elderberry with sodium ascorbate from NutriBiotic for immunity. The combination of elderberry and ascorbic acid offers a powerful antiviral effect. We started using it on a friend's recommendation and have been consistently impressed! I combine this with other treatments during acute respiratory infections—it always helps. We took it during flu epidemics—nobody in the family got sick. At the onset of our respiratory viral infections, when I felt aches throughout my body, we recovered completely in 2-3 days. Both I (44) and my son (12) found this combination indispensable.
9
Effective prevention
I usually get flu and colds every month, but after taking two of these a day as soon as I feel something coming on, I’m back to feeling great by the next day! It really works.
9
Flu season aid
Elderberry kept my husband and me feeling well throughout the flu season!
8.5
Winter recovery
It's a fantastic product for colds and flu, and I find I recover much faster when taking high and frequent doses. I was recommended this during Covid and take it alongside Zinc Picolinate. It makes a big difference for me in winter, and I would recommend this brand.
9
We explored how European black elderberry affects the immune response, particularly regarding flu infections. Through comparing its water extract and polysaccharide fractions to a traditional alcoholic extract, we focused on the role of dendritic cells (DCs), which are crucial for triggering strong T cell responses.
Our findings showed that the water extract and its polysaccharide components effectively matured DCs, enhancing their ability to stimulate T cells significantly. In contrast, the traditional alcoholic extract did not demonstrate any capacity to induce T cell stimulation.
We also observed that the water extracts promoted the production of key inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, contributing to a robust immune response, which may be beneficial in fighting off viruses like influenza. Thus, it appears that the polysaccharides from elderberry extracts can play a significant role in modulating the immune system, potentially equipping us to better combat viral threats.
Our findings showed that the water extract and its polysaccharide components effectively matured DCs, enhancing their ability to stimulate T cells significantly. In contrast, the traditional alcoholic extract did not demonstrate any capacity to induce T cell stimulation.
We also observed that the water extracts promoted the production of key inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, contributing to a robust immune response, which may be beneficial in fighting off viruses like influenza. Thus, it appears that the polysaccharides from elderberry extracts can play a significant role in modulating the immune system, potentially equipping us to better combat viral threats.
5
We explored the effectiveness of elderberry in treating and potentially preventing flu-related illness. This involved a systematic review of five randomized trials, which helped us examine whether elderberry could play a beneficial role in combatting viruses like the flu.
The findings suggest that while elderberry might not lower the risk of catching the common cold, it could potentially reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms. We learned that elderberry may also shorten the duration of influenza, but the certainty of these benefits is still uncertain.
Interestingly, when comparing elderberry to oseltamivir, a common antiviral medication, elderberry appeared linked to a lower risk of influenza complications and side effects. However, we found no substantial evidence connecting elderberry to significant inflammatory outcomes. Some studies hinted that elderberry might influence certain inflammatory markers, but this effect may lessen with prolonged use.
Overall, we did not find strong, clear-cut benefits from elderberry in treating flu, stressing the need for more research to confirm these findings. Though it seems to be a safe option without overstimulating the immune system, the evidence remains inconclusive, and more studies are essential to draw firmer conclusions.
The findings suggest that while elderberry might not lower the risk of catching the common cold, it could potentially reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms. We learned that elderberry may also shorten the duration of influenza, but the certainty of these benefits is still uncertain.
Interestingly, when comparing elderberry to oseltamivir, a common antiviral medication, elderberry appeared linked to a lower risk of influenza complications and side effects. However, we found no substantial evidence connecting elderberry to significant inflammatory outcomes. Some studies hinted that elderberry might influence certain inflammatory markers, but this effect may lessen with prolonged use.
Overall, we did not find strong, clear-cut benefits from elderberry in treating flu, stressing the need for more research to confirm these findings. Though it seems to be a safe option without overstimulating the immune system, the evidence remains inconclusive, and more studies are essential to draw firmer conclusions.
8
Elderberry effective against flu pathogens
We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a standardized elderberry extract against influenza viruses and respiratory bacterial pathogens. The study utilized liquid cultures to examine how various concentrations of the elderberry extract—specifically 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%—inhibited bacterial growth.
Our findings revealed that the elderberry extract is not just a potential ally against flu viruses, but also demonstrates activity against several harmful bacteria. We specifically tested its effects on both H5N1-type influenza A and influenza B viruses using reputable laboratory methods.
The results suggest that elderberry could offer additional strategies for combating infections, particularly during the flu season when complications often arise from bacterial super-infections following viral illnesses. These findings encourage the exploration of natural products like elderberry as a supportive treatment for respiratory infections.
Our findings revealed that the elderberry extract is not just a potential ally against flu viruses, but also demonstrates activity against several harmful bacteria. We specifically tested its effects on both H5N1-type influenza A and influenza B viruses using reputable laboratory methods.
The results suggest that elderberry could offer additional strategies for combating infections, particularly during the flu season when complications often arise from bacterial super-infections following viral illnesses. These findings encourage the exploration of natural products like elderberry as a supportive treatment for respiratory infections.
8
We examined how elderberry might impact flu treatment based on several studies. From 1995 to 2013, three clinical trials looked specifically at different elderberry preparations, and all concluded that elderberry could be effective against influenza. However, it's important to note that these studies involved only 77 people, which is quite small for drawing definitive conclusions.
While the potential for elderberry's effectiveness seems promising, the limited sample size means we should be cautious in making broad claims about its benefits. There were no human or animal studies mentioned that specifically researched the safety of elderberry during pregnancy, presenting a gap in knowledge that is concerning for pregnant women considering herbal treatments for flu.
Overall, while elderberry appears effective against the flu based on the small trials, we need much more comprehensive research to better understand its efficacy and safety, particularly for vulnerable populations like pregnant women.
While the potential for elderberry's effectiveness seems promising, the limited sample size means we should be cautious in making broad claims about its benefits. There were no human or animal studies mentioned that specifically researched the safety of elderberry during pregnancy, presenting a gap in knowledge that is concerning for pregnant women considering herbal treatments for flu.
Overall, while elderberry appears effective against the flu based on the small trials, we need much more comprehensive research to better understand its efficacy and safety, particularly for vulnerable populations like pregnant women.
7
Elderberry's variable effectiveness against influenza
We investigated the effects of elderberry fruit on flu viruses, specifically how it interacts with the H9N2 influenza strain in human epithelial cell cultures. Our approach involved treating the virus and cells with various concentrations of elderberry extract before and after infection to see its influence on virus replication.
During our experiments, we noticed that at lower doses of elderberry extract, the viral activity actually increased. This indicated that the herb didn’t stop the virus from replicating. However, when we applied higher concentrations—specifically 40 and 80 μg/mL—we observed a significant reduction in both the amount of virus present and the production of viral proteins. This suggests elderberry may interfere with how viruses enter cells or how they release from them.
Importantly, the results hint that elderberry's effectiveness might stem from its interaction with lipid rafts in cell membranes. These rafts are crucial for the viruses' fusion and budding processes. Our findings underscore the importance of dosage and timing when using elderberry for treating influenza, highlighting the complexity of herbal treatments.
During our experiments, we noticed that at lower doses of elderberry extract, the viral activity actually increased. This indicated that the herb didn’t stop the virus from replicating. However, when we applied higher concentrations—specifically 40 and 80 μg/mL—we observed a significant reduction in both the amount of virus present and the production of viral proteins. This suggests elderberry may interfere with how viruses enter cells or how they release from them.
Importantly, the results hint that elderberry's effectiveness might stem from its interaction with lipid rafts in cell membranes. These rafts are crucial for the viruses' fusion and budding processes. Our findings underscore the importance of dosage and timing when using elderberry for treating influenza, highlighting the complexity of herbal treatments.
9
We delved into how elderberry, specifically from the black elderberry fruit, impacts the flu virus, H1N1. Using an innovative technique called Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART TOF-MS), we were able to identify the powerful anti-viral properties of elderberry extract without the need for complicated processes like separation or derivatization.
Our findings revealed that elderberry extract does indeed inhibit H1N1 infection in a lab setting, with an effective concentration (IC50) of 252 micrograms per milliliter. Interestingly, we discovered that flavonoids present in the elderberry bind to H1N1 virions—essentially blocking their ability to infect host cells.
Among the compounds, two key flavonoids emerged: the 5,7,3',4'-tetra-O-methylquercetin and dihydromyricetin. These compounds not only bound to the virus but also effectively prevented infection. Notably, the tetra-O-methylquercetin demonstrated an impressive IC50 of just 0.13 micrograms per milliliter, which is comparable to well-known antiviral medications like Oseltamivir and Amantadine.
In summary, elderberry shows promising potential as a natural remedy against the H1N1 flu, offering a fascinating area for further research and utilization in flu prevention strategies.
Our findings revealed that elderberry extract does indeed inhibit H1N1 infection in a lab setting, with an effective concentration (IC50) of 252 micrograms per milliliter. Interestingly, we discovered that flavonoids present in the elderberry bind to H1N1 virions—essentially blocking their ability to infect host cells.
Among the compounds, two key flavonoids emerged: the 5,7,3',4'-tetra-O-methylquercetin and dihydromyricetin. These compounds not only bound to the virus but also effectively prevented infection. Notably, the tetra-O-methylquercetin demonstrated an impressive IC50 of just 0.13 micrograms per milliliter, which is comparable to well-known antiviral medications like Oseltamivir and Amantadine.
In summary, elderberry shows promising potential as a natural remedy against the H1N1 flu, offering a fascinating area for further research and utilization in flu prevention strategies.
References
- 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. 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. 10.1186/s12906-021-03283-5
- 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. 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. 10.3389/fphar.2014.00031
- 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.
- 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. 10.1186/1472-6882-11-16
- Roschek B, Fink RC, McMichael MD, Li D, Alberte RS. Elderberry flavonoids bind to and prevent H1N1 infection in vitro. Phytochemistry. 2009;70:1255. 10.1016/j.phytochem.2009.06.003
