Elderberry Extract Benefits

If you're looking for a natural health boost, elderberry extract could be just what you need. It's available in liquid or juice, gummies, syrups, lozenges and dry powder.

While folk wisdom suggests it can treat flu and cold symptoms, research on this berry is limited. Until more is known, stay on the safe side and avoid it if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.

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Antioxidants

The antioxidants in elderberry extract are responsible for the fruit’s numerous health benefits. These include anti-inflammatory effects, immune system support and a reduction in cancer risks.

The fruit is a good source of vitamin C, which contributes to the normal function of collagen, an important protein in connective tissue, and the formation of blood vessels. It also contains dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health. It is also a good source of phenolic acids and flavonoids, which provide a variety of antioxidant properties.

These antioxidants help to reduce the damage caused by free radicals. When these harmful molecules bind together, they can cause oxidative stress and lead to cell death in the body. The antioxidants in elderberry, particularly anthocyanins and flavonoids, can help to prevent oxidative stress and prevent cell death from happening in the first place.

They can also help to improve heart health and reduce high cholesterol levels. One animal study found that giving mice with high cholesterol and HDL cholesterol dysfunction anthocyanin-rich black elderberry extract reduced hepatic cholesterol levels and improved HDL function.

Elderberry extract also helps to regulate blood sugar levels. This is because anthocyanins inhibit alpha-glucosidase, an enzyme that breaks down starch into glucose. This enzyme has been found to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes unlike with plant powder.

Lastly, elderberry extract has been shown to bind to influenza virus molecules and help to treat symptoms of the flu. A 2009 study compared the use of four doses of 175 milligrams of proprietary elderberry extract to a placebo for two days. The elderberry extract group had less severe flu symptoms, which lasted for a shorter time.

The extract is available in tinctures, tablets and capsules. You can buy it online from a reputable health store.

Anti-inflammatories

The anti-inflammatory properties of elderberry extract are beneficial for the body. It can help reduce the severity and length of colds and flu symptoms and may also prevent or treat sinus infections, according to research.

These health benefits are possible because of the plant's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system. This can be especially helpful for those who are susceptible to getting sick, as a strong immune system can help protect against diseases and keep you feeling well overall.

Researchers examined the health benefits of the berries and plant extract from three different Portuguese elderberry cultivars: 'Sabugueiro' (So), 'Sabugueira' (Sa) and 'Bastardeira' (Ba). In addition, they evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect by testing the extracts’ ability to reduce NO release from LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, while they assessed the antioxidant cellular protection by measuring the effectiveness of elderberry extracts against oxidative stress injuries promoted by exposure of Caco-2 and HepG2 cells to a potent oxidant called tert-butyl-hydroperoxide (t-BOOH).

Results show that both rich-phenolic and crude elderberry extracts from the 3 cultivars were effective in preventing t-BOOH-induced cell damage by lowering ROS content in Caco-2 and HepG2 cells, compared to the non-exposed control. In addition, pre-treatment of cells with 50 ug/mL of rich-phenolic and crude elderberry extracts before being exposed to t-BOOH significantly reduced the level of oxidative stress in both cell lines.

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Immune system support

The immune system is an essential component of good health and wellness. It is responsible for keeping your body healthy and strong by helping to fight off infection, inflammation and toxins that damage your body’s organs.

Elderberry extract helps to support your immune system. It contains antioxidants, antiviral and antibacterial properties that can help reduce the severity of illness, prevent infections and boost immunity.

It can also relieve respiratory and digestive discomforts, including the flu, sinus problems and headaches. It also may help lower high cholesterol levels and protect against UV rays.

Taking elderberry extract daily may also promote healthy heart and blood pressure levels, help improve the skin and act as a natural diuretic. However, if you have kidney disease, a history of kidney disease or other medical conditions, it is not recommended to take this herb.

Another benefit of elderberry extract is that it can help to balance the inflammatory responses that are often produced by our bodies when we are sick. It has been shown that this balancing process can help the immune system return to a more balanced state of physical sensations, which in turn can make people feel better sooner.

A randomized, double-blind study that involved 60 people with symptoms of the flu found that those who took elderberry syrup were able to experience less pain, body aches and other flu-related discomforts four days sooner than those who took a placebo syrup. This is because the elderberry syrup helps to control the production of cytokines that make our immune systems work so hard and produce uncomfortable feelings.

Elderberry extract is available in many different forms, such as tinctures and syrups. Typically, one to two teaspoons of the extract are taken daily. It can be consumed alone or with other supplements, such as vitamin C or zinc.

Anti-cancer

Among its many health benefits, elderberry extract is also known for its anti-cancer properties. This is due to the fact that it contains a number of beneficial phytochemicals, including polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins. These antioxidant compounds help to fight against damaging free radicals and prevent chronic inflammation.

It also helps to maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is important for digestion and immune system function. This is because it contains a powerful anthocyanin compound that stimulates the production of healthy gut bacteria and reduces the growth rate of bad gut bacteria.

Studies have also shown that elderberry is helpful for those with kidney and urinary problems. It has been found to improve the flow of urine, which in turn decreases bloating and discomfort in people with constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.

Another study showed that elderberry lowered glucose levels and increased the production of glycogen, which helps to regulate blood sugar. In addition, this herb can help to lower the risk of developing diabetes in people with type 2 diabetes.

However, if you have diabetes or are taking medication for diabetes, it is important to consult with your doctor before starting elderberry supplementation. It may interact with certain medications and could lead to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.

In some cases, elderberry has been used to treat inflammatory conditions using fruit powder such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. It has also been used to reduce the symptoms of flu, bronchitis and sinus infections.

Anti-ageing

Elderberries are full of antioxidants and vitamin C, promoting skin health and helping reduce the signs of ageing. These compounds help to prevent and reverse the effects of oxidative stress in the body, which can cause chronic inflammation and lead to multiple diseases.

They also boost the immune system by preventing and treating infections, such as colds, flu and sinus infections. This is because the antiviral properties in elderberries can inhibit viral entry into cells.

Anthocyanins in the berries can protect the inner layer of blood vessels from oxidative stress and inflammatory chemicals, improving circulation and cutting your risk of heart disease. Similarly, the potassium, calcium and iron in the berries can strengthen bones and increase bone mineral density, lowering the risk of osteoporosis.

These effects can be observed in both men and women for Ginger Extract, especially when taken regularly over a period of time (up to two weeks). Although the anti-ageing benefits of elderberry extract are most noticeable on the skin, it is also believed that they will benefit the entire body as well, promoting a healthy lifestyle.

To reap the anti-ageing benefits of elderberry, you should take a dose every four hours. This helps to ensure that you are consuming the most amount of active ingredients possible.

As with any supplements, you should discuss taking elderberry with your doctor before consuming it, as it may interact with certain medications such as chemotherapy or diabetes medications, diuretics, immunosuppressants, laxatives and antacids.

A recent study involving 312 economy-class overseas fliers found that taking a liquid elderberry extract before and after travel reduced the negative impact of air travel on their physical health. This is because the anti-inflammatory effects of elderberry can reduce the harmful effect of oxidative stress on the skin, which in turn improves microcirculation (the circulation of the smallest blood vessels). The results were significant over the entire trial period, with no difference in results between placebo and elderberry.