Elderberry
This ingredient can be found in: Pop A Purple
Elderberries (Sambucus) are the small black, blue-black, or red berries of related species of shrubs and small trees common to many parts of the world. Elderberry was used in traditional Native American medicine to treat fever and rheumatism. In Europe, elderberry has been used for centuries for its health-promoting effects.
Elderberries are rich in anthocyanins and other bioflavonoids, which are known to have powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. In addition, their beneficial effects on vascular health, blood clotting, and cholesterol suggest that they may reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease.
Elderberry is especially known for its antiviral properties, and extracts have been long used for colds and influenza. Elderberry has been reported to lessen the duration or severity of the common cold, especially when combined with vitamin C and zinc. In a clinical study, elderberry extract was able to significantly improve flu symptoms after 2 days of use, and most participants reported complete relief from symptoms after 3 days.
References
- Kowalczyk E, Krzesiński P, Kura M, Szmigiel B, Błaszczyk J. Anthocyanins in medicine. Pol J Pharmacol. 2003 Sep-Oct;55(5):699-702. View Source
- Mario Roxas, ND and Julie Jurenka, MT (ASCP). Colds and Influenza: A Review of Diagnosis and Conventional, Botanical, and Nutritional Considerations. Alternative Medicine Review Volume 12, Number 1 2007. View Source
- Mazza GJ. Anthocyanins and heart health. Ann Ist Super Sanita. 2007;43(4):369-74. View Source
- Thole JM, Kraft TF, Sueiro LA, Kang YH, Gills JJ, Cuendet M, Pezzuto JM, Seigler DS, Lila MA. A comparative evaluation of the anticancer properties of European and American elderberry fruits. J Med Food. 2006 Winter;9(4):498-504. View Source
- Vivian Barak PhD, Shlomo Birkenfeld MD, Tal Halperin and Inna Kalickman MSc. The Effect of Herbal Remedies on the Production of Human Inflammatory and Anti-inflammatory Cytokines. IMAJ 2002: 4: November (supp): 919-922. View Source




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