So, I’m willing to bet that any time you use natural supplements to support health or tackle a problem, someone gives you an eye roll. Of course, you’ve got to be careful about what you take, but for years, folk medicines and herbal products have caused a lot of embarrassment to modern scientists. Now, however, the scientific community is taking a closer look at some of these natural products to see if there is any merit to their use, and one particular food has recently stood out when it comes to immune health: the elderberry.
Keep in mind that while there are many different types of elderberry plants, the most commonly studied is the Sambucus nigra. This is the one commonly used as a supplement in tea, pill, lozenge, gummy and syrup form, and it was believed to work by supplying antioxidants and supporting your body’s own immune response.
In a study published in the Journal of Natural Foods, researchers discovered that compounds found in the elderberry were able to directly inhibit the entrance of the flu virus into cells and the replication of the virus that typically follows (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1756464619300313?via%3Dihub). While the flu-fighting properties of the elderberry were seen in previous studies, in this study the researchers took a look at just how the elderberry’s biologically active compounds fought the flu infection.
Using elderberry juice serum from commercially cultivated elderberries, the researchers applied the serum to cells before, during and after infecting them with a flu virus. The serum was effective in stopping the virus form getting into the cells, which was expected. It was the serum’s ability to inhibit replication of flu virus after a cell had been infected with the virus that surprised the study leaders.
Another study, in the Nutrition journal (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4848651/), found that while taking the berry did not reduce the number of colds among a group of air travelers, those who did get sick had a shorter illness duration and less severe symptoms than the travelers who did not take elderberry.
Elderberry is a clear, natural way to help support your immune system. Since there are many elderberry products out there, be sure to do your research before selecting one. Since this is a berry, some supplements have a far higher sugar content than is healthy, so review the sugar levels of the supplements you are considering before you buy.
