6 proven properties of the elderberry

Elderberry has been used in popular natural medicine (Sambucus nigra) for treat infections and elderberry syrup is a well-known traditional cold and flu remedy, but has been given many other applications throughout history. For example, the Egyptians used it to heal burns and as a strengthening tonic.

The science has tried many of the therapeutic indications, especially in relation to the treatment of colds and flu.

However, despite their benefits, raw elderberries, leaves and bark contain toxic compounds. That is why it is convenient to take standardized commercial preparations and follow the consumption instructions.

In this video you will discover how to use elderflowers in the kitchen.

As a general rule, the berries must be cooked during the preparation of syrups and jellies to deactivate these toxic compounds, while the flowers can be eaten raw or cooked.

The 6 main indications of the elderberry

A good number of indications for the flowers, berries, leaves or bark of elderberry can be found in the medical literature.

If you want to know how each part of the elderberry is used, you can read this article: The elderberry, the plant that has no waste

1. Elderberry fights colds and flu

The elderflower infusion and berry extract (300 mg, three times a day) reduce the intensity and duration of cold and flu symptoms, according to a study conducted at the Technical University of Queensland and published in the journal Nutrients.

In other studies, other presentations and doses have been administered. For example, in one study, participants were given 175 mg and an improvement in symptoms was achieved within 24 hours. And in another investigation it is taken 15ml elderberry syrup four times a day.

Research has proven that taking a tablespoon (15 ml) of elderberry syrup four times a day for five days shortens the duration of flu symptoms by an average of 4 days.

According to Dr. Zichria Zakay-Rones, from the Hadassah Hebrew University’s department of virology, “Elder extract is an efficient, safe and cost-effective treatment against influenza.”

Other research, published in the Journal of Functional Foods, has determined the mechanism by which the elder (Sambucus nigra) inhibits the multiplication of the influenza virus.

Dr. Fariba Deghani, a professor at the University of Sydney (Australia), explains that the compounds present in elderberries block enzymes that the flu virus uses to enter cells and inhibit their multiplication. That is, elderberry syrup is effective in both preventing and curing the flu.

Specifically, the components of the elderberry that lead this effect are the antioxidant anthocyanins, especially the cyanidin 3-glucoside. In addition, the berries are rich in zinc, an essential mineral with antiviral properties and that stimulates the immune system.

A third study, a research review conducted by Dr. Jessie Hawkins and published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine, concluded that “supplementation with elderberry substantially reduces symptoms that affect the upper respiratory tract.

Therefore, the elderberry is a Natural and safe alternative. By preventing infection and enhancing the immune response, elderberry reduces the chances of complicating colds and flu with bacterial infections that require the consumption of antibiotics.

2. To strengthen the heart

Several studies indicate that it acts positively on various risk factors for the heart: hypertension, high levels of sugar and uric acid in the blood.

He high anthocyanin content –the pigments that give them the purple color– of the berries explains the beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, according to studies published in Phytotherapy Research and in British Journal of Nutrition.

3. To overcome discouragement

A study from Mandazaran University (Iran) shows that the extract has an antidepressant effect.

A dose of 1,200 mg of berry extract per kilogram of body weight was used. It can be useful in case of suffering mild symptoms.

4. Stimulates the defenses

The high content in antioxidant compounds collaborates with immunity in the fight against the damaging effects of free radicals generated by energy metabolism or from abroad.

In this sense, the anthocyanins and phenolic compounds, that delay the aging of tissues and prevent a long list of diseases, including cancer.

Elderberry extract is also capable of increase the number of white blood cells that fight viruses and bacteria, according to a trial conducted at the University of Bucharest.

5. Prevents stomach and duodenal ulcers

A study carried out by doctors Porter and Bode, from the universities of Washington and Saint Martin respectively, has proven that elderberry extract inhibits the multiplication of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, which causes digestive ulcers and increases the risk of developing colon cancer. The study has been published in Phytotherapy Research.

6. Promotes purification of the body

Elderberry hydroalcoholic extract increases urinary frequency (diuresis) and the excretion of salts, has proved a study published in Phytotherapy Research.

This property, in addition to favoring the elimination of toxins, prevents the formation of kidney stones.