Viridian Organic Elderberry Extract 100ml
What does Elderberry do?
Feel well with this black elderberry extract including vitamin C. This liquid is formulated to provide immune support for the whole family, helping you avoid colds and flu. Featuring organic ElderCraft® elderberry extract from Austria, which contains active compounds of oligo-proanthocyanidins (OPC’s) that are standardized to provide a consistent therapeutic dose. Also formulated with Brazilian acerola cherries, providing a great-tasting elixir, rich in immune-boosting vitamin C*.
- Certified organic by the Soil Association
- No added sugar
- No sweeteners, additives, preservatives, colourings
- 100% active ingredients
- Suitable for adults and kids
- Clinically researched
- 100ml quantity provides therapeutic dose for 6 days treatment.
*Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system
Elderberry is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world. This berry, also known as ‘black elder’ is commonly found in British and northern European hedgerows and has a large history of use in cooking and wine production. In traditional German medicine, the berries are used for the treatment of constipation as well as upper respiratory infections and neuropathic pain.
As well as having traditional use as an immune aid, there is also recent clinical research which supports the benefits of elderberry use in cases of colds and influenza infections. It is hypothesised that it is the proanthocyanidin (OPC) content of Elderberry which exhibits the anti-bacterial and anti-viral action. The main OPCs in Elderberry are cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-sambubioside. Oral administration of Oligomeric elderberry extract results is detectable levels of these OPCs in blood plasma.
Viridian’s Organic Elderberry Extract is standardised to provide 90mg of OPCs per adult serve which has shown to be the amount required to exert a significant impact on illness risk and duration. This organic
Elderberry ingredient is extracted via a patented, mechanical, solvent-free process ensuring that no chemicals are used, and the final material is pure, clean and certified organic.
Elderberry extract to treat FLU
In a study conducted on 60 patients with influenza A and B, 60ml of daily elderberry syrup (38% extract) significantly reduced flu symptoms compared to placebo after a day of supplementation. As seen in Figure 1, elderberry significantly improved well-being scores compared to placebo. In the placebo group, rescue medication was given if treatment did not work, which explains the improvement of symptoms from day 4 onwards.
In a pilot, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial by Kong et al, the efficiency of elderberry extract was investigated in the format of a lozenge. 64 participants were given either 4x175mg of elderberry per day, or placebo for 2 days. Severity of symptoms were measured daily to analyse the effectiveness of both treatments. After supplementation, symptom relief from coughing, nasal mucus and congestion was experienced in the elderberry group, with no improvements found in the placebo group.
It is suggested that elderberry’s benefits on flu symptoms are attributed to its anti-viral properties, as discussed by the researcher. In particular, the strong presence of anthocyanins (particularly cyanidin 3-glucoside) has been shown to promote immune function and reduce viral occurrences.
Elderberry for the COMMON COLD & URTI
Colds and upper respiratory tract infections generally cause nasal congestion, sore throats, dry cough, and fevers. Each year, adults experience an average of 2-3 cold episodes, and children 5-7 cold episodes.
Elderberries have been used traditionally to aid symptoms of colds and respiratory infections. In a randomised trial conducted on 312 air passengers, 600-900mg of elderberry extract (standardised to 90mg OPC) taken 10 days before travel and 4 days after significantly reduced cold symptoms as measured on the WURSS-216. In particular, the elderberry group experienced a 2-day reduction in cold duration, and a marked reduction in symptom severity.
A recent meta-analysis supporting the efficacy of elderberry on URTI also shows significant results. In this study, a total of 180 participants from 4 trials were included. All four studies utilized a self- reported assessment test to analyse effects of supplementation on symptoms of colds and flu. After pooling the data, it was observed that supplementing with a standardized elderberry preparation significantly reduced duration and severity of URTI, regardless of the underlying cause.
Acerola can be found growing wild and under cultivation on the sandy soils throughout north-eastern Brazil. It is native to South America, Central America, and Jamaica, Florida and Texas. The fruit of the Acerola Cherry tree, Malpighia punicifolia L. is rich in vitamin C and carotenoids, with the cherry-like fruits being one of the richest known natural sources of vitamin C. An analysis of 31 clinical studies of vitamin C for prevention and treatment of the common cold found that supplementation with vitamin C has a modest but consistent effect in reducing the duration of common cold symptoms.10
Glycerol or glycerine is a component of most cough syrups, and although it is often thought of only as a carrier or thickening agent in cough syrups, it may be a major component for the efficacy of cough syrups due to its special properties of lubrication, demulcency and acting as a humectant. A major benefit of cough syrups in soothing coughs is likely due to the properties of the syrup.
Each teaspoon (5ml) provides:
Eldercraft 16:1 extract of organic black elderberry
(Sambucus nigra)
Providing 30mg OPCs
Organic freeze-dried acerola cherry
(Malpighia glabra)
Providing 66mg of vitamin C In a base of organic glycerine.
800mg
391mg
SAFETY- None known. Mild gastrointestinal upset may occur with high doses of Elderberry.
CONTRAINDICATIONS- None known at time of writing.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING- Not recommended during pregnancy or breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS- None known at time of writing.
RECOMMENDED USE:
Liquid:
Age 1 – 6 years = 5ml (1 tsp daily) Age 7 – 12 years = 10ml (2 tsp daily) Age 12+ = 15 ml (3 tsp daily)
RELATED PRODUCTS: Beta glucan complex Veg Caps, Horseradish and garlic Veg Caps, Organic Echinacea tincture, Organic Elderberry throat spray.