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.

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

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)

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