Therefore, products like syrups, juices, teas, and jams may have reduced benefits compared to some results seen in laboratory studies Elderberry fruits, leaves, and flowers are strong antioxidants. However, their protective effects on humans appear to be insignificant. Additionally, the processing of the berries and flowers can reduce their antioxidant activity. Studies have shown elderberry juice may reduce the level of fat in the blood and decrease cholesterol.
In addition, a diet high in flavonoids like anthocyanins has been found to reduce the risk of heart disease 17 , Nonetheless, one study in 34 people given mg of elderberry extract equivalent to 4 mL of juice three times a day for 2 weeks found no significant reduction in cholesterol levels However, another study in mice with high cholesterol found that a diet including black elderberry reduced the amount of cholesterol in the liver and aorta but not the blood Further studies found that rats that were fed foods containing polyphenols extracted from elderberry had reductions in blood pressure Furthermore, elderberries may reduce levels of uric acid in the blood.
Elevated uric acid is linked to increased blood pressure and negative effects on heart health 4 , Given that type 2 diabetes is a major risk factor for heart and vascular disease, blood sugar management is important in preventing these conditions 4 , 9. Also, research on rats with diabetes given elderberry showed improved blood sugar control 4 , 16 , Despite these promising results, a direct reduction in heart attacks or other symptoms of heart disease has not yet been demonstrated, and further studies in humans are needed.
Elderberry has some benefits for heart health, such as reducing cholesterol, uric acid, and blood sugar levels. However, further research is needed to demonstrate if these effects are significant in humans. There are many other reported benefits of elderberry, though most of these have limited scientific evidence:. While these results are interesting, further research is needed in humans to determine if the effects are truly significant.
Therefore, determining the effects of currently available products may be difficult Elderberry is associated with many additional health benefits, such as fighting cancer and bacteria, immune support, UV protection, and diuretic effects. However, these claims have limited evidence, and further research is needed. While elderberry has some promising potential benefits, there are also some dangers associated with its consumption.
The bark, unripe berries, and seeds contain small amounts of substances known as lectins , which can cause stomach problems if too much is eaten 2. In addition, the elderberry plant contains substances called cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide in some circumstances. This is a toxin also found in apricot seeds and almonds 1 , 3 4. There are 3 mg of cyanide per grams of fresh berries and 3—17 mg per grams of fresh leaves.
However, commercial preparations and cooked berries do not contain cyanide, so there are no reports of fatalities from eating these. Symptoms of eating uncooked berries, leaves, bark, or roots of the elderberry include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea 2. Elderberry extract has been used medicinally for centuries to fight infections, clear up complexions and boost immunity. Keep reading to find out why elderberry products have become so popular and if they really live up to the hype.
Elderberries come from a tree variety known as Sambucus. The European elder, also known as Sambucus nigra or black elder, is the most common tree from this family. In their uncooked state, elderberries are toxic and can cause diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. In addition to treating colds and the flu , people have turned to elderberry supplements to treat:.
According to the U. Department of Agriculture , one cup of elderberries has:. You can find elderberry supplements, gummies and syrups in stores and online. There are elderberry teas, lozenges, capsules and liquid herbal supplements that can be mixed with water. Some people even make elderberry jelly or add dried elderberries to baked goods. They tend to pair well with sweeter fruits like peaches, plums or figs.
Unfortunately, there have been few studies investigating elderberry's anti-inflammatory or analgesic pain-relieving benefits in humans. Alternative healthcare providers have long touted elderberry's antioxidant effects, asserting that they can reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. While it is true that antioxidant-rich diets may offer such benefit, there is nothing to suggest that elderberries play an exceptional role.
A study in The Journal of Nutrition concluded that a week course of elderberry extract milligrams daily did nothing to alter the risk of cardiovascular disease in 52 postmenopausal women.
Ripe, cooked elderberry fruit is considered safe if consumed in moderation. The overconsumption of elderberries may cause diarrhea, stomach ache, and abdominal cramping due to their laxative effects. If elderberry is used for medicine, only ripe or dried berries should be used. Certain parts of the elderberry plant including the leaves, root, bark, and stems contain a type of poison known as cyanogenic glycoside. Even unripe berries contain trace amounts of this, which, if chewed, can release cyanide into the body.
Poisoning from elderberries is rarely life-threatening but may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, numbness, abdominal distention, and difficulty breathing. Call your healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms after consuming an elderberry extract or unripe fruit. Elderberry is not recommended for children, pregnant women, or nursing mothers. While no adverse events have been reported in these groups, there is not enough data to confirm that it is safe over the long term.
Elderberry extracts may interact with drugs designed to suppress the immune system, undermining their efficacy. These include:. Due to their effect on the immune system, the prolonged use of elderberry medications should be avoided in people with autoimmune disorders without guidance from a healthcare provider.
Elderberries have long been cultivated for food and to make natural medicines. The latter are available in many forms, including syrups, teas, capsules, gummies, tonics, tinctures, and topical ointments. The ripe berry is tart and typically sweetened like cranberries. Treatment should start no later than 48 hours of the first appearance of symptoms. However, there are no universal recommendations as to the appropriate dosage to treat specific medical conditions.
As a general rule, an elderberry product manufacturer's recommended dosage should not be exceeded. Many commercial syrup manufacturers recommend 1 tablespoon 15 ml of elderberry syrup taken four times daily to treat cold or flu symptoms.
Elderberry lozenges mg can be taken twice daily. Keep in mind that elderberry should never be used as a substitute for standard care. Self-treating a condition and delaying the standard care of treatment may have serious consequences. Elderberry-based medications are classified as dietary supplements by the U. Under this classification, they are not meant to be sold or marketed as a treatment for any medical condition.
Because supplements are not required to undergo rigorous research or testing, they can vary significantly in quality. To ensure quality and safety, only buy supplements that have certified by an independent certifying body, such as the U. Disclaimer: It is important that when consuming fresh berries, you purchase these from a reputable source.
It is never safe to consume unknown berries in nature, as you don't know the potentially dangerous effects of a wild fruit. If you have consumed an unknown berry and are experiencing adverse side effects, be sure to contact a healthcare professional immediately.
Elderberry is most commonly used as a cough syrup. Research suggests elderberry juice syrup may help to prevent and treat upper respiratory symptoms in colds and flu. Sambucol Elderberry Syrup is simply elderberries crushed down to make a juice. It's that simple. Try our amazing elderberry syrup for yourself today! We also have delicious recipes for you to try with our secret ingredient. Check out our blog for recipe inspo.
This is probably the easiest and most delicious way to add elderberry to your diet. Elderberry gummies are so tasty and fun to eat, plus they're almost like a daily treat you get to enjoy after your meal. If you take Sambucol elderberry gummies , you're getting the same amazing benefits of elderberry as our elderberry syrup, but in a yummy gummy. Another great way to add elderberry to your diet is through elderberry drink powders.
You simply add the elderberry powder directly into your water, be it bubbly or still, and get the immune-supporting benefits of elderberry while you hydrate. Try our Daily Immune Drink Powder the next time you workout or head to the gym. There are so many easy and great-tasting ways to add elderberry into your daily routine. Check out all of the Sambucol products today to find your favorite. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Types, Benefits, and Food Sources. Mayo Clinic. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. My Account.
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