The black elderberry is a plant common to both Europe and the United States. The berries are prized for their unique flavor and are used to make pies as well as jams. In Europe, the plant has a long history as a folk remedy, which has prompted scientific interest in its efficacy.
In 2009, the berry went mainstream when Dr. Oz encouraged viewers of his television show to consider adding elderberry juice to their diet for an immune boost. Now it seems everyone is talking about black elderberry, but does it really fight the flu and what do consumers need to know about using it?
What Science Says about Black Elderberry
Science has investigated whether or not the elderberry can lower cholesterol, fight bacterial sinusitis and bronchitis as well as provide flu relief. The most credible and accepted studies, per the National Institutes of Health, suggest that black elderberry can cut the duration of the flu by three to four days if taken within 24 to 48 hours of symptom onset. In addition, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports it is effective against the H1N1 flu strain in test tube studies.
The active ingredients are flavonoids found in the fruit and leaves that boost the immune system. The Journal of International Medical Research shared in a 2003 study that elderberry prevents the flu virus from invading cells, inhibiting its ability to spread. The journal also found that, compared prescription anti-viral medications, elderberry extract was more effective at reducing the duration of the flu by two to three days.
How to Buy Black Elderberry Extract
Parts of the plant are toxic and harvesting berries before they are ripe can be poisonous making it important to purchase black elderberry extract from reputable sources. Brand name products that use elderberry as an active ingredient include Sinupret and Sambucol Black Elderberry Extract. These are produced under strict quality control and tested for safety.
Small, local producers often harvest the plant and combine it with raw honey to create a home remedy. However, given the risk of toxicity, it would be wise to only purchase such remedies from producers well known to the buyer.
Effective Dose of Black Elderberry
To treat the flu or other viral infection, the dose used in studies has been four tablespoons of a concentrated syrup every day for three days. Note this dose is for adults only. Pediatric dosing has not been formally established or studied to date; however, products developed in Europe (such as Sambucol Black Elderberry Extract) provide a dosing schedule by age on their product packaging. Actual medicinal preparations are primarily found online although some specialty vitamin shops or large pharmacy retailers may carry them.
Beyond medicinal dosing, the elderberry can be incorporated into a healthy diet in the form of jams, teas and juice concentrate, all of which can be found online. For anyone looking to boost the immune system on a regular basis, including children, Dr. Oz recommends elderberry juice as a good choice.
The key to fighting the flu with black elderberry is having it in the medicine cabinet, ready for flu season, and to start taking it as soon as symptoms first appear. This will limit both the severity and duration of the infection, providing real flu relief.
References:
Dr. Oz. "Boost Your Immunity." (Retrieved September 8, 2010.)
Journal of International Medical Research. "Randomized Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Oral Elderberry Extract in the Treatment of Influenza A and B Virus Infections." (Retrieved September 5, 2010.)
National Institutes of Health. " Elderberry and Elder Flower. " (Retrieved September, 6, 2010.)
University of Maryland Medical Center. "Elderberry." (Retrieved September 5, 2010.)
Michelle Rasey - Michelle R. Rasey has extensive expertise in International Business and Health. She holds two BA degrees and an alternative medical ...
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