First of two parts
Written By: GreenMedInfo Research Group
The Science of Natural Healing
This article is copyrighted by GreenMedInfo LLC, 2020.
“Natural antiviral substances have been used for centuries to fight common infections, but interest has grown around elderberries, a purple berry long used for its cold and flu-reducing properties. Researchers believe elderberry’s antiviral properties may be valuable in the widespread prevention and treatment of influenza and other viral illnesses.
“Elderberries, small, dark purple berries grown on the Sambucus tree, are well known for their cold and flu-fighting properties. Used medicinally for centuries to reduce cold symptoms and other ailments, researchers believe elderberry may be one of the best natural antiviral substances and could be used to effectively treat the common cold and influenza A and B.[i],[ii]
“Broad-based antiviral therapies like elderberry supplementation block key viral proteins from entering host cells.[iii] Additionally, elderberry extract is antimicrobial and works to fight bacterial infections (like pneumonia) that often develop as complications of the flu.[iv]
“Top Four Benefits of Elderberry for Viral Infection Protection
“The common cold and flu account for more than 20 million doctor visits a year, causing numerous missed school and work days. While conventional remedies address temporary symptom relief, researchers believe that elderberry extract could be used to effectively shorten the duration of colds and cases of flu.[v],[vi] Top benefits of elderberry supplementation include:
“Elderberry Boasts Immune-Activating Benefits
“Elderberry juice encourages the production of cytokines, a protein that works to regulate immunity and inflammation. In one study, elderberry’s potent immune-boosting properties were shown to be effective against 10 unique strains of the influenza virus.[vii],[viii]
“Elderberry Extract Contains Powerful Antimicrobial Properties
“Elderberry juice is high in anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid that has both antimicrobial and antiviral properties.[ix],[x] Many patients with severe influenza A or B are susceptible to bacterial infections like pneumonia, with pneumonia rates as high as 65.7% among hospitalized influenza patients.[xi]
“Due to its potent antimicrobial properties, elderberry supplementation is a powerful natural compound in the prevention of both influenza and subsequent bacterial infections.
“Elderberry Syrup Has Potent Antioxidant Ability
“Elderberries are high in phenolic compounds, a type of micronutrient found in berries and cacao.[xii],[xiii] These compounds are responsible for the deep red or purple color of elderberries and are bioactive, which means they enhance the antioxidant status of healthy individuals.[xiv]
“Additionally, anthocyanins found in elderberries have been proven to inhibit inflammatory biomarkers and promote health and disease prevention against multiple viral and bacterial infections.[xv]
To be continued