Benefits of Black Elderberry Extract
Around this time of year, one of the most sought after natural medicines is an extract known as Black Elderberry. Black Elderberries have been used in traditional medicine for a number of ailments for centuries, dating back to ancient Rome and Greece. This berry is known for being rich in nutrients (such as Vitamin C, bioflavonoids and other antioxidants) that help support and strengthen the immune system, thereby reducing symptoms such as fever, congestion, cough and body cramps. A few studies of Sambucol, a liquid extract of Black Elderberries, recently proved how effective it actually is in not only reducing the severity of symptoms caused by various strains of influenza and the common cold, but also it’s ability to shorten the amount of time an individual suffers from these viral infections by half. Science has identified certain compounds found in Black Elderberries which inhibit these viruses from being able to penetrate and infect cells, thus preventing them from being able to replicate.
References:
Holford, P., (1999) The Optimum Nutrition Bible, (pp.178-182) Crossing Press Inc., Freedom CA
DerMarderosian. A & Beutler, J.A. (2001) The Review of Natural Products – Second Edition (p. 235) St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons
Goldberg, D., Gitomer, A. & Abel, R. (2002) The Best Supplements For Your Health, (p. 155) Kensington Publishing Corp. New York, NY
