Elderberry is often touted for preservation and protection of the immune system in general.[1][2] Some researchers believe that elderberry’s capacity for immunoregulation occurs through modulation of cytokine release and activity; indeed, three clinical studies have demonstrated that certain preparations containing elderberry extract may stimulate a healthy immune response through cytokine release and activity in healthy individuals. It should be noted, however, that these were all industry-sponsored studies of proprietary blends.[3][4][5]
Evidence also exists to support the use of elderberry extract from the Williams elderberry, Sambucus williamsii var. coreana, for gingivitis and halitosis. When used in a mouthwash preparation for five days by healthy individuals, it reduced indicators of plaque and gingivitis,[6] and reduced halitosis and halitosis-causing bacteria, more than placebo[7]
Topical application of elderberry extract from the dwarf elder,Sambucus ebulus, has also been evaluated in comparison to standard of care anti-inflammatory ointments.[8][9] In one four-week study of the effects of this elderberry extract on eczema, twice-daily topical application of the extract was found to be no better than hydrocortisone at improving eczema severity or healing rates. However, the participants using the elderberry extract had significantly higher quality-of-life scores at the end of the trial than those using the standard of care.[8] In another four-week study of the effectiveness of this extract for knee osteoarthritis, topical application of the elderberry extract was found to be superior to 1% diclofenac gel at reducing pain and symptom severity, with minimal risk of side effects.[9]
Finally, there is some in vitro evidence that extracts of high-anthocyanin berries, including elderberry, may serve to decrease the growth of tumors. Further human-based clinical studies are needed to confirm this evidence, though.[10]
References
- ^Crawford C, Brown LL, Costello RB, Deuster PASelect Dietary Supplement Ingredients for Preserving and Protecting the Immune System in Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review.Nutrients.(2022-Nov-01)
- ^Zafra-Stone S, Yasmin T, Bagchi M, Chatterjee A, Vinson JA, Bagchi DBerry anthocyanins as novel antioxidants in human health and disease prevention.Mol Nutr Food Res.(2007-Jun)
- ^Aguzzi C, Marinelli O, Zeppa L, Santoni G, Maggi F, Nabissi MEvaluation of anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory activities of Stimunex® and Stimunex D3® in human monocytes/macrophages stimulated with LPS or IL-4/IL-13.Biomed Pharmacother.(2020-Dec)
- ^Barak V, Halperin T, Kalickman IThe effect of Sambucol, a black elderberry-based, natural product, on the production of human cytokines: I. Inflammatory cytokinesEur Cytokine Netw.(2001 Apr-Jun)
- ^Barak V, Birkenfeld S, Halperin T, Kalickman IThe effect of herbal remedies on the production of human inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines.Isr Med Assoc J.(2002-Nov)
- ^Kim YR, Nam SHA randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating of a mouthwash containing Sambucus williamsii var. coreana extract for prevention of gingivitits.Sci Rep.(2022-07-18)
- ^Kim YR, Nam SHThe Effect of Mouthwash with Sambucus williamsii var. coreana Extract on Halitosis: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.Oral Health Prev Dent.(2022-Jun-28)
- ^Farahani AM, Aryanian Z, Memariani Z, Mozaffarpur SA, Shirafkan HA Comparison of the Effect of Topical Preparation of L. and Hydrocortisone on Hand Eczema: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.J Altern Complement Med.(2021-Apr)
- ^Jabbari M, Hashempur MH, Razavi SZ, Shahraki HR, Kamalinejad M, Emtiazy MEfficacy and short-term safety of topical Dwarf Elder (Sambucus ebulus L.) versus diclofenac for knee osteoarthritis: A randomized, double-blind, active-controlled trial.J Ethnopharmacol.(2016-Jul-21)
- ^D Bagchi, C K Sen, M Bagchi, M AtalayAnti-angiogenic, antioxidant, and anti-carcinogenic properties of a novel anthocyanin-rich berry extract formulaBiochemistry (Mosc).(2004 Jan)