Elderberry Extract: Nature’s “Tamiflu”

Elderberry Extract: Nature’s “Tamiflu”







Daisy Luther, Contributor

Activist Post

The most important weapon against influenza that you can add to your herbal arsenal is elderberry extract.

Whether you are concerned with the seasonal flu or the potential of a
deadly strain of influenza becoming pandemic, elderberry extract is a
vital addition to your vault of flu remedies.

Unlike the highly touted flu shot,
black elderberry has actually been conclusively proven to be effective.
It is one of the few natural remedies that has been written up in the
medical journals. The studies I’m listing here are based on black
elderberry extract (Sambucus nigra L) - name brand Sambucol.

According to PubMed:
<blockquote class="tr_bq">Sambucus nigra L. products – Sambucol – are
based on a standardized black elderberry extract. They are natural
remedies with antiviral properties, especially against different strains
of influenza virus. Sambucol was shown to be effective in vitro against
10 strains of influenza virus. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled,
randomized study, Sambucol reduced the duration of flu symptoms to 3-4
days.</blockquote>
The Journal of International Medical Research concurs that elderberry extract is a proven treatment, referencing a different study:
<blockquote class="tr_bq">Elderberry has been used in folk medicine for
centuries to treat influenza, colds and sinusitis, and has been reported
to have antiviral activity against influenza and herpes simplex. We
investigated the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry syrup for
treating influenza A and B infections. Sixty patients (aged 18 – 54
years) suffering from influenza-like symptoms for 48 h or less were
enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
during the influenza season of 1999 – 2000 in Norway. Patients received
15 ml of elderberry or placebo syrup four times a day for 5 days, and
recorded their symptoms using a visual analogue scale. Symptoms were
relieved on average 4 days earlier and use of rescue medication was
significantly less in those receiving elderberry extract compared with
placebo. Elderberry extract seems to offer an efficient, safe and
cost-effective treatment for influenza.</blockquote>An Ancient Panacea

The medicinal use of the elderberry is nothing new. Mentioned in
ancient medicinal texts, the humble black elderberry has been used as a
multi-purpose treatment for centuries. In 400 BC, Hippocrates referred
to the elderberry bush as his “medicine chest” because of its varied
uses, and it was mentioned several times in the writings of Pliny the
Elder when he recorded the practices of the ancient Romans.

To learn more about the historical uses of all components of the elderberry bush, check out this detailed article on Botanical.com.How It Works

Scientists have isolated the active compound in the elderberry. It is
called Antivirin and is found in proteins of the black elderberry. The
compound prevents the flu virus from invading the membranes of healthy
cells.
<blockquote class="tr_bq">The main flavonoids present in elderberries
are the anthocyanins cyanidin 3-glucoside and cyanidin 3-sambubioside,
and are detectable in plasma after oral intake of elderberry extract. A
possible mechanism of action of elderberry extract in the treatment of
influenza is that the flavonoids stimulate the immune system by
enhancing production of cytokines by monocytes. In addition, elderberry
has been shown to inhibit the haemagglutination of the influenza virus
and thus prevent the adhesion of the virus to the cell receptors.
Anthocyanins also have an antiinflammatory effect comparable to that of
acetylsalicylic acid; this could explain the pronounced effect on
aches, pain and fever seen in the group treated with elderberry syrup. (source)</blockquote>Avian Flu

This is especially important with something like the Avian flu, which, according to the CDC,
has a mortality rate of 60% in the 600 cases reported worldwide. At
this point the Avian flu is rarely transmissible to, or between, humans.
The fear is that a mutation of the virus could change that,
instigating a deadly pandemic. (Alarmingly, the Avian virus has been
successfully mutated by scientists, causing public outcry that this
“research” could be weaponized in the future, but that’s a different
article.)
<blockquote class="tr_bq">Since
the first avian influenza outbreak, in 1997, there has been concern
that the influenza A (H5N1) virus might either mutate and adapt to allow
efficient transmission during the infection of mammals or reassort its
gene segments with human influenza viruses during the coinfection of a
single host, resulting in a new virus that would be both highly lethal
and transmissible from person to person. Such events are believed to
have preceded the influenza pandemics of 1918, 1957, and 1968. Several
lines of evidence indicate that the currently circulating influenza A
(H5N1) viruses have in fact evolved to more virulent forms since 1997,
with a higher mortality among human cases, different antigenic
properties, a different internal gene constellation,and an expanded host
range. (source)</blockquote>According to a study by Zacay-Rones in 1995, black elderberry was proven to be effective against the Avian flu, specifically Panama B strain.
<blockquote class="tr_bq">A standardized elderberry extract, Sambucol
(SAM), reduced hemagglutination and inhibited replication of human
influenza viruses type A/Shangdong 9/93 (H3N2), A/Beijing 32/92 (H3N2),
A/Texas 36/91 (H1N1), A/Singapore 6/86 (H1N1), type B/Panama 45/90,
B/Yamagata 16/88, B/Ann Arbor 1/86, and of animal strains from Northern
European swine and turkeys, A/Sw/Ger 2/81, A/Tur/Ger 3/91, and A/Sw/Ger
8533/91 in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. A placebo-controlled, double
blind study was carried out on a group of individuals living in an
agricultural community (kibbutz) during an outbreak of influenza
B/Panama in 1993. Fever, feeling of improvement, and complete cure were
recorded during 6 days. Sera obtained in the acute and convalescent
phases were tested for the presence of antibodies to influenza A, B,
respiratory syncytial, and adenoviruses. Convalescent phase serologies
showed higher mean and mean geometric hemagglutination inhibition (HI)
titers to influenza B in the group treated with SAM than in the control
group. A significant improvement of the symptoms, including fever, was
seen in 93.3% of the cases in the SAM-treated group within 2 days,
whereas in the control group 91.7% of the patients showed an improvement
within 6 days (p < 0.001). A complete cure was achieved within 2 to 3
days in nearly 90% of the SAM-treated group and within at least 6 days
in the placebo group (p < 0.001). No satisfactory medication to cure
influenza type A and B is available. Considering the efficacy of the
extract in vitro on all strains of influenza virus tested, the clinical
results, its low cost, and absence of side-effects, this preparation
could offer a possibility for safe treatment for influenza A and B. (source)</blockquote>Effectiveness

Sambucol has been shown to reduce the symptoms and the duration of flu
sufferers. It has been tested on both Influenza A and Influenza B
strains. In one study it was noted that subjects taking Sambucol
instead of a placebo took fewer over the counter medications to relieve
symptoms like fever, aches and congestion.
<blockquote class="tr_bq">Thom’s findings were presented at the 15th
Annual Conference on Antiviral Research in 2002. The study has been
accepted for publication in the Journal of International Medical
Research. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">The study involved 60
patients who had been suffering with flu symptoms for 48 hours or less;
90% were infected with the A strain of the virus, 10% were infected with
type B. Half the group took 15 milliliters of Sambucol or and the other
group took a placebo four times a day for five days. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Patients
in the Sambucol group had “pronounced improvements” in flu symptoms
after three days: Nearly 90% of patients had complete cure within two to
three days. Also, the Sambucol group had no drowsiness, the downside of
many flu treatments. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">The placebo group didn’t recover until at least day six; they also took more painkillers and nasal sprays. (source)</blockquote>Sambucol will not prevent the flu, but will shorten the duration and severity of the flu.


How to Take Elderberry Extract

In the Israeli study, mentioned above, each day children were given 1/2
tablespoon of Sambucol extract four times per day, and adults were
given 1 tablespoons four times per day. It’s important to note that the
only form of elderberry extract that has been used in studies is Sambucol, which is based on a standardized black elderberry extract.

NOTE: I’m not affiliated with the company Sambucol in any way. I
am recommending this product because our family uses it, it is
standardized and it is the product used in all of the studies referenced
in this article. I receive no commission or payment of any type from
this company.

There are a few different ways you can take the pleasant tasting liquid:

• Right out of the spoon
  
• Mixed with hot water and honey for a tea
  
• Mixed with sparkling water and served over ice for a refreshing “soda pop”-like beverage
  

Store your elderberry extract in a cool dry place – we keep our bottle in the refrigerator.

Unlike chemical medications, there have been no reported side effects
from Sambucol. Although you should always check with your physician
before taking this or any other remedy. It is safe for children over 2
and the elderly. No studies have been done regarding the safety of
Sambucol during pregnancy or breastfeeding. There are no reported
contraindications for those taking other medications, or those who
suffer from asthma or high blood pressure.

Research is ongoing regarding the use of Sambucol for the treatment of allergies, cancer, inflammatory disorders and HIV.

Source:-
http://www.activistpost.com/2013/01/elderberry-extract-natures-tamiflu.html