Elderberry: Natural remedy for colds

Elderberry: Natural remedy for colds

In the midst of the cold season, many are looking for effective remedies to strengthen the immune system and fight the ubiquitous cold viruses. Elderberry, a plant that has been used in folk medicine for centuries, is increasingly becoming the focus of scientific research. The versatile berries of elderberry contain a wealth of bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. This article sheds analytical light on the chemical composition of elderberry and its immune-modulating effects, highlights previous research results on the antiviral properties of elderberry extracts and finally offers well-founded recommendations on the dosage and use of elderberry products. Join us on a scientific journey that summarizes not only the traditional uses but also modern findings on the promising effects of elderberry against colds.

The chemical composition of elderberry and its effects on the immune system

Elderberries contain a number of bioactive compounds known for their health-promoting properties. These compounds include antioxidants such as anthocyanins, flavonoids and vitamin C. These chemical components significantly contribute to strengthening the immune system. Anthocyanins, which give the berries their characteristic dark color, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

• Anthocyane: Schützen Zellen vor freien Radikalen und unterstützen das Immunsystem durch Reduzierung von Entzündungen.
• Flavonoide: Wirken als Antioxidantien und haben antivirale Eigenschaften, die das Immunsystem unterstützen können.
• Vitamin C: Ist essentiell für die allgemeine Immunabwehr und die Förderung der Hautbarrierefunktion als Teil der ersten Verteidigungslinie gegen Krankheitserreger.

A study published in theJournal of Functional Foodsin 2019 shows that elderberry extracts can inhibit the growth of bacteria and viruses, including the influenza virus. This antiviral effect is partly attributed to the flavonoids contained in the berries. Because of their ability to stop virus replication, elderberry products can strengthen the immune system's defense against infectious diseases.

Regarding the immune system, various research shows that elderberry extracts can stimulate the production of cytokines. Cytokines are signaling proteins responsible for communication between cells during the immune response. Balanced production of cytokines is crucial for an effective immune response.

Although existing data is promising, it is important to conduct further research to understand the precise mechanisms by which elderberries and their extracts may support and improve the immune system. Future studies may help further clarify elderberry's potential role as a supplement for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.

Investigation of the antiviral properties of elderberry extracts against cold viruses

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has long been known for its medicinal properties, particularly when it comes to fighting viral diseases such as the common cold. Scientific research has shown that elderberry extracts have antiviral properties that are effective against various cold viruses. These antiviral effects are mainly due to the flavonoids contained in elderberries, including quercetin and anthocyanins, which have a direct antiviral effect against the viruses.

In vitro studies have confirmed that elderberry extracts have the ability to inhibit the replication of human influenza viruses. One of the key elements of this antiviral effect is the inhibition of virus replication. Elderberry extracts intervene in the early phases of the viral replication cycle, limiting the spread of the virus within the host.

Additionally, in vivo studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of elderberry extracts in treating cold and flu-like symptoms in humans. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 2019 showed that patients who received elderberry extract experienced significantly shorter disease duration and milder symptoms than the placebo group.

• Quercetin und Anthocyane: Die Schlüsselkomponenten in Holunder, die antivirale Eigenschaften besitzen.
• Hemmung der Virusreplikation: Ein wichtiger Mechanismus, durch den Holunderextrakte antiviral wirken.
• Klinische Studien: Belegen die Wirksamkeit von Holunderextrakten bei der Behandlung von Grippe- und Erkältungssymptomen.

Despite these promising results, it is important to conduct further research to understand the exact mechanisms by which elderberry extracts exert their antiviral effects. The safety and effectiveness of using elderberry products should also be examined more closely in larger clinical studies.

Recommended dosage and use of elderberry products for the prevention and treatment of colds

When using elderberry products to prevent and treat cold symptoms, the dosage is crucial in order to be able to use the positive effects effectively without risking unwanted side effects. The dosage can vary depending on the form of the elderberry product - be it juice, capsules, tincture or tea.

• Saft: Für Holundersaft wird generell empfohlen, täglich 1 bis 2 Esslöffel (15-30 ml) zur Prävention von Erkältungen einzunehmen. Bei bestehenden Erkältungssymptomen kann die Dosierung auf bis zu 4 Esslöffel (60 ml) pro Tag erhöht werden, aufgeteilt in zwei Dosen.
• Kapseln/Tinkturen: Bei der Verwendung von Holunderkapseln oder -tinkturen sollte die vom Hersteller empfohlene Dosierung beachtet werden, da die Konzentration der Wirkstoffe stark variieren kann. Typischerweise liegt die empfohlene Tagesdosis bei 300 bis 600 mg.
• Tee: Für einen Holunderblütentee empfiehlt sich, 1 bis 2 Teelöffel getrocknete Holunderblüten mit ca. 250 ml heißem Wasser zu übergießen und 10 bis 15 Minuten ziehen zu lassen. Dieser Tee kann 2- bis 3-mal täglich zur Unterstützung des Immunsystems während der Erkältungssaison getrunken werden.

It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all dosage and individual response to elderberry products may vary. In addition, the quality of the elderberry product is crucial to its effectiveness. Products that are made from the whole berry or flower and contain little to no additives are considered more effective.

Before using elderberry products, it is advisable to consult a specialist, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have existing health problems. Excessive consumption of elderberry products can lead to gastrointestinal problems.

When you look at it together, you can clearly see that elderberry is more than just a traditional home remedy for colds. Detailed study of its chemical composition reveals an impressive range of immune system-boosting components, while its antiviral properties specifically against cold viruses provide a scientific basis for its effectiveness. The suggested dosage and use of elderberry products also underline the practical relevance of these findings for the prevention and treatment of colds. However, it is important to encourage further research to understand the precise mechanisms by which elderberry supports the immune system and fights viral diseases. Nevertheless, the current state of research offers a solid basis for recognizing elderberry as a valuable, natural remedy for health care and combating colds.

Sources and further literature

References

• Zakay-Rones, Z., Varsano, N., Zlotnik, M., Manor, O., Regev, L., Schlesinger, M., & Mumcuoglu, M. (1995). Inhibition of Several Strains of Influenza Virus in Vitro and Reduction of Symptoms by an Elderberry Extract (Sambucus nigra L.) during an Outbreak of Influenza B Panama. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 1(4), 361–369.
• Kong, F. (2009). Pilot clinical study on a proprietary elderberry extract: Efficacy in addressing influenza symptoms. Online Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics, 5, 32-43.

Scientific studies

• Porter, R.S., & Bode, R.F. (2017). A Review of the Antiviral Properties of Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.). Phytotherapy Research, 31(9), 1298-1306. Bespricht die antiviralen Eigenschaften von Holunderbeerenextrakten.
• Tiralongo, E., Wee, S.S., & Lea, R.A. (2016). Elderberry Supplementation reduces cold duration and symptoms in air-travellers: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Nutrients, 8(4), 182. Untersucht die Wirkung von Holunderbeeren-Supplementierung auf die Dauer und Symptome von Erkältungen bei Flugreisenden.

Further reading

• Schwartz, L. & Knödler, M. (2018). Heilpflanzen in der naturheilkundlichen Anwendung. Springer. Ein umfassendes Werk über die Anwendung und Wirkung von Heilpflanzen, einschließlich Holunder.
• Barak, V., Halperin, T., & Kalickman, I. (2001). The effect of Sambucol, a black elderberry-based, natural product, on the production of human cytokines: I. Inflammatory cytokines. European Cytokine Network, 12(2), 290-296. Untersucht den Effekt von Sambucol auf die Produktion menschlicher Zytokine.
• Hawkins, J., Baker, C., Cherry, L., & Dunne, E. (2019). Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 42, 361–365. Eine Meta-Analyse über die Wirksamkeit von Schwarzem Holunder bei der Behandlung von oberen Atemwegssymptomen.