Used for thousands of years to treat fevers, heal burns, minimize pain, boost immunity, and so much more, elderberry is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world. Today, people often take elderberry to help treat cold and flu symptoms, but what other benefits does this ancient holistic ingredient provide?
Discover the benefits elderberry extract offers for daily wellness support and learn more about this potent antioxidant powerhouse.
What Is Elderberry Extract?
There are roughly 30 types of elder trees and plant species around the world. And while elderberry refers to several different varieties of the Sambucus tree, most think of the dark purple European elderberry (Sambucus nigra) when discussing the fruit’s healing benefits.
Extracted from European elderberries, elderberry extract boasts a plethora of antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients that can help boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, and support healthy heart function.
Antioxidant Support
Rich in antioxidants—elderberries contain four times the amount of antioxidants of blueberries—elderberry extract helps to fight off oxidative stress and free radicals that can potentially lead to chronic diseases.
In comparing antioxidant potency, one study found that in analogizing 15 varieties of berries, elderberry stood above the rest as one of the most effective antioxidants. And they do so quickly. Another study found that individual’s antioxidant status improved in just an hour after drinking a glass of elderberry juice.
Immunity Booster
In addition to its antioxidant effects, elderberry extract also contains high levels of vitamin C and has been shown to help reduce the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms.
The immunity-boosting effects of elderberry also offer a preventative measure against viruses and illness. One study focused on the cold duration and symptoms in air travelers and found that in participants that took 300 mg of elderberry extract three times per day, those that got sick experienced a shorter duration and reduced severity of symptoms.
Heart Healthy
While more research is needed, many believe that elderberries provide heart-healthy benefits like reducing cholesterol, improving blood sugar, and lowering uric acid levels in the blood, which are commonly associated with hypertension and advanced vascular changes.
Additionally, many studies have researched elderberry extract benefits on oxidative stress, blood pressure, and increased glutathione activity, all of which exert beneficial effects on the heart.
Additional Elderberry Extract Benefits
In addition to their antioxidant effects, immune-boosting abilities, and heart-healthy potential, elderberries offer more to your diet than just a delicious taste. While further scientific evidence is needed, elderberries are also often associated with cancer-inhibiting properties, fighting harmful bacteria like H. pylori, which can lead to serious stomach issues, and potential antidepressant effects.
Find elderberry extract in our comprehensive GSH+ formula along with other beneficial vitamins and nutrients that help your body recycle antioxidants and modulate inflammation.
