Black Elderberry Juice Concentrated Extract
Also known as: Black elderberry, elderberry juice concentrate, elderberry extract, European elderberry, American elderberry, blue elderberry, Sambucus nigra L.
Overview
Black elderberry juice concentrated extract is derived from the fruit of Sambucus nigra, a shrub native to Europe and parts of North America. This extract is rich in bioactive compounds, including anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids, which are responsible for its therapeutic properties. Traditionally, it has been used to alleviate symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), such as the common cold and influenza. Research also indicates its potential for metabolic benefits and antioxidant effects. The extract is characterized by its high anthocyanin content, antiviral and immunomodulatory effects, and its capacity to influence gut microbiota. While research is ongoing, several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses support its efficacy, particularly for respiratory symptom relief, with emerging studies exploring its metabolic and microbiome-modulating properties.
Benefits
Black elderberry juice concentrated extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in the realm of respiratory health. A 2019 meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (n=180) demonstrated that elderberry supplementation significantly reduced the duration and severity of cold and influenza symptoms, indicating a clinically meaningful benefit. This effect is attributed to its antiviral and immunomodulatory properties, as high-quality anthocyanin-enriched extracts have shown direct antiviral activity against respiratory viruses and can modulate immune responses in vitro and in vivo. Beyond respiratory benefits, emerging research suggests secondary effects such as gut microbiota modulation. A one-week intervention with elderberry juice improved fecal microbiota composition and hinted at improvements in glucose tolerance and fat oxidation in a randomized trial, suggesting potential metabolic benefits. Additionally, elderberry extracts possess potent antioxidant properties that may contribute to overall health by reducing oxidative stress. While benefits are primarily documented in adults with viral URTIs, metabolic effects have been observed in healthy adults. Symptom relief typically occurs within days during acute URTI episodes, and metabolic effects were noted after one week of intervention.
How it works
Black elderberry's mechanism of action primarily involves its antiviral and immunomodulatory properties. Its antiviral activity is believed to stem from anthocyanins, which may inhibit viral entry and replication by binding to viral proteins or modulating host cell receptors. This prevents viruses from attaching to and infecting host cells. The extract also exerts immunomodulatory effects by enhancing the production of cytokines and stimulating the activity of immune cells, thereby bolstering the body's defense against viral pathogens. It primarily interacts with the immune and respiratory systems, but also influences gut microbiota and metabolic pathways. The active compounds, such as anthocyanins and phenolics, are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, and while their bioavailability is moderate, their metabolites are thought to exert systemic effects.
Side effects
Black elderberry juice concentrated extract is generally considered safe, with no significant adverse effects consistently reported in clinical trials. Common side effects (occurring in >5% of users) are not consistently observed. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) such as mild gastrointestinal discomfort have been anecdotally reported but lack confirmation in controlled trials. Rare side effects (less than 1%) or serious adverse events have not been documented. Regarding drug interactions, no well-documented interactions exist; however, caution is advised when used concurrently with immunosuppressive drugs due to elderberry's immunomodulatory effects, as it could potentially interfere with their action. Contraindications include hypersensitivity to elderberry or other plants in the Sambucus genus. The safety of elderberry during pregnancy and lactation has not been well established, so it should be used with caution in these special populations. Overall, its safety profile is favorable for short-term use.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of black elderberry extract varies, but typical doses used in studies range from 300 mg to 600 mg of standardized extract daily during acute illness. Optimal dosage ranges, particularly from meta-analyses, correspond to 300-600 mg of anthocyanins per day, though the exact dosage depends on the product's standardization. A maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, but doses up to 600 mg/day appear safe for short-term use. For best results, elderberry should be taken at the earliest onset of respiratory infection symptoms. Concentrated juice extracts or standardized capsules with a known anthocyanin content are preferred forms. Taking the extract with food may enhance absorption, as anthocyanins are sensitive to pH and can degrade. No specific cofactors are required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is elderberry juice extract effective for colds and flu?
Yes, evidence from meta-analyses supports its efficacy in reducing the duration and severity of cold and influenza symptoms, making it a beneficial supplement during acute illness.
Is it safe to take daily?
Short-term use during acute illness is generally considered safe. However, long-term safety data for daily, continuous use are limited, so it's typically recommended for intermittent use.
When should I take it?
For optimal results, it is most effective when started at the very onset of symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as a cold or flu.
Can it prevent infections?
While it helps reduce the severity and duration of symptoms once infected, evidence for its ability to prevent infections is limited. Its primary benefits are therapeutic rather than preventive.
Does it interact with medications?
No major drug interactions are well-documented. However, due to its immunomodulatory effects, it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider if you are taking immunosuppressant medications.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30670267/ – This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (n=180) concluded that elderberry supplementation significantly reduced the duration and severity of upper respiratory symptoms, suggesting a large effect size and supporting its use as an alternative to antibiotics for viral infections. The study highlights its clinical utility for cold and flu relief.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09540105.2021.1978941 – This study, which included both RCT and in vitro components, demonstrated that anthocyanin-enriched elderberry extract exhibits significant antiviral and immunomodulatory effects. These findings provide biological plausibility for elderberry's ability to alleviate symptoms of respiratory infections by directly impacting viral activity and host immune responses.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/20/3555 – This randomized controlled trial, though preliminary and with a short duration (1 week), indicated that elderberry juice intervention improved fecal microbiota composition. It also suggested potential metabolic benefits, such as improved glucose tolerance and fat oxidation, opening new avenues for elderberry research beyond respiratory health.
- https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-food-072023-034423 – This review discusses the broader context of elderberry, including its classification as Sambucus nigra L. and its rich content of anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. It provides foundational information on the plant's characteristics and its traditional and emerging uses, supporting its bioactivity.
- https://www.drugs.com/npp/elderberry.html – This systematic review, which included one elderberry study among 20 RCTs (total 4,521 participants), suggests that flavonoid-containing supplements, including elderberry, are safe and effective in preventing acute respiratory tract infections, noting a reduction in sick days. While broad, it supports the general efficacy and safety of elderberry in respiratory health.
Recommended Articles
Milk Thistle & Liver Health: The Role of Silymarin
Silymarin in milk thistle significantly supports liver health by providing antioxidant properties and therapeutic effects on liver diseases.
Boost Brain Health: Key Ingredients for Aging
Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin E, and curcumin are key ingredients that support cognitive function in aging, alongside the Mediterranean and MIND diets.
Best Ingredients for Kidney Health & Function
Foods high in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and following diets like the DASH and Mediterranean are crucial for kidney health.
Mushroom Supplement Extraction: Enhancing Potency
Extraction is essential to unlock the full potency of certain mushroom supplements like Reishi, Cordyceps, and Lion's Mane.