Flu Control

Elderberry, the common name for Sambucus nigra, is a dark purple fruit of the elderberry shrub. Different parts of the Sambucus nigra plant have been used by Native Americans and people from the Mediterranean region, traditionally used as a home remedy against cold and flu symptoms. Due to its high flavonoid and polyphenolics content Sambucus nigra, elderberry fruit has gained attention and popularity for its beneficial properties. Elderberries contain many active chemicals, flavonoids including anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins/flavanols, flavonols, flavanones and flavones which are polyphenolic antioxidants, as well as phenolic acids together protect against oxidative stress. Elderberries also contain various nutrients, vitamins, trace elements and minerals.

Pelargonium sidoides, also known as the black geranium "Umckaloabo", is an herb that has maroon to black and linear to spathulate petals, grows abundantly in South Africa. Pelargonium has been used in indigenous traditional medicine to ease symptoms of common cold and respiratory infections. The antibacterial and antiviral effects are attributes to gallic acids and other phenolic compounds, while the immune activity is due to phenolic compounds and coumarins combined.

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a water-soluble molecule that is not synthesized by the body and is eliminated more quickly than lipo-soluble vitamins. Partially eliminated in the urines, it must be ingested regularly. Even if its mechanism of action is still largely unknown today, it has been demonstrated that it plays the role in regulating and ensuring the proper functioning of the immune system.

Zinc is a trace element that the immune system needs for its functioning. Its concentration in the body tends to decrease with age. Zinc functions as a modulator of the immune response due to its availability, which is regulated by several transporters and regulators. When its mechanism is altered and availability of zinc is reduced, cell survival, proliferation and cellular differentiation is impaired, particularly cells of the immune system. Zinc deficiency affects cells involved in innate and adaptive immunity in terms of survival, proliferation, and maturation.

Preclinical scientific data has shown the efficacy of elderberry against certain bacterial pathogens and influenza viruses.|1|$Krawitz C., et al. (2011). BMC Complement Altern. Med., 11:16.$ 

When investigating the human immune system, researchers use subjective questionnaires to assess intensity and duration of cold and flu symptoms, also known as upper respiratory tract symptoms (URT).

In a meta-analysis (a statistical analysis of several separate but similar studies to test the pooled data) the effectiveness of elderberry extract to relieve flu-like symptoms in particpants to clinical investigations underlined a substantial improvement in total duration and severity of most symptoms (fever, headache, muscle aches, and nasal congestion) compared to placebo (a substance designed to have no therapeutic effect). Although the effect of elderberry supplementation was greater among particpants with viral infections than the common cold, it was still beneficial regardless of the underlying cause.|2|$Hawkins J., et al. (2019). Complement Ther Med, 42, 361-365.$

In another clinical investigation, 312 long-haul economy class air travelers were supplemented with elderberry extract or placebo ten days before taking their flight and throughout the next 4-5 days after arrival. The aim was to determine if the elderberry extract is effective in preventing and addressing respiratory symptoms. Cold duration and symptoms, specifically related to upper respiratory symptoms were assessed via questionnaires at baseline, just before travelling and 4 days after. Although the majority of cold episodes were reported in the placebo group, this result was not significant. The participants taking elderberry extract displayed a considerable reduction of cold duration (2 days less) and severity of symptoms.|3|$Tiralongo E., et al. (2016). Nutrients, 8, 162.$

Pelargonium root extract has been clinically tested in adults and children with upper respiratory tract (URT) infections with acute bronchitis, sinusitis, and common cold. A meta-analysis of several clinical studies on adult participants shows that pelargonium improves the severity and frequency of cough symptoms, attaining relief within 7 days on average.|4|$Wagner L., et al. (2015). Forsch Komplementmed, 22: 359-368.$

1 Krawitz C., et al. (2011). Inhibitory activity of a standardized elderberry liquid extract against clinically-relevant human respiratory bacterial pathogens and influenza A and B viruses. BMC Complement Altern. Med., 11:16.

2 Hawkins J., et al. (2019). Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials. Complement Ther Med, 42, 361-365.

3 Tiralongo E., et al. (2016). Elderberry supplementation reduces cold duration and symptoms in air-travellers: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Nutrients, 8, 162.

4 Wagner L., et al. (2015). Herbal medicine for cough: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Forsch Komplementmed, 22: 359-368.