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Elderberry (Sambucus nigra, ssp.
canadensis)* |
Elderberries are a rich source of
antioxidant flavonoids known as oligomeric procyanadins (OPC’s), as
well as calcium, potassium, carotenoids, and anti-viral proteins.
These edible berries can be taken regularly as a part of the diet to
strengthen capillaries, veins, and arteries, as well as connective
tissue and the eyes. Elderberry PCO’s enchance circulation, reduce
inflammation, and are of benefit for preventing and treating
atherosclerosis, degenerative eye and circulatory disease as well as
seasonal allergies. People suffering from oxidative diseases such as
osteo-arthritis, macular degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis, and
cardiovascular disease can benefit from the use of this product. The
proteins found in Elderberry inhibit viruses (especially influenza),
as well as stimulate the immune system. Elderberry is appropriate
for treating colds, influenza, Fifth Disease, laryngitis,
tonsillitis, and viral bronchitis in adults and children. OPC’s
(also known as PCO’s) are profound anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
agents. They inhibit allergic reactions by stabilizing mast cells
and preventing histamine response. They also help to quench reactive
oxygen species (ROS), thus preventing oxidative damage and damaging
inflammatory processes. Elderberry’s antiviral compounds inhibit
viral replication as well as stimulating immune response by
stimulating human cytokine production (TNF-a, IL-6, IL-1b, IL-8) |
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Bibliography: |
Barek, V.,
Halperin, T., Kalickman, I., The Effect of Sambucol, a Black
Elderberry Based Natural Product, on The Production of Human
Cytokines, Eur. Cytokine Netw, 12(2), 2001, 290-6.
Mars, B.,
Elder, Keats Pub., Inc., 1997.
Milbury,
P.E.., Cao, G., Prior, R.L., et al, Bioavailability of Elderberry
Anthocyanins, Mech Ageing Dev. 2002 Apr 30; 123(8):997-1006.
Zakay-Rones, Z., Varsano, N, Zlotnick, M., et al, 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, J Altern Complement Med. 1995
Winter; 1(4):361-9
Miura, T, Chiba, M, Kasai, K, et al. Apple
Procyanidins Induce Tumor-Cell Apoptosis Through Mitochondrial
Pathway Activation of Caspase-3. Carcinogenesis Sept 7, 2007.
Gossé, F,
Guyot, S, Roussi, S, et al. Chemopreventative Properties of Apple
Procyanidins on Human Colon Cancer-Derived Metastatic SW620 Cells
and in a Rat Model of Colon Carcinogenesis. Carcinogenesis 26 (7),
pp 1291-1295, 2005. |