Used as an herbal remedy throughout America, Europe, North Africa and Western Asia for centuries, elderberries continue to be favored for their antioxidant and medicinal properties. Flavonoids---quercetin among them---are believed to be the reason elderberry flowers and berries, in particular, prove so beneficial. Elderberry is sold in tablet form as well as by tincture, capsule and extract, and it is contained in products such as Sinupret.
Lowering Cholesterol
Studies at University of Graz in Austria showed elderberry extract has the ability to reduce oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. As a result, taking elderberry is thought to reduce the disk of cardiovascular disease.
Immune Function
Research at the Bundesforschungsanstalt Center in Karlsruhe, Germany, indicated elderberry---which contains anthocyanins---improves immune function by boosting cytokine production. It's believed the proteins then regulate immune response and defend the body against illness. As a result, elderberry often is used to boost the immune systems of patients with certain diseases, such as HIV and cancer.
Cold and Flu
The "Handbook of Medicinal Herbs" from CRC Press recommends using elderberries to treat colds, nasal and chest congestion and even hay fever. Because elderberry contains sambucus nigra agglutinins, it may prevent certain types of flu from infecting healthy cells. Elderberry also may help improve conditions like bacterial and viral infections and upper respiratory infections as well as tonsillitis.
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