Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by elevated levels of sugars in the blood. It can occur due to lower production of the hormone insulin by the pancreas, due to the reduced response of muscle, fat and liver cells to the hormone, or both. Blurry vision, excessive thirst, fatigue, frequent urination and weight loss are common symptoms, along with complications such as nerve damage, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Apart from diet and exercise, the treatment involves hypoglycemic medications. Elderberry or Sambucus nigra supplements may also benefit diabetes patients.
What is Elderberry?
Elderberry, also known as European Elder or Sambucus nigra, is a small tree native to Europe, Africa and parts of Asia. The flowers and cooked berries of the tree are made into liquid, syrup, tinctures, capsules and lozenges that may benefit individuals with diabetes. The University of Maryland Medical Center warns that elderberry extracts should be given to children only under the supervision of a doctor. The dosage depends upon the concentration of the herb and the condition of the patient. Talk to a doctor to determine a dose that is right for you.
How Does It Help?
Several animal studies, such as the one published in the September 2009 edition of the "Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry," have revealed that the polyphenols present in elderberry extracts help lower the blood sugar and fat levels in diabetic animals. The extracts also possess significant antioxidant activity, and may thereby protect individuals with diabetes from the harmful effects of unstable free radicals that are formed as a result of various metabolic processes in the body. Another study published in the January 2000 edition of "The Journal of Nutrition" stated that water-based extracts of elderberry possess insulin-like activity and may also promote the increased secretion of insulin from the pancreas. Elderberry also helps to manage other conditions associated with diabetes, such as the immune system deficiencies, say researchers of a study published in a 2010 edition of the journal "Annals of the Romanian Society of Cell Biology." A study published in the June 2010 edition of "Phytotherapy Research" also states that chemicals such as naringenin and linoleic acid in elderberry may activate insulin-dependent uptake of glucose and help manage diabetes.
Side Effects
Elderberry extracts are generally safe to use. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, however, warns that uncooked berries of the elder tree are toxic and may lead to nausea, vomiting and severe diarrhea. The supplements may also interfere with certain laxatives and diuretics.
Precautions
The production and distribution of most herbal supplements is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, the FDA. Hence, it is important to ensure the quality of the product before using it. Always use the herb only under the supervision of a doctor and do not replace your existing prescription medications without consulting your health-care provider.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Elderberry
- "Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry"; The Effects of Sambucus nigra Polyphenols on Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Disorders in Experimental Diabetes Mellitus. M.Ciocoiu, et al; September 2009
- "Journal of Nutrition"; The Traditional Plant Treatment, Sambucus nigra (elder), Exhibits Insulin-like and Insulin-releasing Actions In Vitro. A.M. Gray, et al; January 2000
- "Annals of the Roman Society of Cell Biology"; The Effects of the Sambucus nigra Vegetal Extracts on the Immune System Dysfunction in the Diabetes Mellitus; Marinela Groza, et al; 2010
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Identification of Bioactive Compounds from Flowers of Black Elder (Sambucus nigra L.) that Activate the Human Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) γ; B. Kathrine, et al; June 2010
- NCCAM: European Elder (Elderberry)
