From: "Gerard 
Subject:  protection against infections - Elderberry
Date: Sunday, February 08, 2009 4:39 AM


  Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

Posted in Botanical Agents 
<http://www.worldhealth.net/list/news/botanical_agents> on Sat December 
31, 2005
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GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

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Every part of the elder tree has a food or medicinal purpose. For 
centuries, the elderberry has been used to treat colds and flu. 
Scientists believe that antioxidant flavonoids found in the elderberry 
fight viral infection. Elderberry is most commonly used to treat the 
runny nose and sore throat of the common cold and to help to reduce the 
fever, muscle pain, and other  symptoms of the flu. Elderberry *induces 
sweating *and *stimulates circulation; *it also has *slight laxative and 
cough-suppressant effects. *The berries are rich in vitamin C, 
flavonoids such  as anthocyanins, substances called tannins, and other 
phyto- (or "plant") nutrients. Certain compounds may help counter the 
effects of some strains of influenza by binding to the virus and 
preventing it from attacking cells. (Recently, scientists who tested a 
standardized extract of the berry found that it caused a complete cure 
or at least a significant improvement in symptoms of the flu within two 
to three days.) The flowers contain flavonoids, an essential oil, 
mucilage, tannins, and other compounds, whose main effects appear to be 
reducing fever and promoting sweating.

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ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:

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An animal study carried out in 1987 reported that elder flowers had 
moderately strong anti-inflammatory properties, however, no further 
research to back this claim has been carried out. Recent research 
carried out at Tufts University has revealed that elderberry contains 
four anthocyanins that work to protect endothelial cells, which line 
artery walls, from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.

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THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:

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Elderberry comes in tinctures, liquid extracts, lozenges, syrups, 
standardized extract capsules, and throat sprays. Follow dosage 
directions on labels.

/MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL: Not established/

/SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:/

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No adverse reactions to elderberry are known to exist. Raw berries are 
edible but may cause nausea and vomiting. Herbal products made from the 
leaves, stems or bark of the elderberry tree should NOT be taken 
internally as they contain the potentially fatal poison cyanide.


