The Sweet ‘Mother Juice’ for Optimal Immune Support, Radiant Skin, and a Happy Gut
Reduce Symptoms by 57.6%, Length of Illness by 51.3% and Protection from Getting Sick in the First Place with Elderberry Extract
The powerful benefits of Sambucus nigra, aka Elderberry, is well-known and have been used for centuries, as early as 400 AD.
Hippocrates, the father of medicine, referred to Elderberries by his nickname ‘medicine chest’ because of all the support they offered.
Elder’s first recorded medicinal use is commonly attributed to Rome. The Romans would consume meat and grain during the winter because fresh produce was not available during the winter months.
This dramatic shift in their diet often left the Romans feeling sluggish. When spring arrived, they feasted on Elderberries and other plants. This nutrient-dense fruit gave their bodies a well-needed recharge.
And that’s where Elderberry works its magic.
As an immunity superhero…
Elderberry Benefits for Common Colds and Flu Symptoms
One of the main benefits of Elderberry (SAMBUCUS NIGRA L.) is its ability to promote optimal immune function.
Further studies on humans support Elderberry’s immune-supporting power.
In the largest randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of Black Elderberries, an Elderberry Extract was tested in 312 healthy men and women in Australia.
The participants were traveling on long-haul economy-class flights. Fatigue, poor immunity, and high stress often plague long-distance travelers. There are also greater risks of developing allergies and attracting viruses that create infections in the upper respiratory tract.
But Elderberry did its thing, and the results showed great potential. The study found that those who took the Elderberry had a 57.6% lower average score in cold symptoms.
Also, the days on which the black elderberry group had symptoms of cold episodes were significantly less (57 vs. 117), or 51.3% less. The outcome also showed the length of cold episodes in those taking extract was 29% or two days shorter. The severity of the symptoms was also 38% lower.
The conclusions were that Elderberry showed great potential in reducing the effects of the common cold.[2]
Some of the Most Recognized Benefits of Elderberry Include:
- A Healthy and Active Immune System
- Ability to Fight Off Colds and Flus
- Strong Antioxidant Activity to Reduce Oxidative Stress
- Support to the Gut and Intestines
- Promotes Collagen for Healthy Skin and Tissue
- Supports Healthy Blood Pressure and optimal Circulation
BLOG: How to Make Elderberry Syrup – Click HERE
Elderberry is Well-Known as One of the Most Efficient and Effective Ways to Help the Body Fight the H1N1 Cold Virus
A Norway study showed Elderberry’s effects on colds and the flu specifically.
Sixty patients (aged 18-54 years) suffering from flu-like symptoms for 48 hours or less were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Patients received 15 ml of elderberry or placebo syrup four times daily for 5 days and recorded their symptoms using a visual analog scale.
At the beginning of the study, no significant differences were observed after day 1… however, on the follow-up days (days 2-10), there was a significant difference in the development of the mean scores.
In the Elderberry group, most mean scores were near ‘pronounced improvement.’ (0=no improvement and 10= pronounced improvement) after just 3-4 days. The placebo group took 7-8 days to reach the same level of ‘pronounced improvement’ average scores. [3]
None of the patients reported any adverse reactions to the medication, and the conclusion was that the Elderberry extract seemed to offer a safe and cost-effective way to support the fighting of influenza (flu virus).
Studies show this is due to the specific flavonoids in the berries. These flavonoids bind to the H1N1-type infection. When these H1N1 virions are bound, they cannot infect the host cells.
The two compounds identified in this process were 5,7,3’,4’-tetra-O-methylquercetin (compound 1) and 5’7-dihydroxy-4-oxo-2-(3,4,5-trihydroxyphenyl)chroma-3-yl-3,4,5-trihydroxycyclohexanecarboxylate (2) as H1N1 bound chemical species.
Both these compounds were synthesized and shown to inhibit H1N1 infection in vitro. [1]
One might ask, ‘but don’t these flu viruses mutate often?’
And the answer is yes. It is true influenza viruses evolve frequently. This phenomenon can render a lot of flu vaccines useless.
But some evidence shows Elderberry is an outlier in this area.
Most studied strains of influenza showed it uses the same mechanism to penetrate the host cells. This means that the Elder mechanism for binding to the virions is still effective regardless of the strain!
So Elderberry might be one of the most efficient and effective immune support methods in this area.
Anthocyanins out the Yin-Yang for an Avalanche of Skin Support
Elderberry gets its inky, deep purple look from its high Anthocyanin content. These flavonoids exhibit strong antioxidant activity.
Anthocyanins are found in many fruits and plants, including blackberries, cherries, chokeberries, and red raspberries, but Elderberry might just have the most anthocyanins of any berry on the planet.
Elderberry contains four times the anthocyanins as other commonly consumed berries.
A study involving the Anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity in various red fruit juice showed Anthocyanin made up 66% of the predominant phenolic components of Elderberry juice. The next highest was 56% in black currant juice. [5]
Elderberry also has an Anthocyanin profile that differs from all other berries. These include cyanidin-3-glycoside, cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside, cyanidin-3-sambubioside, cyanidin-3-sambubioside-5-glucoside.
It’s also rich in flavonoids like isoquercetin and catechins.
Several studies point to anthocyanins as some of the most potent antioxidants.
Antioxidants from Elderberry Scavenge-Free Radicals and Reduce Oxidative Stress
Free radicals are generated during oxidative stress in the cellular system. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the free radical production and the body’s ability to neutralize them.
This is caused by several factors, including rancid vegetable oils (commonly used in fast-food restaurants), cigarettes, chronic stress, environmental toxins, and poor circadian rhythm.
Two common free radicals are reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS).
The most common known ROS signaling is done through the respiratory chain. It involves an electron-transfer reaction pathway, where superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme produces hydrogen peroxide in mitochondrial.
Anthocyanins help stop this mechanism by acting as reducing agents in the electron-transfer pathway. The anti-oxidative compounds can donate electrons to free radicals with unpaired electrons. [4]
But Anthocyanins don’t stop there. They also eliminate free radicals through two other pathways.
The first pathway is the attack of the hydroxyl group (s) of the B-ring of the anthocyanin structure and the second is the attack of an Oxonian ion on the C-ring.
The ability of Anthocyanins to eliminate free radicals via both pathways is the reason they’re some of the strongest antioxidants around.
Our specific version of Elderberry is guaranteed to contain at least 13% Anthocyanins. And some batches may have more.
Anthocyanins also provide collagen support, which promotes optimal-looking skin.
Free radicals cause enzymes to cling to our collagen. Collagen is an abundant protein and serves as the main building block of our body. We lose approximately 1% of collagen per year after the age of 29. Environmental stressors coupled with a poor diet and lifestyle can accelerate this process.
Studies also show that Anthocyanins play an important role in fortifying blood vessel walls. This helps improve blood flow to the tiny blood vessels that keep the eyes healthy and to larger blood vessels that help maintain good circulation throughout the body.
• Promote optimal skin moisture
• Helps with skin sensitivity
• Aid in optimal circulation
• Promote anti-aging effects
• Mitigate damage from the sun
• Support optimal eye health
• Aids collagen and connective tissue
• Support blood vessel walls
• Promote optimal skin structure
• Mucilaginous
• Polysaccharides
• Tannins
• Phenolic acids
• Volatile oil
• Triterpenes
• Potassium
• Phosphorous
• Organic acids (citric and malic) • C and B-complex vitamins
Good Digestive Health Leads to Many other Health Benefits
Elderberry is a monster in terms of promoting good gut bacteria. A good kind of monster.
This is likely because of its flavonoid content.
One area where gut health rings importance is in the brain. A recent study illustrated how the gut microbiota plays a major factor in our mental health. It went as far as to say gut health dictates our mood and even our behavior. [6]
The study went on to mention how diet alterations can have a significant impact on the gut bacterial composition in as little as 24 hours. However, the bacterial composition is quickly restored if the diet change is only temporary. [6]
Supplying your body with good bacteria can provide many benefits. A healthy gut…
• Promotes high energy levels through optimal nutrient absorption for better athletic performance*
• Aids in weight loss through optimal food absorption*
• Support strong metabolism and weight through better digestion*
• Sharpens focus via optimal communication with vagus nerve in the brain*
• Supports optimal memory and cognitive function
• Promotes optimal mood (gut bacteria produce 90 percent of ‘feel good hormone’ serotonin)*
• Supports skin health by reducing bad bacteria*
• Fresher breath by producing healthy bacteria in the gums and teeth*
Circling back, 80% of the immune system is situated in the gut, leaving many researchers to believe the two are interconnected.
The 2017 study provides a strong case for the relationship between flavonoid-rich foods, gut microbes, and optimal immune support.
Desaminotyrosine, or DAT, a compound identified as a metabolite in the gut after consuming key flavonoids present in elderberry, helps protect against damage from influenza.
Some polyphenols have been shown to modulate a healthy balance of friendly/healthy bacteria, and the microflora in the gut metabolize polyphenols into more bioavailable metabolites for optimal immune support. [5]
Cardiovascular Support
Elderberry also supports the cardiovascular system. It does this by increasing blood nitrite concentration.
Nitric oxide promotes…
• Relaxation of smooth muscles
• Healthy blood pressure
• Optimal blood flow
In a human Elderberry study conducted in the United Kingdom, participants ingested 3000 mg of membrane-filtered Elderberry extract dissolved in 300 ml of water.
They took the extract 30 minutes before a treadmill workout at various intensities.
The specific Elderberry extract taken contained 48.9 mg of anthocyanins and 77.7 mg of polyphenols per 300 mg.
Results showed that the Elderberry extract increased blood nitrite concentration by over 70%! [7]
Participants benefits included…
• Healthy heart rate
• Better endurance by reducing oxygen cost of exercise
• Reduced systolic blood pressure
Blood nitrite also…
• Supports a healthy immune system
• Promotes enhanced athletic performance
• Promotes a healthy cardiovascular system
• Promotes anti-aging
• Supports respiratory health
Lost Empire Herbs Elderberry Powder
Lost Empire Herbs Elderberry Powder is a 64:1 extraction ratio grown in Austria. It also contains a minimum Anthocyanin content of 13%.
Our Elderberry is extracted using a Holistic Membrane process. This enriches the anthocyanins and polyphenols, and other micro and macronutrients.
Compared to a standardized ethanol extract, the membrane-enriched compound has…
• 130x more Folate (for optimal digestion)
• 14x more Zinc (immune support)
• 12x more Vitamins (immune support)
• 50x more Calcium (bone formation, muscle contraction)
• 42x more Magnesium (better cellular respiration and oxygen usage)
It sports an intense dark red/brown color and contains 13-18 grams of Anthocyanins per 100 grams.
It also contains 18-35 grams of Polyphenols per 100 grams.
This pure organic Elderberry extract is processed without solvent via physical membrane separation. No GMOs or fillers were added.
Each bag contains 30g of Elderberry Powder.
Recommended Dosage for Elderberry Powder
Since we offer such a high quality and high powder extract, the recommended dose is only 350mg or 1/8th of a teaspoon per day. This is a good maintenance dose, something you can take every day.
It can be consumed straight or mixed in water or smoothies. Be careful of the staining power of this stuff, though!
When acutely sick or exposed, we recommend taking up to five daily doses (equal to 1750mg or 5/8th of a teaspoon total). This is best to spread throughout the day rather than in one lump dose as exposure or symptoms are similarly spread throughout the day.
The research shown earlier had smaller dosages than this. The 57.6% lower average score in cold symptoms was from 900mg per day. While more research needs to be done to prove this, we hypothesize that a larger amount, ideally spread throughout the day, will provide even more benefits.
Continue taking this large dose while exposed or until you get better.
Contraindications
Elderberry supports an optimal immune system. Taking prescription medications may decrease immunity and may lessen their effectiveness.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Lost Empire Herbs