Studies
In one placebo-controlled, double-blind study conducted by virologist Madeleine Mumcuoglu, nine out of 10 people taking elderberry reported significant improvement in symptoms within two days of taking elderberry, compared with the six days it took for the placebo group. (1)
In another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in Norway, researchers gave either a placebo syrup or elderberry syrup to patients who reported having flu-like symptoms for less than 48 hours. Those who received the elderberry syrup saw relief of symptoms four days earlier than the group that received the placebo syrup. (2)
Researchers have also found that people who have consumed elderberries have higher levels of antibodies against the influenza virus, showing that elderberries provide a significant level of support for a healthy immune system. It is as if it has been divinely made for this purpose.
Sources:
(1) Zakay-Rones, Z., Varsano, N., Zlotnik, M., et al. 1995. 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. 1:361–9.
(2) Zakay-Rones Z., et al. 2004. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of Influenza A and B virus infections.” J Int Med Res. 32:132-40.
