Elderberry is the dark purple berry of the European or black elder tree, which grows in the warmer parts of Europe, North America, Asia, and Northern Africa. Elderberry has been used in folk medicine to treat colds and flu. Several investigations have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antiproliferative, anti-diabetic, and immunostimulatory effects of elderberries Elderberry extract (EB) is known to contain high levels of anthocyanins which could exert vascular protective effects. The majority of elderberry extracts are derived from fruit, although in a few cases the extracts are derived from flowers. Elderberry extract has also demonstrated beneficial effects related to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancer [23], and diabetes, as well as having anti-inflammatory properties [24] and immune-stimulating, anti-depressive, chemo-preventive, and atheroprotective effects[1-3].
Elderberry Extract (EB) prevented TNF-α induced apoptosis and reactive oxygen species production in HUVECs. Additionally, EB upregulated Akt and eNOS activity, and Nrf2 expression in response to TNF-α, whereas it decreased NOX-4 expression and NF-κB activity. EB prevented the adhesion of monocytes to HUVECs, as well as reduced IL-6 and MCP-1 levels, which was associated with inhibition of VCAM-1 expression. Research demonstrate that EB upregulates key cellular markers of endothelial function and ameliorates markers of Endothelial dysfunction (ED). EB could be used as a potential nutritional aid for preventing atherosclerosis progression[2].
[1] Osman A, et al. "Elderberry Extracts: Characterization of the Polyphenolic Chemical Composition, Quality Consistency, Safety, Adulteration, and Attenuation of Oxidative Stress- and Inflammation-Induced Health Disorders. "Molecules 28(2023): 3148.
[2] Festa J., et al. "Elderberry extract improves molecular markers of endothelial dysfunction linked to atherosclerosis. " Food Science & Nutrition 11(2023): 4047-4059.
[3]Esther, et al. "Major dietary patterns are related to plasma concentrations of markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. " American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2004).
