Why we selected this company:

Gaia Herbs and Professional Solutions strive to produce pure plant medicines of exceptional quality and purity while enriching the ecology of the earth and the health and harmony of the people that use their phyto-medicines.  Gia Herbs’ mission is all about organics and making phyto-medicines with the highest degree of quality and integrity. To this end, Gaia Herbs and Professional Solutions have proudly invested in cultivation of 250 acres of certified organically grown herbs on our own farm in North Carolina. Our efforts in science & research yield unsurpassed quality botanical medicines.

Why we selected this product:

The effect of Sambucol, a black elderberry-based, natural product, on the production of human cytokines: I. Inflammatory cytokines.

Barak V, Halperin T, Kalickman I.

Immunology Laboratory for Tumor Diagnosis, Department of Oncology, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.

Sambucus nigra L. products - Sambucol - are based on a standardized black elderberry extract. They are natural remedies with antiviral properties, especially against different strains of influenza virus. Sambucol was shown to be effective in vitro against 10 strains of influenza virus. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study, Sambucol reduced the duration of flu symptoms to 3-4 days. Convalescent phase serum showed a higher antibody level to influenza virus in the Sambucol group, than in the control group. The present study aimed to assess the effect of Sambucol products on the healthy immune system - namely, its effect on cytokine production. The production of inflammatory cytokines was tested using blood - derived monocytes from 12 healthy human donors. Adherent monocytes were separated from PBL and incubated with different Sambucol preparations i.e., Sambucol Elderberry Extract, Sambucol Black Elderberry Syrup, Sambucol Immune System and Sambucol for Kids. Production of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8) was significantly increased, mostly by the Sambucol Black Elderberry Extract (2-45 fold), as compared to LPS, a known monocyte activator (3.6-10.7 fold). The most striking increase was noted in TNF-alpha production (44.9 fold). We conclude from this study that, in addition to its antiviral properties, Sambucol Elderberry Extract and its formulations activate the healthy immune system by increasing inflammatory cytokine production. Sambucol might therefore be beneficial to the immune system activation and in the inflammatory process in healthy individuals or in patients with various diseases. Sambucol could also have an immunoprotective or immunostimulatory effect when administered to cancer or AIDS patients, in conjunction with chemotherapeutic or other treatments. In view of the increasing popularity of botanical supplements, such studies and investigations in vitro, in vivo and in clinical trials need to be developed.

PMID: 11399518 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Eur Cytokine Netw. 2001 Apr-Jun;12(2):290-6

Benefits for the body:
Promotes a healthy immune response, wellness within the respiratory tract, and healthy mucus membranes.

Interesting facts:
Black elderberries encourage a healthy immune reaction against undesired organisms that induce flu-like symptoms.  Black elderberry’s antioxidant and immune-enhancing properties may specifically have a beneficial effect on the body’s normal response to influenza A and B.  Black elderberry’s antioxidant properties support immune system function by advancing the body’s natural resistance and adaptation to stressful influences that make one more susceptible to suffering from influenza.  In addition to supporting normal defense systems against select viruses, the anthocyanins and other flavonoids found in black elderberries function to protect the body from the damaging effects of free radicals.  Collectively, the actions of these berries serve to promote optimal immune system functions.

Ingredients:
Black Elderberry – certified organic (Sambucus nigra)    400mg

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.  If in doubt consult with a licensed naturopathic physician before use.  Physicians at Genesis Health Systems can be reached at 480.284.8155 and we are happy to consult with you about this product and helping you achieve optimal health.