Black Elderberry has been traditionally used for its resistance-enhancing properties. It now comes in delicious, natural, and highly-concentrated syrup from Gaia Herbs.

Black Elderberry can be beneficial for sustained use throughout the winter season, as well as at onset to support healthy immune response.**

• Made from Organic European Black Elderberries
• Promotes healthy immune response**
• Appropriate for adults and children
• No high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, preservatives, alcohol or glycerin
• Organic Acerola added for a natural boost of Vitamin C
• Naturally rich in anthocyanins-flavonoids that deliver protective and supportive actions within the body**
• USDA Organic, Vegan, Gluten-free
• Wonderful taste!

European elderberry (Sambucus nigra), has been recognized in Europe for its health-promoting properties for many generations. It is known to contain a range of anthocyanins, flavonoids, and other polyphenolics that contribute to the high antioxidant capacity of its berries.

Elderberry has an extensive history of being used in the early stages of seasonal immune challenges. Elderberry has long been proposed as being immune supportive, and supports the body's natural defense.

The immune maintenance properties of Elderberry were first studied by a virologist who was able to demonstrate that elderberry constituents could neutralize activity of hemagluttinin spikes found on the surface of many viruses. When these spikes became deactivated, the virus was no longer able to pierce and enter the cells walls, which reduced virus cell replication.

The immune modulating effects of Elderberry were further studied and it was determined that this effect occurs by enhanced cytokine production which activates phagocytes and facilitates movement into irritated tissues and ultimately causes an effect which reduces the severity during the onset of symptoms.*

Mechanism Of Action And Chemical Composition:
Research studies show Black Elderberry to have immune modulating and antioxidant properties. Chemical constituents that contribute to these effects include flavonoids such as quercitin and rutin, and anthocyanins identified as cyanidin-3-sambubioside and cyanidin-3-glucoside. Other plant components include hemagglutinin protein Sambucus nigra agglutinin III (SNA-III), cyanogenic glycosides including sambunigrin, viburnic acid, and Vitamins A and C.

Because elderberry is high in flavonoid rich compounds, it exerts antioxidant protection on cells. By providing antioxidant protection, elderberry aids in protecting cells from free radical damage from airborne elements.

A double-blind placebo controlled study has been conducted to examine the effects of dosing Elderberry extract within the first 48 hours of flu-like symptom onset. The study reduced the severity and duration of symptoms. In this double blind study of individuals study participants who took 15 ml (3 teaspoons) of elderberry versus placebo syrup four times a day for 5 days had symptom relief an average of 4 days earlier. Severity of symptoms was reported to be significantly reduced for those taking Elderberry syrup.**

While scientific research demonstrates that Elderberry supports the bodys natural defense against viruses, evidence is not conclusive and warrants further research.