For thousands of years, elderberries have been praised for its ability to improve health in people. Traditional the alkaline fruit has been used for medicinal benefits throughout North America, Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. Elderberries are a purple berry that is both rich in color and nutrition. These berries contain very high amounts of the antioxidant anthocyanin, which give them their dark color and their ability to protect cells from toxic substances that cause several diseases.
A 2000 study published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine reported that elderberry anthocyanins protect the inner layer of blood vessels from oxidative stress. The inner membrane of the blood vessels are called the endothelium. Scientists have shown in the study that the epithelial cells absorb anthocyanins into their membrane, gives them a very strong protection from inflammatory stressors. Ultimately, elderberry anthocyanins improves circulation and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke because of this effect.
Scientists have also concluded that anthocyanins in elderberries help to protect and support the cells in the immune system.
A study conducted in Germany linked anthocyanins with boosting immune coordination. The researchers showed that the anthocyanins, found in elderberries, supported the production of immune cytokines. The cytokines are very important in the immune system because they signal the cells and help to regulate the immune response to invasions. This helps the body to defend against diseases.
