Elderberry: The Medicine Chest of the Common People? Elderberry extract comes from the fruit of the Sambucus nigra or black elder, a species found in Europe, Western Asia, North Africa, and North America. Called “the medicine chest of the common people,” elder flowers, berries, leaves, bark, and roots have all been used for centuries in traditional folk medicines.

Elder fruit contains vitamins A, B, and C; flavonoids; tannins; carotenoids; and amino acids.  Immune Support during Cold/Flu Season The best-documented aspect of elderberry is its antiviral effects. Elderberry has long been used to support a healthy immune system. Two separate studies using an elderberry extract found it helped inhibit influenza when taken during the first 48 hours of symptoms. Participants experienced a significant reduction in the length of symptoms. Further research is needed before a specific health benefit can be established. Loaded with Antioxidants Elderberry also contains several anthocyanin flavonoids known to possess significant antioxidant properties.

Antioxidants like those found in elderberry scavenge free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and boosting the immune system.

Label Information and Ingredients: Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take one or two capsules a day with water or juice.

Supplemental Facts Serving Size: 1 Capsule(s) Ingredients Per Serving % DV Elderberry Extract (Sambucus nigra L.) (fruit) (a dried extract standardized to at least 5% flavones) 100 mg * Total Flavones 5 mg * Elderberry Powder 325 mg * * Daily Value Not Established Notes: Standardized Plus extracts are produced using a mild extraction procedure that enhances the activity of the whole herb while protecting the volatile compounds. The extracts are carefully blended with the whole herb to insure that all of nature's benefits are made available. Other Ingredients: Vegetable Stearate, Water and Gelatin.

Contains No Added: yeast, sugar, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

QUALITY AND POTENCY GUARANTEED Websites for Further Research:

http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/

http://www.webmd.com/diseases_and_conditions/...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allergy

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/antioxidan...

http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/pressrelease...