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I think this stuff is great. My family has not been real sick from any viruses since we have started taking it whenever we feel something coming on.
Med Watch | Sambucol black elderberry immune system booster
Posted on Tue, Jan. 29, 2008
BY JODI MAILANDER FARRELL
jmailander@MiamiHerald.com
? Product: Sambucol black elderberry immune system booster, syrup or tablets, $13.99-$14.99, at CVS, Walgreens and other drugstores.
? Key ingredient: Black elderberry extract.
? The pitch: A natural way to stimulate the immune system, especially against winter colds and the flu.
? How it works: Some research shows elderberry increases the production of inflammatory cytokines, which may support the immune system.
? Pros: A handful of studies on humans in Israel has shown that elderberry may improve flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, headache, sore throat, cough and aches, in less than half the time it normally takes to get over the flu. Harvard Medical School reports that increased benefits may be seen when elder is used in combination with antibiotics, decongestants or antioxidants, such as vitamin C. A U.S. Food and Drug Administration study found that elderberries rank No. 1 among fruits with high amounts of flavonoids, which some believe have an antioxidant capability to stimulate the body's immune system.
? Cons: The National Institutes of Health reports there is unclear scientific evidence that elderberries prevent or treat flu symptoms. There is no evidence that this can be used to prevent or lessen the length of colds. Avoid elder if you have a known allergy to plants in the honeysuckle family. Elder may possess diuretic or laxative effects and some lab studies suggest it may lower blood sugar levels, so people on laxatives and diabetics should be careful using this. It is not advised for children under 3 and pregnant or nursing women.
? Bottom line: There is no evidence this will prevent the flu, but it wouldn't hurt to take it if you are suffering from the flu in an attempt to lessen its severity. Clear it with your doctor first.
Med Watch | Sambucol black elderberry immune system booster
Posted on Tue, Jan. 29, 2008
BY JODI MAILANDER FARRELL
jmailander@MiamiHerald.com
? Product: Sambucol black elderberry immune system booster, syrup or tablets, $13.99-$14.99, at CVS, Walgreens and other drugstores.
? Key ingredient: Black elderberry extract.
? The pitch: A natural way to stimulate the immune system, especially against winter colds and the flu.
? How it works: Some research shows elderberry increases the production of inflammatory cytokines, which may support the immune system.
? Pros: A handful of studies on humans in Israel has shown that elderberry may improve flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, headache, sore throat, cough and aches, in less than half the time it normally takes to get over the flu. Harvard Medical School reports that increased benefits may be seen when elder is used in combination with antibiotics, decongestants or antioxidants, such as vitamin C. A U.S. Food and Drug Administration study found that elderberries rank No. 1 among fruits with high amounts of flavonoids, which some believe have an antioxidant capability to stimulate the body's immune system.
? Cons: The National Institutes of Health reports there is unclear scientific evidence that elderberries prevent or treat flu symptoms. There is no evidence that this can be used to prevent or lessen the length of colds. Avoid elder if you have a known allergy to plants in the honeysuckle family. Elder may possess diuretic or laxative effects and some lab studies suggest it may lower blood sugar levels, so people on laxatives and diabetics should be careful using this. It is not advised for children under 3 and pregnant or nursing women.
? Bottom line: There is no evidence this will prevent the flu, but it wouldn't hurt to take it if you are suffering from the flu in an attempt to lessen its severity. Clear it with your doctor first.