Sambucus nigra, L. (European black elderberry) is a plant in the family Adoxaceae, native to much of Europe. The most important group of bioactive compounds present in high concentrations in black elderberry are polyphenols and anthocyanins.

They are also known as anti-oxidants or “radical scavengers”. Thanks to their properties, elderflowers have been utilized in folk medicine for centuries for their diaphoretic, antipyretic, and diuretic qualities. The antibacterial and antiviral properties of elderberries have also been the subject of scientific studies since the 1980s. In addition, elderberries appear to have positive effects on cholesterol levels. Corresponding clinical examinations provide strong indications.

The immune-modulating properties of black elderberry have been demonstrated in human clinical studies and have established Sambucus nigra as an effective, natural, over-the-counter alternative to antibiotics and antiviral medications for the treatment of upper respiratory tract diseases.

In NutriStella Elderberry we paid attention to the highest quality and effectiveness. The ElderCraft® European elderberry extract (Sambucus nigra L.) is obtained from the best Austrian organic berries of the Haschberg variety. The beneficial, natural effects of this special berry have been proven in numerous clinical studies.

The quality and innovation of this product were appreciated by the industry jury of the Nutra Ingredients Awards, which nominated NutriStella Elderberry (DE Holunder) as one of the top 3 products in the Immunity Support category in 2023.

The Nutra Ingredients Awards industry jury recognized and celebrated the quality and innovation of NutriStella Holunder (Elderberry), nominating it as one of the top three products in the Immunity Support category for 2023. Additionally, it earned a spot among the four finalists for Best Food Supplement at the Global Beauty and Wellness Awards 2023, selected by a distinguished professional jury from submissions worldwide.

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The potentially health-promoting properties of the bioactive compounds contained in elderberry – especially the polyphenols and anthocyanins – have been scientifically investigated.

The polyphenols contained in black elderberry include flavonoids such as proanthocyanidins, chlorogenic acid and flavonols such as rutin, quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin.

Black elderberries are renowned for their high anthocyanin content, primarily cyanidins, which impart the berries’ dark color.

Anthocyanins are produced by the fruit in response to stress factors such as UV radiation, drought or cold. The berry thereby protects itself from DNA damage that could prevent proper protein synthesis and cell division. Black elderberries are one of the three fruits with the highest anthocyanin content – ​​1374 mg/100 g.

Including anthocyanin-rich foods in a balanced diet is crucial. Recent research has extensively explored their role in disease prevention and treatment.

Previous evidence suggests that anthocyanins may have a positive impact on blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Human clinical studies have shown that black elderberry can reduce the duration and severity of symptoms of bacterial and viral infections such as colds and flu.

How does this work?

Three possible mechanisms of action are currently proposed, likely operating concurrently:

  1. Flavonoids bind directly to the spikes of viruses, preventing them from entering host cells to replicate. This effectively prevents, or at least slows, the development of an infection.
  2. Anthocyanins decrease the activity of the virus-promoting enzyme neuraminidase, thereby suppressing virus replication.
  3. Plant polysaccharides – water-soluble fiber contained in ElderCraft® Black Elderberry Extract – stimulate the activity of the body’s own macrophages, which play an important role in the body’s defense system.

Further study results:

Current clinical studies with ElderCraft® Black Elderberry Extract suggest that its composition, including flavonoids, anthocyanins, and polysaccharides, contributes to suppressing pathogenic bacteria while promoting the proliferation of probiotics in the intestine.

In addition, ElderCraft® ensures a permanently increased concentration of Akkermansia muciniphila (a bacterium that is important for an intact immune system in the intestine) and therefore has an immune-modulatory effect.

Researchers at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg recently demonstrated the potent antiviral effect of ElderCraft® against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro.Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) is a powerful antioxidant and therefore also an effective iron chelator. The analysis of 10 elderberry varieties showed that the iron chelating power of the “Haschberg extract” was the highest, which was mainly due to the cyanidin-3-glucoside. It is even higher than other known standard iron chelators.

For individuals seeking to strengthen their immune system with an effective, natural active ingredient with proven efficacy demonstrated both by longstanding traditional use and scientific studies.

This is especially beneficial for individuals with weakened immune systems due to factors such as sedentary indoor work, stress, etc., or for those frequently exposed to crowded environments, including school, public transportation, office settings, airplanes, and more.

RECOMMENDED CONSUMPTION: Adults should take 5 sprays per day, either under the tongue or on the inner cheek. Before the first use, press the pump 2-3 times until the contents appear. Remember to shake before each use and rinse the nozzle with water if congested.

The bioavailability of the polyphenols in black elderberry is significantly higher when administered through the oral mucosa rather than being digested in the gastrointestinal tract. The most common anthocyanin in Sambucus Nigra L., cyanidin, is absorbed 20 times more effectively through the mouth than through the intestines.

Important: Due to its potent antioxidant properties, NutriStella Elderberry may inhibit the absorption of iron and, therefore, should not be taken simultaneously.

Due to the high anthocyanin content, NutriStella Elderberry may temporarily stain teeth, similar to blackberries. The discoloration disappears with regular oral hygiene.

INGREDIENTS: Elderberry extract (Sambucus nigra L.), natural menthol and lemon flavourings, potassium sorbate (preservative), steviol glycosides (sweetener), citric acid (acidity regulator), Lactose, gluten and GMO free.

Tooth friendly formula (sugar-free)

Each daily dose of 1080 mg (5 sprays) ElderCraft® European Elderberry Extract (Sambucus nigra L.) contains: 40 mg of anthocyanins and 66 mg of polyphenols, DER (Drug Extract Ratio) – 16:1. The extract content in the final product is 95%.

The potential health benefits of supplementation depend not only on the quality of the ingredients but also on the dose, making a significant difference. According to the ElderCraft® manufacturer, the recommended minimum daily dose for adults is 30 mg Anthocyanins or 36 mg Polyphenols.

ElderCraft® is a registered trademark, exclusively licensed to IPRONA AG/SPA.

ElderCraft® European Black Elderberry Extract is made of one single component Sambucus Nigra L. and obtained through IPRONA Polyphenol Technology (IPT). IPT is an entirely mechanical, solvent-free separation and enrichment ultra-filtration process. Specially designed membranes with varying pore sizes are used in this process to separate pressed fruit juice into two streams based on molecule sizes. Larger molecules, including polyphenols and anthocyanins, are concentrated in one direction, while smaller molecules such as sugars and mineral salts are directed in another. This methodology allows for enrichment without resorting to the use of solvents. The entire fruit matrix of the berry is retained in the extract, resulting in an authentic, high-quality product.

The extract is a combination of advanced production technology, compliant with all the most stringent quality standards with natural, locally sourced, best quality ingredients backed by scientific research in vitro and in vivo. No chemical additives and solvents such as methanol, butanol or ethanol are used.

NutriStella Holunder is also free from artificial sweeteners and glucose-fructose sirup.

IMMUNITY BOOST – A natural plant extract from elderberry delivering a potent blend of polyphenols and anthocyanins. NutriStella Elderberry (Holunder) was nominated as one of the top three finalists for the NutraIngredients Product of the Year Award in the Immune Support category.

PREMIUM QUALITY – ElderCraft European Elderberry Extract is made from the best Austrian organic berries of the Haschberg variety. The variety has been the subject of numerous clinical studies proving its beneficial natural effect on the immune system.

EXCELLENT ABSORPTION – This supplement is absorbed through the oral mucosa, allowing the active ingredients to swiftly enter the bloodstream without being compromised by the digestive system. This ensures a significantly higher absorption of the active ingredients compared to conventional dosage forms like capsules or syrups. The bottle with Air-Free technology protects the product from microbes, spoilage, and extends its shelf life, providing 30 daily servings.

IMPROVES HEALTH – When taken regularly, NutriStella Elderberry contributes to the smooth functioning of the immune system, especially during periods of weakened immunity and in fluctuating temperatures. Elderberry also naturally aids in weight control.

EASY TO USE AND WITHOUT EXCESSIVE ADDITIVES – Convenient and easy to use, requiring no swallowing; it’s portable and suitable for air travel. Elderberry NutriStella is free from gluten, soy, sugar, glucose syrup, fillers, artificial colors, or flavors. The refreshing taste is achieved through natural mint and lemon flavoring. This product is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

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THOUGHTFULLY DEVELOPED

HOW IT WORKS?

In-vitro tests with flu viruses have demonstrated that components present in black elderberry block viral hemagglutination, the mechanism by which flu viruses attach to blood cells. Interestingly, elderberry extracts exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of a type A flu virus in mammalian cells. Two flavonoids were identified to bind to the virus surface: one, a derivative of dihydromyricetin, and the other, a derivative of quercetin. According to the study authors, the molecular mode of action could involve flavonoids binding directly to the virus particles, preventing their entry into host cells for replication, thereby effectively hindering an infection. The effective concentration required to inhibit virus replication was comparable to that of Tamiflu®, a commonly prescribed drug for treating influenza.

Neuraminidase is an enzyme located on the surface of influenza viruses that enables viruses to be released from their host cell soon after successful replication. During this final stage of virus replication, the release from the host cell needs a cleavage of a sugar bond. Neuraminidases cleave this bond between the virus and host cell, effectively releasing the virus particle into the bloodstream. An Australian research group working with elderberry extracts and viral neuraminidases discovered Cyanidin-3-sambubioside (C3samb) — a major anthocyanin in European black elderberries — can bind to and inhibit the activity of the enzyme neuraminidase of the pandemic type A influenza. The anthocyanin C3samb reduces the activity of viral neuraminidase by binding to its active center and effectively blocking its ability to cleave the sugar bond between the virus and the host cel. This mode of action is effective in suppressing viral replication in-vitro. A common antiviral drug, oseltamivir, has a similar mode of action and is commonly used in the treatment of influenza.

Herbal polysaccharides are a type of water-soluble dietary fiber known to stimulate complementfixing and macrophage activity. Polysaccharides are part of the high molecular weight fraction of botanical extracts and consist of long chains of sugar molecules. The immunostimulatory activity of black elderberry has recently been characterized in a mouse study. The research showed high molecular fractions from elderberry support the mammalian immune system, thereby helping the organism in the fight against viral infections. Mice were infected with a human type A flu virus and fed with a dried elderberry powder. The results showed significantly enhanced local and systemic immune responses. Influenza virus-specific immunoglobulins A and G — antibody-producing proteins that bind to and immobilize pathogens — increased significantly. Virus-neutralizing antibodies also increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner, with mice dosed with elderberry having up to 1.8 times higher concentrations of the antibodies than those in the water-treated control. In an attempt to identify the bioactive components, the researchers fractionated the extract and found that a high molecular weight sub-fraction rich in polysaccharides showed the most overall activity. Interestingly, elderberry had a similar effect as the prescription drug Tamiflu® in reducing the viral yields in lung fluids.

THE SCIENCE THE SCIENCE

Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Intercontinental air travel can be stressful, especially for respiratory health. Elderberries have been used traditionally, and in some observational and clinical studies, as supportive agents against the common cold and influenza...

Anti-influenza activity of elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

Anti-influenza activity of elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

Elderberry extract is effective in treatment of flu...

Short- and Long-Term Effects of a Prebiotic Intervention with Polyphenols Extracted from European Black Elderberry—Sustained Expansion of Akkermansia spp.

Short- and Long-Term Effects of a Prebiotic Intervention with Polyphenols Extracted from European Black Elderberry—Sustained Expansion of Akkermansia spp.

Background: The intestinal microbiome has emerged as a central factor in human physiology and its alteration has been associated with disease...

FAQ

Unripe, uncooked Elderberry yes. ElderCraft® no. Gastric sympthomes i.e. nausea

and vomiting are presumably connected with with sambunigrin, a glycoside yielding hydrogen cyanide.

In ElderCraft®, the content was found to be less than the limit of detection. Alternatively, reports of gastric symptoms, including diarrhea and cramps are thought to be due to plant proteins known as lectins or toxalbumins (similarily to those in beans). Cooking or pasteurisation is neutralising those two substances. ElderCraft® technology allows to eliminate the gastric risks connected with lectins and albumines.

Unlike most of the sirupes NutriStella Holunder can be used until the expiry date. Air-free bottle protects the product from quick degradation and allows long-time use.

Yes. In NutriStella Holunder there is no sugar, no glucosesirup and no dextrose. Therefore also people watching their blood sugar levels and weight can use it.

Yes. Spraying the oral mucosa is pretty straigt forward plus you do not have to obstain from meals before and after application. If you travel you can easily take it with you.

The clinical trial on air travellers indicated that passengers who received 300 mg of the ElderCraft® European Black Elderberry

Extract for 10 days before the and 4 days after the flight had

significant benefits to upper respiratory tract health, as compared to placebo group.

People in the elderberry group suffered 51.3% fewer days with cold symptoms and reported a 57.6% lower symptom severity score, on average.

Yes, temporarily, similar to wild blueberries. A potent dosage of anthocyanins results in discoloration. With normal oral hygiene, there is no risk of staining. On the other hand, polyphenols present in the elderberry extract help to suppress bacteria and viruses in the mouth.
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