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Sambucus nigra or the black elderberry is a plant native to Europe, Northern Africa and parts of Asia. The flowers and berries have a long history of use in traditional European medicine as well as the berries being used to make wines and cordials.
The black elderberry, due to the dark pigmentation of its fruit, contains high concentrations of the flavonoid group of antioxidants called anthocyanins. It is these natural antioxidants that give the elderberry its purple pigment. This means that the fruit of the black elderberry have powerful antioxidant capabilities. Studies looking at the antioxidant activity of many types of fruits, including the black elderberry have shown that the total antioxidative capacity of the elderberry was higher than that of the blackcurrant, gooseberry, cranberry, blueberry and redcurrant.
Due to the amount of stress that modern society places on our bodies, it may be beneficial to take an antioxidant supplement to help boost the Immune System, particularly at times such as when suffering from a cold or the flu virus.
Dietary supplements containing extracts from the black elderberry have long been used across the world for treating cold and flu symptoms, including aches and pains, coughing and nasal congestion. Supplements are available in many forms including expressed juice, teas, syrup and lozenges.
Flavonoids are powerful, natural antioxidants that are thought to work to protect the body’s cells from the potential damage caused by free radicals. Certain flavonoids – anthocyanins – are found primarily in the pigments of dark blue and deep purple fruits such as the black elderberry. It is these that have a remarkable ability to stimulate the body’s immune system. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the highest concentration of anthocyanins is found in black elderberries – nearly double the amount found in any other fruit. The presence of these anthocyanins, gives black elderberries twice the natural antioxidant capacity of blueberries and significantly more than cranberries.
Sambucol's unique manufacturing process
We harness the natural power of these anthocyanins providing a health supplement suitable for the whole family. Studies have shown that elderberries are unusually rich in the phytochemicals known as flavonoids and among all fruits, elderberries are the most concentrated source of anthocyanins, a class of flavonoids that act as powerful antioxidants to boost the immune system and protect the body’s cells from harm.
These anthocyanins are found in the purple pigment of black elderberries. Research has shown that the anthocyanins in black elderberry can boost the production of cytokines, the proteins that act as messengers within the immune system, and thereby serve to enhance the body’s immune response.
Sambucol products contain extracts of black elderberry. Therefore, Sambucol is a rich source of anthocyanins, which has been shown to help stimulate the body’s immune system.
A Unique Formulation
Elderberries have been used for centuries to cure countless ailments from the flu and fever to colds and colic. The work of a leading scientist brought the health-giving properties of the black elderberry to the modern pharmacy and health food store. Sambucol® is the product of nearly 20 years research, making it the most extensively researched elderberry extract in the world.
Sambucol® was first developed in 1991 and has since gone on to become a supplement that is relied on and trusted by loyal users the world over as a great way to get a daily dose of antioxidants. Sambucol® has been awarded the best new health product and best elderberry product for four consecutive years in the USA
The elderberries that give Sambucol® its unique properties have been carefully sourced to ensure that they are of the highest quality, thus maximising the natural benefits of the berries. The unique formulation and extraction process also preserves and maximises this naturally occurring health benefit.
Sambucol® is produced from whole black elderberries and has the equivalent of up to 1000 black elderberries in every 120ml bottle
Not all black elderberry extracts are the same. Only Sambucol® uses the proprietary elderberry extract that was used in published clinical studies. Other products use a concentrated, standardized elderberry extract that does not have the natural balance of the elderberry extract used in Sambucol. This is a fundamentally different ingredient and so cannot be considered to be equivalent. Only Sambucol uses the proprietary elderberry extract that was used in published clinical studies
Sambucol products use no animal, dairy, gluten, artificial colors or nuts. It uses only potassium sorbate for a preservative and is considered kosher and suitable for use by vegetarians. HBI Ltd has not received any data to suggest that Sambucol products have had an adverse effect on children’s behavior. Follow the recommended dosage on the product packaging.
There is no evidence to suggest whether Sambucol should be taken before or after food. Given that Sambucol is extracted from the berries of the black elder, some people may find it preferable to take after food.
No interactions between black elderberry and other medications were identified from the published worldwide literature. As with all medical conditions, the patient should check with a healthcare professional before using any other supplements or medications.
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