Studies show that the microbiome in the intestine can be positively influenced with elderberry
Elderberry can also be used to treat constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.
Those contained in the elder ingredients According to new scientific findings, they can also have a positive effect on the health of the stomach and intestines. “The effect probably occurs via the so-called intestinal microbiome. This includes all microorganisms living in the intestine, such as bacteria, of which there are both types that are harmful to health and types that are beneficial to health. The latter are responsible for ensuring that the intestines can fulfill their tasks and also contribute to maintaining the optimal function of the immune system,” says naturopath and elderberry expert Cornelia Titzmann, describing the connections.
Elderberry can have a positive effect on the intestinal microbiome
One longitudinal study shows that the microbiome in the intestine can be positively influenced by elderberry extract.[1] The so-called anthocyanins in particular seem to contribute to this. These substances belong to the secondary plant substances and slow down the growth of bacteria that are unfavorable for the intestines. Other ingredients develop an anti-inflammatory effect after absorption in the intestine and thus promote intestinal health.[2]
But elderberry extract can do even more: An international research group found out in an animal study that elderberry improves the function of certain bacteria that are important for intestinal health and the immune system.[3]
Elderberry for constipation and irritable bowel syndrome
elderberries also contain lots of antioxidants and fiber. They can help treat constipation and promote regular bowel movements.[4] Even with irritable bowel syndrome, taking elderberry extract, for example in the form of extracts in capsule form, can alleviate the symptoms, as field reports show. So far, there have been hardly any scientific studies on the possible effects of elderberry on irritable bowel syndrome. However, there are interesting indirect indications of a possible effectiveness: Elderberry contains the antibacterial pectin and many polyphenols that have a positive effect on irritable bowel syndrome.[5, 6]
(1) Reider, SJ. et al. (2021): Influencing the intestinal microbiome by an extract of the black elderberry – results of the ELDERGUT study. Z Gastroenterol 2021; 59(08): pp. e343-e344.
(2) Anna Olejnik, Katarzyna Kowalska, Mariola Olkowicz, Joanna Rychlik, Wojciech Juzwa, Kamila Myszka, Radosaw Dembczyński, Wojciech Biaas (2015): Anti-inflammatory effects of gastrointestinal digested Sambucus nigra L. fruit extract analyzed in co-cultured intestinal epithelial cells and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. In: Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 19, Part A.
[3] Frøkir, H., Henningsen, L. et. Al (2012): Astragalus root and elderberry fruit extracts enhance the IFN- stimulatory effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus in murine-derived dendritic cells. In: PLoS One. 2012;7(10):e47878. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0047878. Epub 2012 Oct 30. PMID: 23118903; PMCID: PMC3484152.
[4] Picon, PD., Picon, RV. et.al. (2010): Randomized clinical trial of a phytotherapic compound containing Pimpinella anisum, Foeniculum vulgare, Sambucus nigra, and Cassia augustifolia for chronic constipation. In: BMC Complement Altern Med. 2010 Apr 30;10:17. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-10-17. PMID: 20433751; PMCID: PMC2874511.
[5] Hagan, M., Hayee, BH., Rodriguez-Mateos, A. (2021): (Poly)phenols in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Review. In: Molecules. 2021 Mar 25;26(7):1843. doi: 10.3390/molecules26071843. PMID: 33805938; PMCID: PMC8036772.
[6] Xu, L., Yu, W., et.al. (2015): Efficacy of pectin in the treatment of diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome]. In: Zhonghua Wei Chang Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2015 Mar;18(3):267-71. Chinese. PMID: 25809332.
Are you looking for serious information about the elderberry as a medicinal plant and immune stimulant? Then you are right with us! We at Holunderkraft.de have created this information platform together with our expert, alternative practitioner and lecturer Cornelia Titzmann. It is intended to bring black elderberry back into focus as a proven natural remedy. We provide you with high-quality, scientifically verified information about the elder, its history in folk medicine and its modern application in phytotherapy.
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Cornelia Titzmann
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