Sambucol
Sambucol is an elderberry extract that has been studied in Israel for its ability to help fight the flu virus and promote faster recovery from the flu. Elderberry extract is rich in antioxidants and is thought to boost the immune system and enhance overall health. Sambucol has been proven in several studies to effectively shorten the amount of suffering time from the flu as well as to provide other health benefits. Sambucol contains anthocyanins, which are a class of flavonoids that are known to help stimulate the body’s immune response.
Benefits:
Research
One double-blind study performed on a kibbutz in Israel evaluated the effect of Sambucol on 27 patients, including children. The findings were published in the winter 1995 issue of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Scientists treated 27 patients who came down with the flu and were not given a flu vaccination at any point. Some were treated with Sambucol and some were given a placebo. Children were treated with 2 tablespoons of Sambucol and adults were given 4 tablespoons of the elderberry extract. The patients treated with Sambucol recovered from the flu within 3 days while those given the placebo recovered from the virus after 6 days.
Another study performed more recently at the Immunology Laboratory for Tumor Diagnosis, Department of Oncology, Hadassah University Hospital in Jerusalem, Israel evaluated 3 different types of Sambucol on 12 healthy blood donors. The results indicated that Sambucol encouraged the production of inflammatory cytokines, which are immune system mediators. Consequently, it is believed that Sambucol enhances healthy immune system function. It is also believed that Sambucol may help improve immunity in patients suffering from cancer or AIDS.
Side Effects
Sambucol is an all-natural black elderberry extract and has been shown to be safe and effective at helping to prevent and relieve the flu virus and other common viruses.
Dosaging
Sambucol can be taken as a liquid syrup that tastes very good and helps to soothe the throat. For adults, approximately 4 tablespoons daily will cause beneficial results and approximately 2 tablespoons daily for children will help fight the flu faster. You can also take Sambucol lozenges, which also taste good and help to soothe the throat.
