Elderberry
An early report of the potential of elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) to influence immune health was cited in a book by Dr Martin Blochwich in 1644 (original Latin text). The text was subsequently translated into English and German in 1655 and reprinted in 1677.
Fast-forward to 2011 and researchers from Justus-Liebig University in Germany reported that a standardized extract of black elderberry inhibited the growth of the bacteria, Branhamella catarrhalis and Streptococcus pyogenes, two strains often found in association with upper respiratory tract infections, by 70%, when used at a concentration of 10% (BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine).
A 2016 paper published in Nutrients (2016, 8(4), 182; doi:10.3390/nu8040182) indicated that supplementation with a standardized elderberry extract may reduce the duration and symptoms of the common cold for air travelers.
Air travel is a challenging and demanding experience and studies have shown that long-distance flights can result in fatigue, immune system impairment, and increased stress, putting passengers at a potential risk of respiratory infections.
Scientists from Griffith University in Australia reported that taking 600–900mg per day of a standardized extract of elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) before, and after travel may shorten the duration of illness if a traveler contracted the cold, and the symptoms were less severe, compared with people in the placebo group of the study. The extract used in the research is produced by the Italian company Iprona AG.
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