Inhibition of Several Strains of Influenza Virus in Vitro and Reduction of Symptoms by an Elderberry Extract (Sambucus nigra L.) during an Outbreak of Influenza B Panama

Abstract

A standardized elderberry extract, Sambucol (SAM), reduced hemagglutination and inhibited replication of human influenza viruses type A/Shangdong 9/93 (H3N2), A/Beijing 32/92 (H3N2), A/Texas 36/91 (H1N1), A/Singapore 6/86 (H1N1), type B/Panama 45/90, B/Yamagata 16/88, B/Ann Arbor 1/86, and of animal strains from Northern European swine and turkeys, A/Sw/Ger 2/81, A/Tur/Ger 3/91, and A/Sw/Ger 8533/91 in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. A placebo-controlled, double blind study was carried out on a group of individuals living in an agricultural community (kibbutz) during an outbreak of influenza B/Panama in 1993. Fever, feeling of improvement, and complete cure were recorded during 6 days. Sera obtained in the acute and convalescent phases were tested for the presence of antibodies to influenza A, B, respiratory syncytial, and adenoviruses. Convalescent phase serologies showed higher mean and mean geometric hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers to influenza B in the group treated with SAM than in the control group. A significant improvement of the symptoms, including fever, was seen in 93.3% of the cases in the SAM-treated group within 2 days, whereas in the control group 91.7% of the patients showed an improvement within 6 days (p < 0.001). A complete cure was achieved within 2 to 3 days in nearly 90% of the SAM-treated group and within at least 6 days in the placebo group (p < 0.001). No satisfactory medication to cure influenza type A and B is available. Considering the efficacy of the extract in vitro on all strains of influenza virus tested, the clinical results, its low cost, and absence of side-effects, this preparation could offer a possibility for safe treatment for influenza A and B.

Anti-Influenza Virus Effects of Elderberry Juice and Its Fractions

“…Judging from the pharmacological and clinical effects of elderberry reported by Vlachojyannis et al, 3) almost all the effects of elderberry warrant further investigation. Several in vitro studies on the anti-IFV activity of elderberry have found the inhibition of both haemagglutination 4) and viral proliferation, 24) and prevention of the adhesion of the virus to the host cell receptors. 14) In addition, elderberry has been reported to stimulate the immune system by enhancing the production of cytokines by monocytes.…”

“…The elderberry has been traditionally used in the treatment of influenza, common cold infections, diabetes, and other ailments. [1][2][3] Although several clinical trials have shown that such symptoms as fever and sneezing derived from influenza were rapidly recovered from by treating with elderberry juice or its concentrated syrup, 4,5) its main components and the mechanism for its anti-IFV action have been not fully understood. Elderberry is known to be rich in phenolic compounds, including phenolic acid, flavonoids, catechins, and proanthocyanidins.…”

Sambucus nigra Extracts Inhibit Infectious Bronchitis Virus at an Early Point during Replication

“…Additionally, N. sativa compound extracts, especially its saponins, alkaloids, and flavonols, show similarities with known antiviral chemicals [38][39][40]. Finally, S. nigra extract has successfully inhibited influenza A and B viruses in vitro and in vivo [41]. S. nigra extracts are also characterized by a high content of antiviral flavonoid anthocyanins [42].…”

Polyphenolic content, antiradical activity, stability and microbiological quality of elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) extracts

“…malic, citric, shikimic, fumaric, malonic, valeric acids), sugars, pectins and vitamins C and B (Dawidowicz et al, 2006;Veberic et al, 2009). Elderberries have antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and pro-immunological properties (Zakay-Rones et al, 1995;Netzel et al, 2005). Fresh fruits are rarely consumed and they are most commonly processed into syrups and jams.…”