Elderberry (Sambucus Nigra)

Sambucus nigra, Elderberry

Elderberry, also known as Sambucus nigra, is great for colds and may help invoke sweating and diuresis. It helps induce sweat and relieves joint and muscle pain during fevers. There are small studies to support antiviral properties, immune modulation and antioxidant properties.

Studies involving patients with influenza have shown a reduction in symptoms when taking Elderberry. The studies reported Elderberry shortens the duration of flu symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, sore throat, cough and body aches. These studies concluded that further larger studies are needed to confirm the results.

In addition, in vitro studies (not humans) have proven Elderberry to be effective against numerous strains of influenza. It is thought that the constituents help neutralize the activity of the hemagglutin. Hemagglutin is found on the surface of the virus and by neutralizing the activity of hemagglutin the virus becomes inactive and is unable to infect cells.

Elderberry can be used during active flu (optimally combined with Oregano Oil or Echinacea Goldenseal), or used as a preventative to avoid getting sick during the flu season.

Elderberry has a high concentration of anthocyanins. These are purple pigments (also what gives Elderberry its color) serve as antioxidants and enhance immune function (by immune modulation) stimulating the innate immune system and boosting the production of cytokines. Cytokines are proteins that regulate the immune response. Elderberry is also rich in flavonoids, quercetin (thought to be a natural antihistamine) and vitamin A and C.  It can be taken daily to help strengthen a person’s immune system. Stronger immune systems have a better chance of fighting infections.

Elderberry may also offer cardiovascular protection. This is thought to be due to its oxidative properties and reducing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. LDL is bad cholesterol and is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. By helping to reduce LDL it may benefit people with high cholesterol. In addition, it has the ability to potentially improve endothelial cells to help with vascular function.  Studies have been very small and larger studies are needed to warrant the effect on LDL and the cardiovascular system.

At Rancho Pharmacy we carry Elderberry, both for adults and kids! Stop by today to get your bottle of Elderberry!

References:

1.  V. Barak, T. Halperin, I. Kalickman. The effect of Sambucol, a black elderberry-based natural product, on the production of human cytokines: I. Inflammatory cytokines. European Cytokine Network. 2001;12(2):290-6 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11399518Accessed on March 23, 2020

2. http://www.altmedrev.com/archive/publications/10/1/51.pdf. Accessed on March 23, 2020

3. Zakay-Rones Z, Varsano N, Zlotnik M, et al. 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. J Altern Complement Med. 1995;1(4):361–369. doi:10 Access on March 23, 2020


Vitamin D

Vitamin D AND the Immune System  

COVID-19 is increasingly on people’s minds and many are focusing on how to keep their immune systems strong. There is a link between vitamin D and strong immune systems. Vitamin D can regulate the innate and adaptive immune responses. When vitamin D is deficient there is a link to autoimmune disease and an increased susceptibility to infection.  Cod liver oil, which has a high content of vitamin D, is often used in tuberculosis treatment. A report that included almost 19,000 patients from the years of 1988 to 1994, showed patients reporting low levels of vitamin D (<30 ng/ml) also self-reported recent upper respiratory infections. Although recent studies have not shown consistent results, most likely due to methodological concerns, there is one well-designed study in school aged children that demonstrated that vitamin D administration decreased the flu (influenza) by 42%.

 What is vitamin D and what role does it play?

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that helps support healthy bones through calcium absorption, promoting bone mineralization, and providing immune and cardiovascular support. It also plays a role in muscle function and the brain function and emotional health.

Which vitamin D supplement is best? How much vitamin D?

There are two major types of vitamin D, vitamin D3 and vitamin D2. Humans produce vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, in their skin when exposed to sunlight. The only other source of vitamin D3 is found in animals. Vitamin D2 is sourced from plant foods and is known as ergocalciferol.

Calcidol, also known as 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, is a pre-hormone made directly from cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). This occurs in the liver by the enzyme 25-hydroxylase CYP27A1. This pre-hormone is not active; however, it is the major form of vitamin D that circulates in the bloodstream. Vitamin D blood tests typically measure the concentration of this pre-hormone. The activated form is known as calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3). The enzyme 1-alpha-hydroxlation CYP27B1, converts the pre-hormone (calcidiol) in the kidneys to the active form, calcitriol. This is the most potent steroid hormone in the body. (Yes Vitamin D is a hormone, and technically calling it a vitamin is a misnomer).

Most studies show that vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is more effective than vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) at raising blood levels of calcifedol.  The recommended daily dose is 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day. Always check with your provider before supplementing.

What about when we age, what happens to our vitamin D?

Studies have found as people age; they lose the amount of vitamin D they are able to produce from the sun. This may be a result of the loss of enzymes needed to synthesize the vitamin. Research has found that low levels of vitamin D may be linked to poor cognitive performances in seniors. In addition, if a person receives an adequate amount of vitamin D it may significantly lower levels of inflammation and physiologic stress, factors that may slow down aging.   

What do my lab levels mean and what is normal?

Typically blood tests measure the levels of the inactive pre-hormone, Calcidol (25-hydroxyvitamin D3). Although this hormone is not active it is the most reliable measurement of an individual’s vitamin D level. Lab level numbers will vary from lab to lab and providers may differ in what they believe is normal or low.  However, most experts recommend having a level between 20 ng/ml to 40 ng/ml, and many will also push for levels between 30 ng/ml to 40 ng/ml. In general levels below 10 ng/ml are considered deficient. If you have your lab levels drawn for vitamin D you will want to work closely with your provider to determine if your levels are low.

References: 

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406/. Accessed on March 20, 2020
  2. Urashima M, et al. Randomized trial of vitamin D supplementation to prevent seasonal influenza A in schoolchildren. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010; 91(5):1255–60. [PubMed: 20219962] Accessed on March 20, 2020

Oil of Oregano

Oil of oregano is a plant that belongs to the mint family. Two major extracts contained in oil of oregano are carvacrol and thymol. Carvacrol is a phenol antioxidant and thymol is a plant (also thought to be an antioxidant) that may have properties to help against toxins and fungal infections. Antioxidants help reduce oxidation and free radicals that can cause damage to cells.

The correlation of SIBO and Oil of Oregano

A small study involved a group of patients with a condition called small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) were offered an herbal product or antibiotics. Oil of oregano was one of the several herbals involved in the study. The researchers concluded that the herbals utilized were as effective as antibiotics. However, these results were only positive for a handful of patients (17 patients within the study) and therefore much larger studies are needed before concluding that oil of oregano is effective for SIBO.

Benefits of Oil of Oregano

Oil of oregano is thought to help ease gastrointestinal illnesses, as well as respiratory illnesses.  Benefits for bacterial infections have been demonstrated in mouse studies, however they have not been replicated in humans. One published study in mice concluded that oil of oregano was beneficial in prevention or treatment of staphylococcus aureus. Another study in mice demonstrated that oil of oregano was effective in destroying bacteria in dysentery (inflammation of the intestines accompanied by bloody diarrhea). Again, these studies were not done in humans and more studies are needed.

Oil of Oregano should be avoided among the following:

  1. People with allergic reaction to plants in the Lamiacea family. This includes basil, mint, rosemary, sage, savory, marjoram, oregano, hyssop, thyme, perilla
  2. Avoid in pregnancy as there is concern of miscarriage
  3. Bleeding disorders as it may increase the risk of bleeding. Discontinue use two weeks before scheduled surgery due to concerns over bleeding risk
  4. Caution with diabetes as blood sugar levels may be increased

Mild side effects may include stomach upset and irritation of the intestinal tract.

Medications may interact with Oil of Oregano including: Antidiabetic drugs (may decrease blood sugar), other herbs that may lower blood sugar (alpha lipoic acid, chromium, psyllium), anticoagulants (avoid with garlic, ginger and gingko).

When taken with copper, iron, or zinc it may decrease it’s absorption.

If you are interested in learning more about Oil of Oregano stop by and talk to our pharmacist. Always talk to your pharmacist and provider prior to supplementing.

 

References:  

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15587409. Accessed on March 24, 2020
  2. https://doi.org/10.1080/15376520590968833. Accessed on March 24, 2020
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4030608/. Accessed on March 24, 2020