Sambucus ebulus (Elderberry) Fruits Modulate Inflammation and Complement System Activity in Humans

Abstract

Sambucus ebulus (SE) fruits are used for immune stimulation and amelioration of gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions. Currently, there is no scientific evidence of their effects on various aspects of the immune response mechanisms in humans. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory potential of SE fruit infusion intake in healthy humans. Anthocyanin content was determined with UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Fifty-three volunteers enrolled in a 4-week SE infusion intake intervention. Blood count, serum total protein, Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNFα), High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), C3, and C4 levels were measured on automatic analyzers, and Interleukin 8 (IL-8) was measured manually with an ELISA kit. Cyanidin-3-O-galactoside (48.15 mg/g DW), followed by cyaniding-3-sambubioside (43.41 ± 1.07 mg/g DW), were the most abundant anthocyanins in SE samples. A significant decrease in total protein (2.82%), IL-6 (20.15%), TNFα (5.38%), IL-8 (5.50%), C3 (4.16%), and C4 (14.29%) was established in the whole group. Total protein, IL-8, TNFα, and C4 decreased in women (3.11%, 4.76%, 5.09%, and 11.11%), and IL-6 decreased (40.61%) in men. Hb (1.20%) and hematocrit (1.55%) levels decreased in the whole group and in the women group (1.61% and 2.20%). SE fruits exert immune-modulatory activity as revealed by decreased pro-inflammatory status and complement activity markers in healthy volunteers after a 4-week intervention.

Anthocyanins as Immunomodulatory Dietary Supplements: A Nutraceutical Perspective and Micro-/Nano-Strategies for Enhanced Bioavailability

“…Interestingly, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels decreased across the entire group, particularly among women. This indicates that consuming S. ebulus fruits could enhance the functioning of the immune system [65]. Another study investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of a specific fraction of black rice, rich in cyanidin 3-O-glucoside and peonidin 3-O-glucoside.…”

Development and Characterization of a Microemulsion Containing a Cannabidiol Oil and a Hydrophilic Extract from Sambucus ebulus for Topical Administration

“…The anti-inflammatory effects of these extracts have been also compared to those of different drugs like diclofenac [ 37 , 44 ] or sodium salicylate [ 43 ]. Recent studies [ 49 ] show some promising results concerning the effects of the oral administration of S. ebulus fruit extract on the regulation of the pro-inflammatory response, which resulted in a positive effect on the immuno-modulation mechanisms of volunteers.…”