German researchers reported that a concentrated liquid extract of black elderberries (Sambucus nigra L.), commercially available as Rubini Elderberry Extract 3.2% from Artemis International, inhibited the growth of influenza A and B viruses and bacteria associated with upper respiratory tract infections, according to results published in the journal, BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine in February.

Antibacterial activity of the extract was demonstrated in liquid-cultured strains of pathogenic bacteria often found in association with upper respiratory tract infections. Depending on the concentration, the extract inhibited their growth by 70% to more than 99%.

Studies on the antiviral activity of the extract were conducted and results showed that a low concentration of extract that would be safe to normal cells, significantly inhibited the growth of a highly contagious avian type A influenza virus and slower mutating type B influenza virus. Further tests showed cells pre-exposed to the extract had diminished levels of virus production of about 30% and 25% for type A and B influenza virus, respectively. These results suggest that the extract inhibits cell factors which allow the viruses to propagate. For further information: www.artemis-international.com