What are Flavonoids?

Flavonoids are found in most plants, they are the colour giving substance and play a role in protecting plants from insects and microbes. At the same time Flavonoids have a low toxicity and can be ingested by animals and humans in large amounts without being harmful.

There are many different types of Flavanoids, their colour reaches from yellow and green to red and dark purples. Well known Flavonoids include those from Red Wine, Green Tea, Onions, Citrus Fruit and Cocoa. In recent years the medical research and significance for Flavonoids from dark berries like Bilberries, Black Currant and Elderberries has also increased. These dark purple Flavonoides are called Anthocyanins.

Like Vitamins and Minerals Flavonoids increase the body’s defence reaction in regards to intruders from outside like viruses and bacteria, but they also show to increase anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer responses, as well as anti-allergic properties.

Anthocyanins have been well researched for their beneficial role for the cardio vascular system. They are also a strong anti-oxidant and protect the body from the attack through free radicals by modifying these harmful and very reactive substances into more agreeable products before they harm the cells. They work in synergy with Vitamins like C and E and are valued also by the cosmetics industry as they protect the skin from ageing.

Anthocyanins are contained in dark berries in various concentrations. Depending on the berry variety they display various modes of action. Bilberry for example is known for it’s circulation increasing effect.

Elderberries have been used through the centuries for the treatment of colds and flues. Recent medical research shows that the Anthocyanins contained in Elderberry have a virostatic and anti-bacterial effect. This makes Anthocyanins from Elderberry specially interesting for the treatment of colds.

In the beginning of an infection, Elderberry can stop the viruses from multiplying too fast. This means that the immune system of the body can overcome the infection before symptoms become severe.

In the later stages of a cold Anthocyanins from Elderberry can stop the development of a cold from a viral state into a bacterial superinfection, for examples resulting in bronchitis or lung infections.

In summary, Anthocyanins from Elderberry can prevent or ease cold symptoms.