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 Modern medicine and research provide us with a series of important indications about, for instance, the reduction of the risk of stroke, the fight against free radicals, the improvement of night vision through a more rapid regeneration of visual purple, retinopathy, vessel-reinforcing properties in angiopathy, arteriosclerosis, venous insufficiency, anti-tumorigenic properties etc. Scientific research also evidences the effects and action of elderberry-anthocyanins in the following areas:
 1. Antioxidant effects
The antioxidant power of polyphenols and anthocyanins is scientifically proven and exceeds even that of the traditional Vitamins C and E:
"The antioxidant activity of most flavonoids (flavone, flavonone and isoflavone derivatives and anthocyanins)
is much stronger than that of Vitamins E and C, Beta-Carotene, GSH and Uric Acid"
Dr. Ronald Prior, USDA Human Nutrition Research Center of Aging
In his studies, Dr. Prior has used our products too. The activity against the aggressive oxygen compounds produced by our body - the so-called free radicals - was clearly detectable. For measurements, ORAC units (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) were used and the method was developed by USDA. Study contents: a USA citizen intakes approximately 1700 Orac units through a balanced nutrition. Yet, since nutritional habits are such that fruits and vegetables are not eaten 3-5 times a day, the daily intake is probably only 1200 Orac units approximately. USDA suggests to add about 2500 Orac units, for example by adjusting one's nutrition or using food supplements. A consumption of approx. 4000 Orac units or more increases considerably and measurably the body's natural defences. The study has also pointed to a significant correlation between antioxidant activity and total intake of anthocyanins.
2. Vessel protection
Anthocyanins improve the resistance of micro-vessel walls and simultaneously reduce their permeability. This property is important also for the treatment of diabetic angiopathy. Anthocyanins are active against arterial diseases such as arteriosclerosis, coronaritis and vein disorders, which are accompanied by capillary fragility.
3. Cardiovascular protection
Based on the variety of scientific works which have clearly indicated the benefits of bioflavonoids to the cardiac muscle, a 2-year study has now been launched in the USA in co-operation with various partners and the US health authorities: this study specifically includes our elderberry product, RUBINI.
4. Antidiabetic effects
Anthocyanins act on cell walls and directly influence the inner membrane, where they can help in removing glucoproteins deposited on blood vessel walls. This normalises permeability, increases the membranes' resistance and - as a consequence - gradually makes the typical vessel injuries in diabetic angiopathy regress (Pedretti, 1983).
5. Anti-inflammatory effects
According to one theory, the real cause of heart attack is a short-term inflammation of the pertaining vessels. It derives from the fact that - along with the known risk factors (obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol level, lack of exercise, etc.) - a significant number of people not considered at risk nevertheless get a heart attack. Research is still in progress but according to the latest findings, there is a strong correlation with the total anthocyanin content.
6. Antiviral properties
On the occasion of the 7th German congress on AIDS, a study was presented in which a fruit juice rich in polyphenols was successfully used to improve the immunocompetence of HIV-infected people (Deutsche Ärztezeitung, 16.6.2000). A pilot study in the framework of research on elderberry has now shown significant effects against herpes viruses. Studies conducted in Israel evidence the action of elderberry against various influenza viruses.
7. Improvement of night vision
Anthocyanins accelerate the regeneration of rhodopsin, the light-sensitive chromoprotein, which splits into retinal and opsin under the influence of light. Their re-establishment occurs in the dark. A faster "passage" from light to dark, and as a consequence a better vision, is possible. Previous studies focussed mainly on bilberries. More recently, studies on anthocyanins from blackcurrants were published which complete the picture and tell us about the positive influence of anthocyanins on our eyes.
8. Prevention of inflammations of the urinary tract
In the last years, studies were published based on cranberries (for instance Avorn J, et al: Reduction of Bacteriuria and Pyuria after Ingestion of Cranberry Juice, J.Americ.Medic.Ass., March 9, 1994, Vol 271). We know from popular medicine that elderberry juice too was used against urinary tract problems. We can therefore assume that similar results could be achieved in studies on elderberries. At the moment, though, there is no knowledge of research being carried out in that direction.
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