Elderberry Eases Inflammation

Previously, studies report that anthocyanins from dietary sources may reduce inflammation and address obesity-related medical complications.  An abundant source of anthocyanins, black elderberry extract was investigated for its potential to affect markers of inflammation.  NJ Farrell, from the University of Connecticut (Connecticut, USA), and colleagues employed a lab animal model of obesity, in which mice were fed a low-fat diet, high-fat diet, or a high fat diet supplemented with either 0.25% or 1.25% black elderberry extract, for 16 weeks. At the end of the study period, animals in the 2 elderberry supplemented groups displayed significantly lower liver weights, serum triglycerides, serum monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 – a marker linked to cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and higher homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) – a measure of insulin resistance, as compared to the animals fed the high-fat diet alone.  The study authors submit that: “These results suggest that [black elderberry extract] may have improved some metabolic disturbances present in this mouse model of obesity.”