Elderberry Fever

A study conducted by Krawitz and colleagues in 2011 where the black elderberry was seen as a beneficial herbal supplement for treating influenza and bacterial infection through the enhancement of cytokine production and T cell activation. Sambucus nigra contains anthocyanins, which is a bioactive compound that responsible for colors such as red, purple, or blue. In addition, it also provides various health benefits. Studies of anthocyanins for animal and in vitro reduced necrotic and apoptotic cell death and lower the infarct risks through anti-inflammatory and relaxant effects on coronary arteries (Krawitz et al., 2011). Krawitz and colleagues (2011) conducted a study to find out if a standardized elderberry liquid extract wo against bacterial
At 48 hour after the infection, the elderberry extract treatment showed a clear reduction for B/Mass foci size in the cell culture and also reduced its spread at concentration that no longer toxic. For type B influenza virus, Krawitz and colleagues were surprised to find that there was an enlargement in foci size, however there was a reduction in focus numbers. Overall, Sambucus nigra liquid extract 3.2% inhibited the growth of influenza A and B viruses and bacteria that infect the upper respiratory tract. The researchers concluded that the Rubini elderberry extract is effective against both bacteria and Influenza types A and B viruses. For our experiment, we will work with Sambucus nigra and T cells. It will be interesting to see the effect of Sambucus nigra on T cells because Sambucus nigra have antiviral and immune boosting properties that combat against viral infections, and the anthocyanins support the immune system by boosting the production of cytokines, which directly linked to T