Brief Introduction

Synonyms---Black Elder, Jie Gu Mu (Chinese)

Cyanidin (Aparticular type of Anthocyanidin)

Chemical Name: 2-(3, 4-Dihydroxyphenyl) chromenylium-3, 5, 7-triol

Molecular Formula:  C₁₅H₁₁O₆⁺

Mol. Wt.:287.24

Molecular Structure:

Anthocyanidins include (as known already) the followings:

Note: Not to be confused with Anthocyanins, which are glycosides of Anthocyanidins.

Anthocyanidinsare common plant pigments. They are the sugar-free counterparts of anthocyanins based on the flavylium ion or 2-phenylchromenylium (chromenylium is referred also to as benzopyrylium). They form a large group of polymethine dye. In particular anthocyanidins are salt derivatives of the 2-phenylchromenylium cation, also known as flavylium cation. The phenyl group at the 2-position can carry different substituents. The counterion of the flavylium cation is mostly chloride. With this positive charge, the anthocyanidins differ from other flavonoids. And 3-Deoxyanthocyanidins are a class of anthocyanidins lacking a hydroxyl group on carbon 3.

Anthocyanidinsare natural organic compounds. They are pigments found in many redberries including but not limited to grapes, bilberry, blackberry, blueberry, cherry, cranberry, elderberry, hawthorn, loganberry, acai berry and raspberry. They can also be found in other fruits such as apples and plums. They are also found in red cabbage. They have characteristic color, though this can change with pH, red ph < 3, violet at pH 7-8, blue at pH > 11. The highest concentrations of Anthocyanidins are found in the skin of the fruit.

Elderberry,Sambucusnigra is a genus of between 5 and 30 species of shrubs or small trees in the moschatel family, Adoxaceae. The genus is native in temperate-to-subtropical regions of both the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. The leaves are pinnate with 5–9 leaflets (rarely 3 or 11). Each leaf is 5–30 cm (2.0–12 in) long, and the leaflets have serrated margins. They bear large clusters of small white or cream-coloured flowers in late spring; these are followed by clusters of small black, blue-black, or red berries (rarely yellow or white).

The leaves, twigs, branches, seeds and roots of elderberry tree contain a cyanide producing glycoside. Ingesting any of these parts in sufficient quantity can cause a toxic build up of cyanide in the body. In addition, the unripened berry, flowers and "umbels" contain a toxic alkaloid. The active alkaloids in elderberry plants are hydrocyanic acid and sambucine. Both alkaloids will cause nausea so care should be observed with this plant.In addition, "herbal teas" made with elderberry leaves should be treated with high caution. However, ripe berries (pulp and skin) are safe to eat, but only the blue or purple berries of elderberry are edible, the red berries of other species are toxic and should not be gathered.

Elderberries are quite edible. The blue or purple berries are gathered and made into elderberry wine, jam, syrup, and pies. The entire flower cluster can be dipped in batter and fried while petals can be eaten raw or made into a fragrant and tasty tea. The flowers add an aromatic flavor and lightness to pancakes or fritters.

Edible berries and flower are used for medicine and folk medicine. All parts of the elderberry plant are considered to be a valuable healing plant in many folk medicine traditions.

Elderberry flowers contain flavenoids and rutin, which are known to improve immune function, particularly in combination with vitamin “C.” Elderberries are high in Vitamin C. The flowers also contain tannins, which account for its traditional use to reduce bleeding, diarrhea, and congestion.

The flowers are the mildest part of the plant and prepared as a tea, are used to break dry fevers and stimulate perspiration, aid headache, indigestion, twitching eyes, dropsy, rheumatism, appendix inflammation, bladder or kidney infections, colds, influenza, consumption (bleeding in lungs), and is helpful to newborn babies. Used as a wash, the flowers or leaves are good for wounds, sprains, and bruises, as well as for sores on domestic animals. The leaves, which are stronger, have a slightly laxative property. Applied externally, leaves, flowers, bark and twigs are excellent as a poultice, mixed equally with chamomile, for soreness, inflammations, joint stiffness, and to reduce the swelling of bee stings. The flowers and berries, employed as a diuretic, can aid arthritis and rheumatism. Steeped in water, the flowers are used externally to aid in complexion beauty, tone and soften the skin, and lighten freckles or spots. The berry juice made into salve aids burns and scalds. The juice taken internally will act as a purgative.

In a placebo-controlled, double-blind study, elderberry was shown to be effective for treating Influenza B. People using the elderberry extract recovered much faster than those only on a placebo. The study was published in the Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine.A small study published in 2004 showed that 93% of flu patients given extract were completely symptom-free within two days; those taking a placebo recovered in about six days. This current study shows that, indeed, it works for type A flu, reports lead researcher Erling Thom, with the University of Oslo in Norway. Elderberry extract could be an "efficient and safe treatment" for flu symptoms in otherwise healthy people and for those with compromised immune systems, such as the elderly.

It's likely that antioxidants called flavonoids—which are contained in the extract—stimulate the immune system. Also, other compounds in elderberry, called anthocyanins, have an anti-inflammatory effect; this could explain the effect on aches, pains, and fever.

The Elderberry (Berry) Extract and the Elderberry Leaf and Flower Extract used in dietary supplements are separately derived from the fruits and leaves and flowers of elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.).

Benefits

•  Antioxidant Effect

•  Radical-Scavenging Effect

•  Stimulate Immune System

•  Anti-cancer

•  Cardiovascular Protection

•  Anti-inflammatory Effect

•  Wound Healing Effect

•  Relieving Pain

•  Relieving Fever

Mechanism

Referring to the information above.

Safety

Elderberry Extract is safe.

Dosage

•  The typical dose is 300-900mg per day (usually in 2-3 doses throughout the day).
•  Consult physicians for different condition specifics.

GNI’s Elderberry Extract Features and Benefits:

Elderberry is one of GNI's most competitive products, with many advantages as list in the following, produced as our patent-pending process and know-how technology from Sambucus nigra L.fruit (berry).

•  Produced with pure water only

•  High purity: over 25%

•  NO solvent - residual free

•  Pesticide-free

•  Dark Red in appearance

•  High solubility in water

•  High anti-bacteria, and longer shelf life

Product Specifications:

1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 25% Anthocyanidins UV (Berry)

5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% Flavonoids UV (Leaf and Flower)