Elderberry juice shows benefits for weight management, metabolic health in clinical trial

Medical Xpress / Washington State University / Nutrients ^ | Jan. 8, 2025 | Elizabeth Chambers / Christy Teets et al

[ConservativeMind]

Elderberry juice may be a potent tool for weight management and enhancing metabolic health, according to a recent study.

A clinical trial found that drinking 12 ounces of elderberry juice daily for a week causes positive changes in the gut microbiome and improves glucose tolerance and fat oxidation.

Elderberry, a small dark purple berry found on elder trees native to Europe, is commonly used as a medicinal plant and supplement to promote immune function.

The researchers tested the effects of elderberry on metabolic health in a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 18 overweight adults. Participants consumed either elderberry juice or a placebo with similar coloring and taste, while maintaining a standardized diet.

Clinical testing following the intervention showed that participants who consumed elderberry juice had significantly increased amounts of beneficial gut bacteria, including firmicutes and actinobacteria, and decreased amounts of harmful bacteria, such as bacteroidetes. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for nutrient absorption and supports physical and mental health.

In addition to positive microbiota changes, the elderberry intervention resulted in improved metabolism. Results showed that the elderberry juice reduced participants' blood glucose levels by an average of 24%, indicating a significantly improved ability to process sugars following carbohydrate consumption. Results also showed a 9% decrease in insulin levels.

Additionally, results suggested that elderberry juice can enhance the body's ability to burn fat. Participants who received the elderberry juice showed significantly increased fat oxidation, or the breakdown of fatty acids, after a high carbohydrate meal and during exercise.

Other berries contain A person would have to consume four cups of blackberries a day to achieve the same anthocyanin dose contained in 6 ounces of elderberry juice, Solverson said.

[kaktuskid]

And French k-nights in castles will taunt you.

[redangus]

Well poop. I guess I need to add elderberry juice to my menu.

[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

aronia-chokeberry

"Aronia melanocarpa (black chokeberry) has attracted scientific interest due to its deep purple, almost black pigmentation that arises from dense contents of polyphenols, especially anthocyanins. Total polyphenol content is 1752 mg per 100 g in fresh berries, anthocyanin content is 1480 mg per 100 g, and proanthocyanidin concentration is 664 mg per 100 g. These values are among the highest measured in plants to date."

Aronia grows here. It is highly astringent so hard to drink. Note that in the article above they provide a picture of Pokeberry which they mis-identify as Aronia (Chokeberry)