Study Reveals Elderberry Juice's Potential in Metabolic Health

Elderberry juice may emerge as a powerful ally in weight management and improving metabolic health, according to research led by Washington State University.

The study, detailed in the journal Nutrients, highlights positive shifts in gut microbiota and enhancements in glucose tolerance and fat oxidation among participants consuming 12 ounces of elderberry juice daily over a seven-day period.

Elderberries, distinctive for their deep purple hue and found on European elder trees, are traditionally harnessed for their immune-boosting properties. Despite these established uses, their broader health benefits remain largely unexplored.

"Elderberry is an underappreciated berry, both commercially and nutritionally," stated Patrick Solverson, the study's lead author and an assistant professor at WSU's Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. "Our findings unveil remarkable implications for human health that are just beginning to be acknowledged."

The investigation into elderberry's impact on metabolic wellness involved a meticulously designed, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 18 overweight adults. Participants, adhering to a uniform diet, were administered either elderberry juice or a placebo crafted by North Carolina State University's Food Innovation Lab to mimic elderberry's color and flavor.

Post-intervention clinical assessments revealed that elderberry juice consumers experienced a significant rise in beneficial gut bacteria, such as firmicutes and actinobacteria, coupled with a reduction in bacteroidetes, which are considered harmful. A balanced gut microbiome is integral for optimal nutrient absorption and overall health.

Beyond microbiotic shifts, the study documented metabolic improvements. Elderberry juice lowered blood glucose levels by an impressive average of 24%, showcasing enhanced sugar processing post carbohydrate ingestion. Additionally, there was a 9% reduction in insulin levels among participants.

The juice also stimulated increased fat oxidation—a process vital for breaking down fatty acids—following high-carb meals and during exercise routines.

Researchers have pinpointed anthocyanins, potent plant compounds found in high concentrations within elderberries, as the source of these beneficial outcomes. Known for their anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and antimicrobial properties, anthocyanins are crucial to elderberry's healthful effects.

"Food truly functions as medicine, and scientific research is increasingly corroborating this age-old belief," Solverson noted. "Our research adds pivotal insights into the longstanding folklore around elderberry's multifaceted health advantages."

Although berries like blackberries also contain anthocyanins, their concentrations are substantially lower. Solverson notes that while consuming four cups of blackberries might deliver anthocyanins comparable to 6 ounces of elderberry juice, elderberry remains less popular in the U.S. compared to European regions. Nonetheless, its demand saw a surge amid the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to thrive in the market.