Elderberry Compounds May Boost Heart, Skin

The compound which gives elderberries their color — anthocyanin — could give a natural boost to the heart and skin, say British researchers.

Researchers at the University of East Anglia and at the Institute of Food Research, both in Norwich, England, are conducting a 12-week trial in post-menopausal women who will consume either extracts from elderberries or placebo capsules. The study participants will have their skin’s structure and appearance measured. In addition, researchers will also test whether the elderberry extract can reduce risk factors for heart disease.

We already know that a healthy diet can help protect against heart disease and skin damage, and that a mixture of similar food components have been shown to improve the skin’s structure, Dr. Peter Curtis, of University of East Anglia, said in a statement. There is also evidence that the active components have anti-inflammatory properties, which may be important in helping people stay healthy.

The generally healthy volunteers will take four capsules each day and will be asked to avoid eating anthocyanin rich foods — red, blue and purple berries; red and purple grapes; red wine — and limit the intake of some other foods which may affect the results of the study.