What is American Elderberry Juice?

American elderberry juice is made from the berries of Sambucus canadensis, a plant native to North America. It is rich in anthocyanins and other antioxidants, which may support immune health, reduce inflammation, and protect brain function.

Can American Elderberry Juice help with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?

Preliminary research suggests that American elderberry juice may improve visuospatial cognitive flexibility and reduce certain inflammation markers in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment. However, larger and longer-term studies are needed to confirm these benefits.

How much elderberry juice was used in the study?

Participants in the study consumed 5 mL (about a teaspoon) of 100% pure American elderberry juice, three times per day, for six months.

What are the anti-inflammatory effects of American Elderberry Juice?

The study found that American elderberry juice lowered levels of several inflammation-related proteins, such as vasorin, PCYOX1, and complement factor D, which may help protect brain and cardiovascular health.

Is American Elderberry Juice safe to drink daily?

In the study, American elderberry juice was well tolerated with no adverse effects reported. However, uncooked elderberries should be avoided because they contain compounds that can be toxic if consumed raw.

Overview Of American Elderberry Juice And Cognitive Support

This is a review of a recent study regarding elderberry juice, and its possible support for cognitive function. Please see references below.

Introduction to Elderberry

Elderberry, known scientifically as Sambucus, is a flowering plant that has long held a place in folk medicine, especially during the cold and flu season. For centuries, the elderberry plant has been valued for its health benefits, with people using its berries and flowers to make elderberry syrup, elderberry wine, teas, and a variety of supplements. The secret to elderberry’s reputation lies in its rich supply of bioactive components, particularly anthocyanins, which give the berries their deep purple color and provide powerful anti-inflammatory effects. As a functional food, elderberry offers a range of nutrients, including vitamin C, dietary fiber, and potent antioxidants. These nutrients work together to support immune health, reduce inflammation, and provide a natural boost during times of illness. Whether enjoyed as a food, supplement, or traditional remedy, elderberry continues to be a staple in the “medicine chest” of natural health enthusiasts.

Nutritional Profile of Elderberry

A single cup of fresh elderberries packs a nutritional punch, delivering about 106 calories, 26.7 grams of carbohydrates, and less than 1 gram each of fat and protein. These berries are especially rich in vitamin C, which supports immune function, and dietary fiber, which aids digestion and overall health. Elderberries are also loaded with antioxidants, including phenolic acids, flavonols, and anthocyanins, all of which help protect the body from oxidative stress. The exact nutrient content can vary depending on the variety and growing conditions, but elderberry products like elderberry syrup and elderberry wine consistently offer these health-promoting compounds. Many recipes use raw honey as a natural sweetener, adding even more nutritional value. Whether consumed as fresh berries, syrup, or wine, elderberry products are a flavorful way to support your immune system and overall well-being.

European Elderberry Comparison

The European elderberry, or Sambucus nigra, is one of the most widely used varieties in both traditional medicine and modern food products. Compared to other varieties, such as the American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), the European elderberry stands out for its higher anthocyanin content, which is linked to stronger anti-inflammatory effects. This makes European elderberry syrup and elderberry wine especially popular during the cold and flu season, as people seek natural ways to support their health. In addition to its medicinal uses, European elderberry is prized as a natural colorant in foods, thanks to its vibrant hue. Its versatility and potent health benefits have made Sambucus nigra a favorite in kitchens and medicine cabinets across the globe, especially when compared to other elderberry varieties.

1. Why the Study Happened

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a stage between normal aging and more serious memory problems like Alzheimer’s disease. People with MCI may forget things more often, struggle with planning, or have trouble solving problems, but they can still live their daily lives normally.

About 10–15% of people with MCI develop dementia each year, so finding ways to slow down this process is a big deal.

One possible helper? Elderberry juice. Elderberries are packed with polyphenols (especially anthocyanins, the pigments that make them dark purple) and vitamins. These compounds can fight inflammation and oxidative stress—two things that can hurt brain cells and speed up cognitive decline.

Animal and human studies with other berries (like blueberries and grapes) have shown improvements in memory, problem-solving, and even mood. However, evidence for elderberry’s cognitive benefits in humans is still limited or preliminary. But no one had done a proper, placebo-controlled trial in people with MCI using pure American elderberry juice.

2. What the Researchers Wanted to Know

The researchers had three main goals:

Feasibility – Could people with MCI stick to drinking elderberry juice three times a day for 6 months? Would they tolerate the elderberry juice treatment well without big side effects?
Cognitive effects – Would the elderberry juice treatment help thinking skills more than the placebo treatment?
Inflammation – Would the elderberry juice treatment lower levels of certain blood proteins linked to inflammation compared to the placebo treatment?

3. Who Took Part

Number of participants: 24 people with MCI
Average age: About 76 years old
Gender: Mix of men and women
Race: All were White/Caucasian (a limitation of the study)
Recruitment: From two memory clinics in Columbia, Missouri

Inclusion criteria:

Over 50 years old
Officially diagnosed with MCI
Mini-Mental State Exam score of at least 24/30
No allergies to elderberry
No medical conditions that would prevent participation

Exclusion criteria:

Allergic to honeysuckle
Diabetes
Bleeding disorders
Pregnancy
Certain neurological or psychiatric disorders

4. How the Study Was Designed

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Randomized: Participants were randomly assigned to elderberry juice or placebo
Double-blind: Neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was getting which drink
Placebo-controlled: The control group got a flavored drink without nutrients

Dosage: Participants were instructed to consume 5 mL (about a teaspoon) of juice, three times a day, for 6 months
Elderberry juice source: 100% pure American elderberry juice (River Hills Harvest, Missouri), stabilized with citric acid, containing 15.9 mg of anthocyanin per serving
Placebo drink: Flavored liquid without nutritional content

Assessments:

Cognitive tests: Global thinking ability, memory, language, visual-spatial skills, problem-solving, and mental flexibility
Blood tests (for a subset of 12 participants): Measured inflammation-related proteins like vasorin, prenylcysteine oxidase 1 (PCYOX1), and complement factor D

Testing times: Baseline (start), 3 months, and 6 months

5. Feasibility Results

Drop-out rates: Very low

Elderberry group: 18% left the study
Placebo group: 15% left the study

Conclusion: Elderberry juice was easy for people to take and caused very few problems. No adverse effects were reported in the elderberry group.

6. What They Found About Thinking Skills

Most thinking skills didn’t improve much compared to placebo, but one notable trend stood out:

Visuospatial cognitive flexibility improved faster in the elderberry group.
This effect was moderate but didn’t quite reach full statistical significance.

Possible reason: Anthocyanins may reduce oxidative stress in the frontal and parietal lobes—brain areas tied to visual problem-solving.

7. What They Found About Anti Inflammatory Effects

Elderberry group:

Several markers went down: Vasorin, PCYOX1, Factor D
Only one marker went up: Alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M)

Placebo group:

Some markers went up: LDHB, Factor D
Only one marker went down: LDHA

Conclusion: Elderberry juice may help lower chronic, low-grade inflammation.

8. Possible Explanations

Anthocyanins cross the blood–brain barrier, reducing harmful oxidative stress.
Berry compounds can improve blood vessel function, supporting brain activity.
Lower inflammation may protect neurons and brain networks.
Elderberry juice may also positively influence the gut microbiome, promoting beneficial changes in gut bacteria that support improved metabolic and cognitive health.

9. Clinical Implications

Elderberry juice could be a safe, non-invasive supplement, widely available and intended for human consumption, to help slow cognitive decline, especially in problem-solving skills, and reduce inflammation that might contribute to Alzheimer’s progression. This suggests a potential health benefit of elderberry juice for both cognitive and inflammatory health.

10. Limitations of the Study

Small sample size
Short duration (6 months)
All participants were White/Caucasian
No self-reported cognitive measures
Other factors like diet and medications not controlled
The study was conducted in collaboration with Floyd College.

11. Takeaways

It’s doable: High compliance and low drop-out

Small but real hints of benefit in certain skills and inflammation
Not a cure-all
More research needed

Elderberry and Overall Well-being

Elderberry’s health benefits extend far beyond immune support. Research shows that elderberry can lead to a significant reduction in inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are linked to chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The bioactive components in elderberry, especially anthocyanins, have demonstrated protective effects on human health, including improved glucose tolerance and enhanced fat oxidation. In various studies, participants consumed elderberry products such as elderberry syrup to boost immune function and promote overall well-being. However, it’s important to avoid eating uncooked berries, as they contain cyanogenic glycosides that can be harmful in large amounts. As interest in elderberry’s benefits grows, further studies are needed to determine the full extent of its positive effects on health. For now, elderberry remains a promising addition to a healthy diet, offering a natural way to support the body’s defenses and overall vitality.

12. Conclusion

This was the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of American elderberry juice in MCI. It’s safe, easy to take, and shows possible benefits for brain flexibility and inflammation control, but larger and longer studies are needed.

References

Curtis, A., Musich, M., Costa, A., Gonzales, J., Gonzales, H., Ferguson, B., Kille, B., Thomas, A., Wei, X., Liu, P., Greenlief, C., Shenker, J., & Beversdorf, D. (2024). [Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of American Elderberry Juice for Improving](Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of American Elderberry Juice for Improving Cognition and Inflammation in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment)

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and β-Amyloid Accumulation in Older Adults (JAMA Neurol)

Role of Polyphenol-Rich Functional Foods in Nutritional Research (Food Sci Nutrition)

Cerebrovascular Reactivity as a Marker for Alzheimer Risk (Int J Geri Psychiatry)

Advanced Brain Imaging Techniques in Cognitive Research (Hum Brain Mapp)

Anthocyanins and Antioxidant Activity in Functional Nutrition (Mol Nutr Food Res)

Nursing Strategies and Outcomes in Geriatric Studies (Res Nurs Health)

Landmark Study of Aging & Memory (1970s) (J Neurochem)

Visual Memory Construction Test (Task in Cognitive Assessment) (Neuropsychologia)

Blueberry Extract Effects on Cognitive Decline in MCI (Memory)

Anthocyanins Improve Executive Function in Older Adults (J Am Geriatr Soc)

Fruit Juice Intake Linked to Alzheimer’s Risk Reduction (J Nutr)

Berry Antioxidants and Cardiovascular Health (Lancet Neurol)