Organic elderberry extracts are now available, also in a version with a higher concentration of anthocyanins

Organic elderberry extracts are now available, also in a version with a higher concentration of anthocyanins

Our partner Nektium is launching an organic version of its elderberry extract as consumer demand for natural ingredients with antiviral properties continues to rise. The botanicals specialist is also releasing a more concentrated version of the product, with min. 10% anthocyanins by HPLC.

Demand for elderberry has been growing since the start of the pandemic, with consumers increasingly seeking natural ingredients that have a positive immune effect. Elderberries contain a high concentration of active ingredients, including phenolic compounds such as anthocyanins, which have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and ease flu-like symptoms (a).

To meet demand for more concentrated extracts, Nektium is now adding a new grade of its elderberry line, containing 10% anthocyanins. The 10% variant will join the existing 6% grade in the company’s portfolio, which will now also be available in organic form for the first time. Nektium’s elderberry portfolio comprises ingredients made from Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra), which has been scientifically proven to effectively treat upper respiratory symptoms (b,c).

Nektium is also confident the company can meet the ongoing demand for elderberry, despite reports of global raw material shortages. Thomas Adler, Chief Business Officer, said: “The sudden and significant increase in demand for elderberry since the onset of Covid-19 led to a temporary shortage of raw materials for many producers and we have also seen a rise in inferior low-quality products hitting the market. At Nektium we have a trusted source of raw materials because long-term partnerships are important to us. We also ensure our suppliers comply with the highest of standards and therefore we are confident we can continue to supply our high-quality elderberry extract to meet the ongoing popularity of this ingredient.”

In order to meet the EU regulation, BECARRE Natural has asked to specifically controlled those elderberry extracts for pesticides, PAH, heavy metals, etc… and of course hydrocyanic acid (not detected).

(a) Wieland LS, Piechotta V, Feinberg T, Ludeman E, Hutton B, Kanji S, Seely D, Garritty C. Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021 Apr 7;21(1):112. doi: 10.1186/s12906-021-03283-5. PMID: 33827515; PMCID: PMC8026097.

(b) Hawkins J, Baker C, Cherry L, Dunne E. Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials. Complement Ther Med. 2019 Feb;42:361-365. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.12.004. Epub 2018 Dec 18. PMID: 30670267.

(c) Porter RS, Bode RF. A Review of the Antiviral Properties of Black Elder (Sambucus nigra L.) Products. Phytother Res. 2017 Apr;31(4):533-554. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5782. Epub 2017 Feb 15. PMID: 28198157.