2020-11-03 12:31:18
Sambucus nigra (Elderberry) supplements have demonstrated reduced duration of upper respiratory infection symptoms in several randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials and meta-analyses (1,2,3). In vitro studies demonstrate that plant lectins, specifically mannose-binding lectins, possess antiviral activity against SARS-CoV family of coronaviruses (4,5). The lectin agglutinin I (SNA-If) isolated from the ripe elderberry fruit (Sambucus nigra) is the compound of interest. The proposed mechanism of action of Elderberry fruit on coronavirus activity, based on pre-clinical studies, suggests that lectin constituents inhibit the coronavirus spike protein during entry into human cells at the binding step thereby inhibiting the replication and viral attachment of human coronavirus. This immunological mechanism of the active compounds in Elderberry, and it’s demonstrated reduction of symptom duration on influenza and other upper respiratory tract viruses, makes it a promising option in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. However more rigorous research and human trials are needed (6).
Références
- Zakay-Rones Z., Thom E., Wollan T., Wadstein J. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections. J Int Med Res. 2004 Mar-Apr;32(2):132–140.
- Tiralongo E., Wee S.S., Lea R.A. Elderberry supplementation reduces cold duration and symptoms in air-Travellers: a randomized. Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial Nutrients. 2016 Mar 24;8(4):182. doi: 10.3390/nu8040182.
- 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.
- Keyaerts E., Vijgen L., Pannecouque C., Van Damme E., Peumans W., Egberink H. Plant lectins are potent inhibitors of coronaviruses by interfering with two targets in the viral replication cycle. Antiviral Res. 2007 Sep;75(3):179–187.
- Millet J.K., Séron K., Labitt R.N., Danneels A., Palmer K.E., Whittaker G.R. Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection is inhibited by griffithsin. Antiviral Res. 2016 Sep;133:1–8.
- Kronbichler A, Effenberger M, Eisenhut M, Lee KH, Shin JI. Seven recommendations to rescue the patients and reduce the mortality from COVID-19 infection: An immunological point of view. Autoimmun Rev. 2020;19(7):102570. doi:10.1016/j.autrev.2020.102570