A study has revealed the potential of elderberry anthocyanins as a functional ingredient for weight management and metabolic health.
During the trial, overweight or obese individuals were given elderberry juice for two weeks, with the impacts of the nutraceutical being determined by subsequent faecal samples.
In the trial, the faecal samples of those given elderberry juice were found to contain more ‘good’ bacteria, such as Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcaceae, Actinobacteria and Bifidobacterium.
These participants also experienced a reduction in the prevalence of Bacteroides and lactic acid-producing bacteria, highlighting the gut microbiota-modulating potential of the berry.
The glucose-reducing potential of elderberries
As well as positively impacting a user’s gut microbiome, researchers also found that elderberry juice reduced blood glucose levels by 24% following meal tolerance testing protocol.
Notably, those given the nutraceutical also experienced a considerable 27% uptick in fat oxidation.
Insulin levels were also reduced by 9.9% during the study.
This effect was also demonstrated across the whole study population regardless of age, sex or BMI.
It is also important to note that fat oxidation was enhanced by exercise, so elderberry supplementation may be more beneficial for those who are on a workout regime.
The need for natural weight management solutions
More than one billion people globally are currently obese, and this number is only rising with the high prevalence of ultra-processed, high fat and sugar foods.
As many look to lose weight and improve their health, an opportunity has arisen for the nutraceutical industry.
The results of this study highlight the potential of plant polyphenols — specifically elderberry anthocyanins — in promoting a healthy metabolism and managing weight.
Christy Teets, Scientific Assistant at Washington State University’s Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, commented: “This is the first human clinical trial to demonstrate that daily consumption of EBJ for one week significantly increases gut microbial communities associated with health benefits for the host.”
“The findings suggest that anti-obesity effects of EBJ observed in translational research models do extend to humans. These observations need to be confirmed in longer duration trials that adequately investigate both sexes and broader age groups.”