Behind the Science of Sambucol Virologist Developed Clinically Tested

Monday, September 1st 2003

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With media attention focused on SARS and how the body deals with viruses it is worthy to remember how viruses work. Vaccines, touted as the answer to flu viruses pose several problems. Since viruses mutate (change their form), it is impossible to get protection against every flu strain through a vaccine. The flu injection promoted by the Ministry of Health only includes the three specific strains thought most likely to occur this winter.

The story behind Nature's Way Sambucol is fascinating. It all began in the early 1980's when Dr Mumcuoglu began studying for her doctorate.

"I was looking around for a topic, says Dr Madeleine Mumcuoglu. My supervisor, Dr Jean Linderman, the man who discovered interferon, suggested elderberries. They have possibilities, he said. "At any rate, I've got 22 pounds of them in my deep freeze.

An ancient remedy for colds, coughs and respiratory ailments, elderberry was not well understood until Dr Mumcuoglu isolated its key actives and perfected a method for their proper extraction. "I tested all the elderberry based remedies on the market, but none contained the active principle I isolated. So I developed a syrup which does have the active principle and called it Sambucol.

Then came the first clinical study, Inhibition of Several Strains of Influenza Virus in Vitro and Reduction of Symptoms by an Elderberry Extract during an Outbreak of Influenza B Panama, published in a 1995 volume of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Other clinical studies followed as Sambucol became a best-selling natural remedy around the world.

Her research has shown that the active ingredients in Sambucol bind with viruses before they have a chance to penetrate the wall of a normal cell. Her extract has been tested on seven different strains of influenza virus and was effective against every one.

Nature's Way Sambucol is very pleasant tasting and is available in Immune System, Childrens and Sugar-free formulas.

Reproduced unabridged from the July - September 2003 issue of Health and Herbal News, with the kind permission of Health and Herbs International Ltd.

The following products are all useful for Viruses:

Astra Forte
Biotic Flu Relief
Colostrum Powder
Family C
Superior Olive Leaf
Sambucus Black Elderberry Sugar Free Syrup
Sambucus For Kids
Sambucus Immune System Formula
Shitake and Maitake Extract
SystemWell
Triplex Immune Booster
ViralEx
Zinc Fix Orange

Related health information can be found here:

Astra Forte - The Deep Immune Tonic
Cold & Flu - Common Cold
Colostrum - immune booster, tissue repair
Immunity
Sambucol - elderberry flu preventative
Winter ailments and immune boosting

Related articles can be found here:

Probiotics Counter Harmful Side Effects of Antibiotics

Childhood vaccination: Is there a "dark side"

Improved Colostrum provides extra health benefits

Olive Leaf Extract - For Winter Ills and Much More

The Winter First Aid Kit in a Bottle

If you need help or advice, you are welcome to email our naturopathic team with your health question.

Disclaimer: The health information presented here has been written for the New Zealand health consumer. It is of a general nature and is only intended to provide a summary of the subjects covered. The information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice to you. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility or liability is accepted, and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided. All health ailments should be treated by a qualified health professional.

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