How does elderberry affect mice? - briefly
Studies indicate that elderberry supplementation lowers viral titers and improves survival in mice infected with influenza viruses. Excessive doses may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation.
How does elderberry affect mice? - in detail
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has been examined in rodent models to determine its biological activity, safety profile, and therapeutic potential. Researchers typically administer extracts derived from the fruit or flowers, standardizing the product by total anthocyanin content or by specific phenolic compounds.
In acute toxicity studies, oral doses up to 5 g kg⁻¹ body weight produced no mortality, indicating a high LD₅₀. Sub‑chronic exposure (28 days) at 1 g kg⁻¹ showed no significant changes in liver enzymes (ALT, AST) or renal markers (creatinine, BUN). Histological examination of liver, kidney, and spleen revealed intact architecture, confirming the absence of overt organ damage at these concentrations.
Immunomodulatory effects are evident in several assays. Elderberry supplementation (0.5 % w/w in diet) increased serum IgG levels by 18 % and enhanced splenic natural killer cell activity by 22 % compared with control animals. Cytokine profiling demonstrated a modest rise in interferon‑γ and interleukin‑12, while pro‑inflammatory interleukin‑6 remained unchanged, suggesting a shift toward a Th1‑biased response without provoking chronic inflammation.
Antiviral activity has been demonstrated against influenza A (H1N1) and respiratory syncytial virus. Mice receiving a daily oral dose of 300 mg kg⁻¹ of elderberry extract for five days prior to viral challenge displayed a 45 % reduction in lung viral titers and a 30 % increase in survival time. Viral clearance correlated with elevated mucosal secretory IgA and enhanced expression of interferon‑stimulated genes in bronchial epithelium.
Metabolic outcomes include improved glucose tolerance and lipid profile modulation. In a high‑fat diet model, a 2 % dietary inclusion of elderberry reduced fasting blood glucose by 12 % and lowered serum triglycerides by 15 % after eight weeks. Gene expression analysis indicated up‑regulation of peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor‑α (PPAR‑α) and down‑regulation of sterol regulatory element‑binding protein‑1c (SREBP‑1c), aligning with observed lipid‑lowering effects.
Behavioral assessments reveal anxiolytic and cognitive benefits. In the elevated plus‑maze test, mice treated with 200 mg kg⁻¹ of fruit extract for two weeks spent 35 % more time in open arms, indicating reduced anxiety‑like behavior. In the Morris water maze, treated subjects achieved target platform latency 20 % faster than controls, suggesting enhanced spatial learning.
Key experimental parameters influencing outcomes:
- Extraction method: aqueous vs. ethanol extraction alters anthocyanin and flavonol concentrations.
- Dosage range: 100–500 mg kg⁻¹ produces measurable immunologic and antiviral effects; doses above 1 g kg⁻¹ show diminishing returns.
- Administration route: oral gavage ensures precise dosing; incorporation into feed mimics chronic dietary exposure.
- Duration of treatment: acute (≤7 days) primarily assesses antiviral efficacy; sub‑chronic (≥28 days) evaluates metabolic and safety endpoints.
Overall, preclinical data support elderberry as a low‑toxicity agent with immunostimulatory, antiviral, metabolic, and neurobehavioral actions in murine models. Further investigations should address mechanistic pathways, optimal dosing regimens, and translation to human physiology.