Artemis champions immunity-boosting benefits of elderberries

19 Jul 2017 --- It may be time for the vitamin A-rich elderberry to share a spot with vitamin C at the top of the immune system support hierarchy. This is according to Artemis International, a supplier of flavonoid-rich ingredients it calls Berryceutical ingredients. The company is pointing to historical use and ongoing research being conducted globally on elderberries to suggest their time has come.

The research into elderberries’ support for the immune system includes initiatives for new proprietary research and analysis in the US.

“According to laboratory research, there is evidence that using black elderberry as a means to support health appears to be a beneficial course of action,” says Dr. Kevin Curran, Ph.D. in molecular biology and professor at the University of San Diego. “A recently published article in the Ethnoherbalist newsletter details my research on the relevancy of black elderberry and immune support.”

Immune health is currently being particularly emphasized as a key factor in overall human health, and a strong immune system is vitally important in protecting against colds, flu and even chronic diseases. 

Key findings cited by Artemis International show three areas where elderberry has been shown to be beneficial for immune health: enhanced cytokine levels, antioxidant boosting and virus suppression. Elderberries and their immune support benefits coupled with their extremely high antioxidant activity properties are the focus of Artemis International’s portfolio in 2017.

“People tend just to think ‘cold and flu’ when they think immunity and vitamin C has been a ‘go to’ for immune support. But global research shows that’s only part of the story,” says Jan Mills, President and founder of Artemis International. 

“Elderberry and its nutraceutical ingredient forms have been utilized throughout history and are currently gaining popularity as a functional ingredient in leading dietary supplements positioned for colds and flu and for elderberry’s broader immune system benefits. We want to raise the current level of awareness, knowledge of the science and interest in the nutraceutical power of European black elderberry and its ingredient forms in the broader immunity space including chronic diseases.”

There is mounting scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of the polyphenol group of compounds called flavonoids, which is remarkably abundant in elderberries, aroniaberries, blueberries and other popular and unique dark berries. 

The Artemis Berryceuticals portfolio includes extracts and other ingredient forms from these berries and provides their concentrated and natural phytonutrient goodness in ingredient forms that are used in a wide range of health and wellness-focused products. 

Artemis also offers several non-berry botanical products high in flavonoids, such as purple corn and purple tea, which have been receiving recognition in the press recently for their newly popularized “purple-based” health benefits.