Can Elderberry Support Brain Health? Here's What a New Study Says

When most people think of elderberry, they think of immune support, but did you know elderberry might also support your brain?

A new clinical study looked into the effects of American elderberry juice on older adults experiencing mild memory issues and the results were promising.

What Did the Study Test?

Researchers wanted to know:

“Can drinking elderberry juice every day help people with mild cognitive impairment (a condition that can lead to memory loss or dementia)?”

To find out, they asked 24 adults (average age 76) to drink either:

• Elderberry juice – made from American elderberries (Sambucus canadensis)
• Or a placebo – something that looks and tastes similar but has no elderberry in it

They took it three times a day for six months, and during that time, they tested their memory, thinking skills, and inflammation levels in the bloo

What They Found

While the sample size was small, the results pointed to some exciting potential benefits of elderberry:

1. Improved Problem-Solving
   People who drank elderberry juice showed faster and more flexible thinking skills when it came to visual and spatial tasks—like puzzles, patterns, or planning.

2. Lower Inflammation in the Body
   Blood work revealed that several markers of low-grade inflammation decreased in the elderberry group. In contrast, inflammation increased in those who didn’t take elderberry.

3. Safe, Easy, and Consistent
   Participants took their elderberry consistently (97% of the time!), with no major side effects. That means it’s not just beneficial—it’s realistic for everyday life

   
   

What Does This Mean for You?

If you're looking for natural ways to stay sharp as you age—or simply want to care for your brain the same way you care for your body—elderberry might be a helpful addition.

While more research is needed to confirm the long-term effects, this study adds to growing evidence that antioxidant-rich plants like elderberry can support your brain and body in meaningful ways.

Just another reason our Wellness Drops were formulated with cold-pressed, American grown elderberries - the same kind used in this study. 

Source: Ho, D., Zhu, C. T., Sanders, J. J., Kim, J., Pincus, M. R., & Kneiss, J. (2024). American elderberry (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis) juice intake and its preliminary effects on cognition and inflammation in mild cognitive impairment: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2023.0347