Elderberry supplements Not Suitable For Treating H5N1

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http://www.fluwikie.com/pmwiki.php?n=Consequences.Elderberry

“SPECIAL CONCERN REGARDING THE USE OF ELDERBERRY SUPPLEMENTS IN AVIAN INFLUENZA

Sambucol has been documented to decrease the duration and severity of illness in

common seasonal influenza, and with its known mechanism of action of decreasing

viral replication, intuitively appears a good choice for treating other

influenza strains, including H5N1.

Studies reported to date on H5N1 indicate that severe illness and death

(potentially due to ARDS) is related to high viral load. Elderberry reduces

viral load in seasonal influenza. It also has some antioxident capabilties that

may protect tissues affected by cytokine damage.

However, elderberry also increases cytokine production. One specific concern

with H5N1 infections is the possibility that this strain of flu may induce

cytokine storm, leading to ARDS and the high mortality associated with it. It is

unknown if the increased circulating cytokines that elderberry and other

alternative medicines induce could increase a victims risk of cytokine storm. “

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