MOSCOW, 9 Jan. Polish researchers talked about a source of antioxidants that help the body to strengthen its immune system and fight infections such as the flu. Their work was published in the journal Molecules. Employees of the Poznan University of Life Sciences found that elderberry contains a high concentration of phenolic acids and flavonoids. These substances reduce oxidative stress, which in turn can increase life expectancy by reducing long-term damage to body systems. 
who is at risk of a deficiency of antioxidants and how to replenish it «Studies have shown that the content of phenolic acids and flavonoids in extracts determines their antibacterial activity. Of the analyzed compounds, apigenin, kaempferol and ferulic, protocatechuic and p-coumaric acids had the greatest effect on the high antibacterial activity of elderberry extracts», — said the scientists. With their opinion, American researchers from the Franklin Institute of Health agreed. They analyzed the rate of recovery of patients with upper respiratory tract respiratory infections who, in addition to the usual medications, consumed elderberry and its extract. Elderberry was not added to the treatment program of the control group. In total, 180 people participated in the experiment. «This meta-analysis suggests that the addition of elderberries when symptoms from the upper respiratory tract appear significantly reduce their overall duration compared to the control group,» — said the experts. Also, the authors of the analysis noted that for influenza Elderberry extract worked more actively than on the common cold.
