Inhibitory activity of a standardized elderberry liquid extract against clinically-relevant human respiratory bacterial pathogens and influenza A and B viruses
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ABSTRACT
Background: Black elderberries (Sambucus nigra L.) are well known as supportive agents against common cold
and influenza. It is further known that bacterial super-infection during an influenza virus (IV) infection can lead to
severe pneumonia. We have analyzed a standardized elderberry extract (Rubini, BerryPharma AG) for its
antimicrobial and antiviral activity using the microtitre broth micro-dilution assay against three Gram-positive
bacteria and one Gram-negative bacteria responsible for infections of the upper respiratory tract, as well as cell
culture experiments for two different strains of influenza virus.
Methods: The antimicrobial activity of the elderberry extract was determined by bacterial growth experiments in
liquid cultures using the extract at concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. The inhibitory effects were
determined by plating the bacteria on agar plates. In addition, the inhibitory potential of the extract on the
propagation of human pathogenic H5N1-type influenza A virus isolated from a patient and an influenza B virus
strain was investigated using MTT and focus assays.
Results: For the first time, it was shown that a standardized elderberry liquid extract possesses antimicrobial
activity against both Gram-positive bacteria of Streptococcus pyogenes and group C and G Streptococci, and the
Gram-negative bacterium Branhamella catarrhalis in liquid cultures. The liquid extract also displays an inhibitory
effect on the propagation of human pathogenic influenza viruses.
Conclusion: Rubini elderberry liquid extract is active against human pathogenic bacteria as well as influenza viruses. The activities shown suggest that additional and alternative approaches to combat infections might be provided by this natural product.
Source:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/11/16