The Natural Path

Elderberry Flavonoids May Prevent H1N1 Infection

Elderberry extract is a remarkable herb for fighting the flu (see vol. 13, No.3 of The Natural Path). Studies show how well it works (J Alt Comp Med 1995; J International Med Res 2004; Online Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics 2009). Elderberry works its antiviral magic by boosting the immune system and, especially, by stopping viruses from entering into your cells, which stops the virus from replicating (J Alt Comp Med 1995). Elderberry is effective against several strains of influenza. So, could it work against H1N1?

An in vitro study has just found that elderberry extract inhibits H1N1 infection. The study did not look at the virus in a person yet: just in the laboratory. The researchers found that flavonoids in elderberry bind to H1N1 and block its ability to infect host cells. They say that the ability of elderberry flavonoids to inhibit H1N1 infection compares favourably to antiviral drugs like Tamiflu.

• Phytochemistry 2009;70:1255-1261

A New Benefit of Soy: Healthy Lungs

People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) suffer from blocked air flow to the lungs, which makes breathing difficult. New research complared 278 people with COPD to 340 people without COPD and found that the ones without it ate more soy foods. And it made a big difference. The ones who ate the most soy had approximately 61% less chance of having COPD than the ones who ate the least.

•  Respir Res 2009;10:56

How Not to Get Colorectal Cancer: Calculating the Risks
This meta-analysis of 303 studies on colorectal cancer found that:
l Heavy drinkers have a 56% higher risk than light on nondrinkers
l Smokers have a 16% higher risk
l People who eat the most red meat and processed meat have a 20% higher than people who eat the least
l People who are obese have a 40% higher risk
l Diabetics have a 23% higher risk
l People who are the most physically active have a 20% lower risk than the least physically active people

• Int J Cancer 2009;125:171-80