Does the extract of black elderberry help with cardiovascular health?

The extract of black elderberry is of certain help to cardiovascular health, mainly reflected in the following aspects:

- Antioxidant effect: The extract of black elderberry is rich in antioxidant components such as bioflavonoids, including cyanidin-3-glucoside and delphinidin-3-glucoside. These antioxidant substances can scavenge free radicals in the body, reduce oxidative stress reactions, and decrease the production of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). Ox-LDL is one of the key factors leading to atherosclerosis. By reducing its production, the extract of black elderberry helps to protect vascular endothelial cells, prevent the occurrence of atherosclerosis, and thus is beneficial to cardiovascular health.

- Anti-inflammatory properties: Chronic inflammation plays an important role in the development of cardiovascular diseases. The extract of black elderberry has anti-inflammatory effects and can inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators and the activation of inflammation-related signaling pathways. Studies have shown that it can reduce the levels of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), alleviate vascular inflammation, stabilize atherosclerotic plaques, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

- Improve vascular function: The extract of black elderberry may help regulate the relaxation and contraction functions of blood vessels. It can promote the production of nitric oxide (NO), which is an important vasodilator factor. NO can relax vascular smooth muscle, increase the inner diameter of blood vessels, and improve blood perfusion. At the same time, the extract of black elderberry may also inhibit the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), reduce the production of angiotensin II, thereby reducing vasoconstriction, lowering blood pressure, and playing a protective role in the cardiovascular system.

Although the extract of black elderberry has potential benefits for cardiovascular health, it cannot be regarded as the sole method for treating cardiovascular diseases. In maintaining cardiovascular health, it is still necessary to follow a healthy lifestyle, such as a balanced diet, appropriate exercise, smoking cessation, and moderate alcohol consumption, and conduct comprehensive management under the guidance of a doctor.