Europe's "natural medicine cabinet" hawthorn berries approved for landing in China! Super immunity? Anti-influenza? Next-generation prebiotics? A comprehensive analysis in one article!

In the current era of booming functional foods and dietary supplements, a deep purple berry originating from Europe with a long history—Sambucus nigra L.—is emerging from traditional herbal medicine boxes as a new favorite in the global health consumption market, thanks to its profound scientific significance and outstanding health benefits.

Especially in 2025, with the official approval of "hawthorn berry anthocyanins" as a new food ingredient by the National Health Commission of China, it marks the official entry of this ancient fruit into the Chinese market, injecting strong momentum into the innovation of functional foods.

The fruit of the elderberry ranges from deep purple to black, which is not a fortuitous discovery in modern science, but rather its medicinal history dates back thousands of years. In the West, Hippocrates, revered as the "Father of Medicine," referred to elderberries as "his medicine cabinet" due to their extensive health benefits. Records from ancient Egypt and Rome document their use in treating fever and colds. This long-standing application history has laid a solid foundation of traditional knowledge for modern research.

From the perspective of modern nutrition, elderberry is rich in various bioactive components, which constitute the material basis for its health benefits:

Polyphenols: particularly high concentrations of anthocyanins (e.g. chrysanthemisin-3-O-glucoside) are at the heart of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Flavanoid

Vitamins and minerals: The content of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, phosphorus, iron, etc. ranks among the highest in common berries.

Polysaccharides: exhibit certain immunomodulatory activities.

The health benefits of elderberry are not based on legend, but are supported by extensive modern clinical and in vitro studies, and its mechanisms of action are becoming increasingly clear.

Immune Support and Antiviral Therapy: The Mechanistically Defined 'Gatekeeper'

Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties: The cornerstone for combating chronic diseases

Metabolic Health and Gut Regulation: Emerging Research Hotspots

Other potential benefits

The elderberry is a paradigmatic example of the successful integration of traditional wisdom and modern science. It is not a "miracle fruit" that cures all diseases, but rather exhibits significant potential in supporting immune system health and maintaining metabolic balance through multiple mechanisms, including antiviral effects, immune modulation, antioxidant activity, and regulation of gut microbiota, owing to its high concentration of bioactive substances such as anthocyanins.