SECRETS OF AN ACTIVE LIFE OF MANY YEARS FROM SAMBUCUS NIGRA’S FRUITS

Gayova I.M.

IFNMU, cafedra of propedeutics of internal medicine, the chairman - doctor of medicine, professor Neyko V.Y., town: Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine, e-mail: [email protected]

Abstract. Plant and drugs made from it that is believed as the promoter an active life of many years, must provide neuroprotection, hepatoprotection, optimize cardiac function, broncial-pulmonary and renal systems. Fruits of Elderberries (Sambucus nigra) were named in Europe “the fruits for the elderly people”. Why the black fruits are able to improve activity of vitally important organs of an old person – the author of article has tried to find the answer for the question.

The key words: fruits of the Elderberry (Sambucus nigra), neuroprotection, mucolytic action, cardioprotection, hepatoprotection, nephroprotection.

Sambucus Nigra’s fruits are believed as the promoter of an active long life. Sambucus Nigra’s fruits in England were named “elderberries.” In Poland, Lithuania, German, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Albany and Bulgaria the local names of the plant are translated as “prescribed to an elderly man”. In Latvia Sambucus is called ”ellas bumba“ that means “hellish bomb,” the Estonian name “vanem on must” is translated as a “black father”. People would like not only to live longer. People dream to prolong their youth. The aim of this article was an attempt to recognize the secrets of an active life of many years from the “black fruit.”

The elderberries contain tyrosine, anthocyanins, ascorbic acid, rutin, carotin, vitamins В-1and В-2, organic acids, choline, triterpenes, polysaccharides, saccharides (6-7%), tannins, tracks of ethereal oils.[2, 4, 7, 10,12]

Tyrosine is the partially replaceable amino acid that enters the organism with food and is also synthesized in the liver from essential amino acid phenylalanine. In case of decreased level of tyrosine in the organism there is a possibility of hypothyroidism’s development with a low blood pressure and hypothermia, sensation of cold hands and feet, heaviness in the calves and chronic fatigue.

Tyrosine promotes the melanin’s synthesis, reduces an appetite and fatty tissue; it improves function of thyroid glands (connected with iodine for synthesis of thyroxin and triiodthyronine) [3, 5]; tyrosine provides with a good mood due to being precursor of neurotransmitters regulating spirits, DOPA (dihydroxyphenylalanine, catecholamines’ precursor is synthesizing from tyrosine). [3] Tyrosine diminishes fatigue, strengthens ability for concentration of attention; intensifying synthesis of dopamine and norepinephrine [5], demonstrates features of antidepressant. Disintegration of tyrosine is possible at presence of ascorbic acid, the coenzymes of this reaction. Homogentyzate (the product of tyrosine’s catabolism) is the precursor of tocopherols. [5]

Tyrosine has been used at adiposity, depression, psycho-emotional stress, migraine; Parkinson’s disease; children’s hyperactivity; rehabilitation at narcotic and alcohol dependence; allergy. [3]

Anthocyanins (flavonoids) due to their considerable аntioxidant features are known nowadays as radioprotectors. In Sambucus’ fruits are present such anthocyanins as chrysentamin and a red pigment sambucin. Ability of anthocyanins to neutralizing оxides prevents the unreversible оxidation of vitamin C, stabilizes membranes reducing their permeability. Storage of endogen ascorbic acid in the liver facilitates glycogen’s release, favouring to hepatocellular membranes’ strengthening so that demonstrates antiinflammaing effect. [6]

Stability of the collagen structure of vascular wall due to flavonoids effect can diminish development of atherosclerosis. [6,10] Flavonoids inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme demonstrating hypotensive effect. Flavonoids can increase intracellular level of ascorbic acid, the most active are anthocyanins. [6]

At heavy metals’ poisoning the strong decoction of the - flavonoids containing plants combines chelates, complexes with divalent and trivalent heavy metals that are excreted with feces completely. Flavonoids form complexes with any factors that get two free connections so that with free radicals and peroxides, that is why they are the most powerful detoxicator of human’s organism. Flavonoids stimulate detoxification and secretory liver’s function,they all are the true choleretics, they normalize motility of hepatobiliary ducts and intestine. [6]

Vitamin C in fruits of Sambucus is protected by the presence of vitamin P so that both substances become protected from overoxidation demonstrating synergism in their functions. The most important feature of ascorbic acid is the antioxidant, it is the most active water soluble antioxidant that is working in both solutions, watery and lipid. [7] Ascorbic acid as an antioxidant is able to pass two іоns of hydrogen transferring into dihydroascorbic, liposoluble acid. [8] Probably, in the natural products phenol hydroxyls of flavonoids created complex with ascorbic acid pass their hydrogen’s ions turning it into initial status. This complex is destroyed rather slowly and there is enough time to manifest it’s medicinal features before destruction. Theoretically, the same molecule is able to work as antioxidant countless times. [8]

The ascorbic acid is taking part in glutathione’s synthesis favouring formation of connective tissue. The oral kinds of glutathione can not be absorbed in the human’s body. The only real way to increase level of glutathione in the organism is to consume vitamin C. Lack of glutathione was detected at alcohol liver disease, cancer, AIDS. [7]

The ascorbic acid has influenced cellular and humoral sections of immunity increasing nonspecific immunity. Preventing formation of nitrosamines in gastro-intestinal tract vitamin C demonstrates the oncoprotective effect. The ascorbic acid takes part in creation of neurotransmitters, hormones, carnitine, promotes absorption and utilization of iron and vitamin A. [7, 11]

The activity of ascorbic acid depends on not only quantity of vitamin C but much more on escort – the presence and structure of flavonoids in natural complexes. In fruits of Sambucus nigra the role of such escort plays flavonol glycoside rutin.

The ascorbic acid being part of the natural complex is physiological because as a part of the plant it gets certain isomeric structure and it is surrounded by specific organic and mineral substances. If the organism is in need of vitamin C – the natural complex is used. If the need is small – the complex is stable, utilization of vitamin does not take place. That is why it is impossible to overdose the kind of ascorbic acid that is a component of natural product. [6,8]

Rutin, the flavonol glycoside, the glycoside of quercetine, stimulates a lot, by 62% the prostaglandins’ synthesis, at the same time it is able to neutralize oxidants that are created accessory, it blocks 5-lypooxygenase demonstrating anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. The ascorbic acid works as the prostaglandin-synthetase’s inhibitor. [8, 9]

The collagen-stabilizing effect of rutin is provided with inhibition by rutin the synthetased by leucocytes enzymes that destroy collagen. This effect was investigated rather well for anthocyanins glycoside, ascorbic acid and for combination of flavonoids and ascorbic acid. [9,13] Normalization of the collagen structure of capillaries and other vessels decreases permeability of the blood-brain barrier minimizing the dangerous of medicinal, autoimmune and other toxic affections of brain.

At long-term use rutin increases the amplitude of heart’s contractions, the cardiac output normalizing the cardiac rhythm and myocardial blood supply. Rutin gets a considerable spasmolytic effect close to the papaverin’s effect. [7,12]

Vitamin А a human’s organism is able to synthesize from carotinoids, the vegetable provitamins. Antioxidant characterisitics of carotin provide an increased density of membranes, nonspecific immune resistance, reproductive function. Vitamin A and vitamin C are synergists in plenty of processes. Lack of vitamin A results into deficiency of vitamin C. Hypovitaminosis A leads to the change of adhesive features of mucous membranes in gallbladder, hepatic vessels, kidneys. These processes cause formation of concrements and possibly atheromatous plaques. The reason of the wide-spread nowadays pathology as a ”wax” in the gallbladder is hypovitaminosis A.[7,8]

Being dissolved in lipids into duodenum, at the influence of enzyme carotinase synthesized by liver, from the molecule of carotinoids the molecule of vitamin A is created. For utilization of vitamin A the bile acids are used. Congestion and other pathological changes in hepatobiliary zone destroy as synthesis as absorption of retinol. In case of absence of fats the retinol’s synthesis and absorption is at 10% decreased [8].

The retinols’ absorption after their formation is increased at the presence of the animal fats. The ascorbic acid and the vitamins of group B that are present in Sambucus Nigra’s fruits promote the retinols’ absorption. [7]

Carotin has been used commonly as a part of complex medical treatment of pulmonary emphysema, hyperthyroidism, ophthalmologic diseases, diseases of skin and mucous membranes. [7]

Vitamin B-1, thiamine is known as the coenzyme of enzymes that regulate carbohydrates’ and proteins’ metabolism. Thiamine is important for normal function of nervous system (positive effect for the nervous impulses’ conductivity in synapses, a moderate ganglioblocking effect), gastro-intestinal tract, cardio-vascular system and endocrine glands. [3]

Vitamin B-2, riboflavin, is a part of flavin’s enzymes that take part in tissue respiration (they are transporting hydrogen) and forms adenosine triphosphoric acid in mitochondrions. [3, 8]

The most important macroelements for vitamins of group B absorption are magnesium and copper. In natural products magnesium and copper are the obligatory satellites of vitamins of group B, they are essential for the plant as coenzymes of their synthesis, they both are the part of vitamin’s complexes as the chelates. The best synergists for vitamins B are the ascorbic acid, another kinds of vitamins B, retinol and tocopherols that are present in Sambucus’ fruits. Thiamine and riboflavin being in the natural accompaniment are absorbing and functioning more effectively. [7]

Organic acids (valerianic, malic, acetic and tartaric) are the components of Sambucus Nigra’s fruits. The valerianic acid gets a sedative effect, the

malic, acetic and tartaric acids demonstrate antiinflammating and laxative effects. Organic acids being in low concentrations stimulate secretion of digestive glands and synthetic liver’s function. The oriental medicine used to ask the question about “love to the sour meal and drink” as the specific express-test about unsatisfactory state of liver. [7,12]

The plant is rich of choline (vitamin В4 or Вр), the source of acetylcholine, the main neuromediator of the brain and parasympathetic vegetative nervous system that takes part in the synthesis of myelin membrane, improves the short – termed memory, contains the nootropic, antidepressant and calming effects, stimulating cognitive functions. Analgetic action of Sambucus is used at neuralgia, lumbosacral radiculitis, the toothache, pain in the face, at the same time the narcotic effect is absent.

The cerebral activity is optimized due to the systemic effects of the aminoacids betain and ademethionine (SAMe) which are synthesizing from choline and get antioxidant, vasodilator and capillarostabilizing characteristics. [14]

Considerable effect of hepatoprotection (increased detoxification due to activated system of glutation and stabilization of hepatocellular membranes, ability to decrease intrahepatic cholestasis combined with antioxidant, lypotropic, systemic antiinflammating effects of SAMe) are provided by the presence of choline in Sambucus Nigra’s fruits. [1,16, 17]

Terpenoids and terpen-like substances in the etheric oils dilate the cerebral vessels and depends on the dose cause the stimulating, tranquilizing or analgetic effects. Fresh berries are used as analgetic at rheumatism, gout and neuralgia. Triterpenes, the etheric oils and potassium provide the diuretic effect. [4, 7] The laxative effect is possible due to complex influence of polysaccharides and flavonoids. [4, 7]

Polysaccharides get mucolytic effect resulting in smoothing suputum’s expectoration, reducing cough (due to the mucous substances that were created from transformed cellular membranes, the cellular content and starch). [4, 7] The sudorific effect is achieved due to presence of the etheric oils in Sambucus’ fruits. [4,17]

The local antiinflammating and bactericidal effects is possible due to the presence in the fruits of Sambucus nigra the complexes of anthocyanins, organic acids and polysaccharides. [4, 7] A positive effect took place at treatment of psoriasis and other diseases of skin. [7] In the kind of gargles (fomentation) fruits of Sambucus nigra are used successfully at tonsillitis, inflammation in oral cavity, chronic inflammation of ears, eyes, hemorroidal nodes.[4]

Conclusion. Medicines made of Sambucus nigra’s fruits (juice, syrup, decoction, tincture) deserve well of people to be named as the medicines of an Active Long Life due to their wide pharmacological spectrum of optimizing effect to the vitals of elderly person.

Influence on the brain.

Neuroprotection (rutin, choline, amino acids betain and ademethionin, terpenoides, riboflavin, tyrosine, thiamine, riboflavin).

Antidepressive effect (tyrosine, choline, carnitin, ascorbic acid, riboflavin).

Antiastenic features (choline, betain, ademethionin, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, riboflavin).

Stimulation of cognitive functions (choline, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, rutin).

Stabilization of vegetative functions (choline, betain, ademethionin, flavonoids, riboflavin).

Sedative effect (choline, valerianic acid).

Influence on the liver.

Hepatoprotection (flavonoids, anthocyanins, choline, betain and ademethionin).

Increased desintoxycation (flavonoids, anthocyanins, polysaccharides).

Choleretic effect (ademethionin, flavonoids, anthocyanins).

Antiinflammating influence (flavonoids, organic acids, rutin, anthocyanins, ascorbic acid, ademethionin ).

Prophylaxis of gallstone disease (сarotin).

Stimulation of synthesizing liver’s function (the malic, acetic and tartaric organic acids).

Influence on the cardio-vascular system.

Hypotensive effect (flavonoids, rutin, anthocyanins, choline, betain and ademethionin ).

Cardioprotection (rutin, choline, betain and ademethionin, anthocyanins).

Spasmolytic effect (rutin).

Influence on the respiratory system.

Antiinflammating and antihystamin effects (rutin).

Respiratory center’s stimulation (the ethereal oils).

Mucolytic action (polysaccharides).

Sudorific effect (the ethereal oils).

Influence on the immune system.

Stimulation of unspecific immune resistance (ascorbic acid, carotin).

Influence on the gastro-intestinal tract.

Decreased appetite and the body mass (tyrosine).

Oncoprotective effect (ascorbic acid, carotin).

Antiinflammating action (the malic, acetic and tartaric organic acids; flavonoids, anthocyanins, rutin, ascorbic acid, polysaccharides).

Stimulation of digesting glands’ secretion (the malic, acetic and tartaric organic acids).

Laxative effect (mucus and polysaccharides in complex with flavonoids, anthocyanins, organic acids).

Influence on the kidneys.

Diuretic effect (triterpens, etheric oils, flavonoids and potassium).

Influence on the endocrine system.

Promotion of thyroid gland’s function (tyrosine).

Promotion of steroids’ synthesis (ascorbic acid).

Normalization of metabolism of proteins and lipids (vitamin B-1).

Decreased appetite and the body mass (tyrosine).

Influence on the skin.

Local antiinflammating effect (flavonoids, anthocyans, ascorbic acid, organic acids, polysaccharides).

Antyallergic treatment (rutin, ascorbic acid).

Treatment of dry skin, diseases of skin and mucous membranes (carotin).

Influence on the reproductive organs.

Protection of pregnancy (carotin).

Sambucus nigra’s fruits are used traditionally as diuretic, laxative, polyvitamin remedy at diseases of liver, bile ducts, at chronic constipation. They also are useful at atherosclerosis, diabetes and psoriasis. But, actually, the possibilities of the plant are much more. That is why the most of European peoples had named the fruit of Sambucus nigra “elderberry”, or berry for “an active long life”.

I don't understand what you need exactly to help you.

Regards