Upper Respiratory Tract Infection, COVID-19, Flu, Flu Like Illness, Cold
Conditions
Keywords
elderberry, anthocyanins
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to confirm and quantify the effects of ElderCraft® elderberry extract on immune health.
Detailed description
This study is a randomized double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial. The purpose is to evaluate the between-groups difference in incidence and duration of upper respiratory events and severity of upper respiratory symptoms while supplementing with ElderCraft® elderberry extract. After attending an orientation session, participants will provide informed consent and be randomized on a 1:1 basis into an intervention group or a placebo group. Each group will consume two capsules daily for 13 weeks. Each intervention capsule contains 300 mg of European black elderberry extract, standardized to 15% anthocyanins.
Interventions
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTElderberry
European black elderberry extract
OTHERPlacebo
Inactive placebo
Sponsors
Artemis International
IPRONA
Nutraceuticals Research Institute
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
QUADRUPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
20 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Provision of signed and dated informed consent form * Stated willingness and demonstrated ability to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study * Aged 20-65 * Lives in the United States within driving distance of the research center * In good general health as evidenced by medical history * BMI \<31 * Ability to take oral supplements and willing to commit to taking 2 capsules a day for 3 months * For females of reproductive potential: use of highly effective contraception for at least 1 month prior to screening and agreement to use such a method during study participation and for an additional month after the end of the intervention period * Employed full time in an occupation with direct and prolonged exposure to the public (i.e. teacher, healthcare provider, etc) or regularly engaged in high exposure activities. * Agreement to adhere to Lifestyle Considerations throughout study duration
Exclusion criteria
* Current use of the following pharmaceuticals: immunosuppressants * Pregnancy, trying to conceive or breastfeeding * Organ transplant recipient * Known allergic reactions to elderberries * Positive COVID-19 test within 180 days of the study period * COVID vaccine of any type scheduled during the intervention period or the week prior to the start of the study * Receipt of 4+ COVID-19 vaccines * Current diagnosis or lifetime history of an autoimmune condition (including but not limited to Lupus, Addisons, Graves, Hypothyroidism, Multiple Sclerosis, or Type 1 Diabetes) OR cancer OR chronic kidney disease OR chronic liver disease OR chronic lung disease (i.e. COPD, pulmonary embolism) OR cystic fibrosis OR severe heart disease (i.e. heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy) OR HIV infection OR immunocompromised status OR sickle cell disease OR tuberculosis * Recent dramatic weight changes (10% change in body weight in the last 6 months) * Existing usage of a polyphenol-based supplement, including but not limited to elderberry, cranberry, bilberry, quercetin, or resveratrol. * Existing usage of an immune supporting supplement such as echinacea, probiotics, elderberry, or any other dietary supplements marketed as immune support. * Routine dietary consumption of high levels of polyphenols or anthocyanins as determined by dietary intake questionnaire.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Duration of Upper Respiratory Events | 13 weeks | Total number of days per upper respiratory event. An event is classified as a series of continuous days with upper respiratory symptoms. |
| Symptom Severity | 13 weeks | Average daily symptom score on the Franklin Immune Scale which measures the severity of 50 symptoms. Scores range from 0 (symptom not present) to 5 (symptom is severe), with higher scores indicating greater severity. |
| Incidence of Upper Respiratory Symptomatic Days | 13 weeks | Total number of days with upper respiratory symptoms during the 90 day intervention. Symptoms are measured using the Franklin Immune Scale, which measures the severity of 50 symptoms. Scores range from 0 (symptom not present) to 5 (symptom is severe), with higher scores indicating greater severity. |
| Incidence of Upper Respiratory Events | 13 weeks | Total number of upper respiratory events during the 90 day intervention. An event is classified as a series of continuous days with upper respiratory symptoms. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Duration of COVID-19 | 13 weeks | Total number of days per COVID-19 infection. An event is classified as a series of continuous days with COVID-19 symptoms and the receipt of a positive COVID-19 test. |
| Severity of COVID-19 | 13 weeks | Average daily symptom score on the Franklin Immune Scale which measures the severity of 50 symptoms. Scores range from 0 (symptom not present) to 5 (symptom is severe), with higher scores indicating greater severity. |
| Incidence of influenza | 13 weeks | Total number of influenza diagnoses during the 90 day period, as confirmed through an in-office diagnostic test. |
| Severity of influenza | 13 weeks | Average daily symptom score on the Franklin Immune Scale which measures the severity of 50 symptoms. Scores range from 0 (symptom not present) to 5 (symptom is severe), with higher scores indicating greater severity. |
| Energy Levels | baseline and 13 weeks | The Franklin Energy Scale measures energy levels across 7 domains, with higher scores indicating greater energy levels. This produces a total energy score, as well as 7 subscores. |
| Sleep Quality | baseline and 13 weeks | The Franklin Sleep Scale measures energy levels across 10 domains, with higher scores indicating greater sleep quality. |
| Duration of influenza | 13 weeks | Total number of days per influenza infection. An event is classified as a series of continuous days with flu-like symptoms and the receipt of a positive influenza test. |
| Cognitive Wellbeing | baseline and 13 weeks | The Franklin Cognitive Health Scale measures brain health across 7 domains, with higher scores indicating greater cognitive well-being. |
| Stress Levels | baseline and 13 weeks | The Franklin Stress Scale measures stress levels across 7 domains, with higher scores indicating greater stress management. |
| Incidence of COVID-19 | 13 weeks | Total number of COVID-19 diagnoses during the 90 day period, as confirmed through an at-home laboratory verified diagnostic test. |
Other
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Digestive Health | baseline and 13 weeks | The Franklin Digestive Health Scale measures gastrointestinal health across 4 domains, with higher scores indicating greater gastrointestinal health. |
| Adverse Events | 13 weeks | Total number of adverse events during the 13 week intervention |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed