The Flu – Sambucus nigra (Elderberry) & Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)
A standardized liquid extract of Elderberry possesses antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive bacteria of Streptococcus pyogenes and group C and G Streptococci, and the Gram-negative bacterium Branhamella catarrhalis in liquid cultures. The liquid extract also displays an inhibitory effect on the propagation of human pathogenic influenza viruses. 
In one placebo controlled trial Elderberry provided a full cure of the infection in 2-3 days in 93% of the cases whereas the placebo group had a full cure in 6 days in 91.7% of cases (p < 0.001). 
In another study the researchers looked at the effect of a concentration of elderberry extract on influenza infected mice. They observed the following three basic effects: 1) a suppression in viral replication in the respiratory fluids, 2) an increase in the level of antibodies in the blood specific for neutralizing the influenza virus, 3) and an increase in secretory IgA in the lungs as well as in feces. 
Secretory IgA are immunoglobulins produced by activated B cells in the mucosa that form immune complexes with pathogens thus preventing them from entering into your system. You might think of them as one of your first lines of defense against invading pathogens.
In another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study the researchers looked at â€œâ€¦sixty patients (aged 18-54 years) suffering from influenza-like symptoms for 48 h or lessâ€¦â€ They gave 15ml (3 teaspoons) elderberry syrup, or a placebo syrup four times a day for 5 days. â€œSymptoms were relieved on average 4 days earlier and use of rescue medication was significantly less in those receiving elderberry extract compared with placebo. 
Neuraminidase, as we saw at the beginning of this discussion on the flu, is a protein on the viral membrane that prevents viral particles from clumping together as the virus tries to spread.
Tamiflu is a pharmaceutical drug designed to inhibit neuraminidase. It is used widely and indiscriminately throughout the world as one of the first lines of defense against the influenza virus.
The problem is that when we take Tamiflu we metabolize it into another compound called oseltamivir carboxylate, which does not degrade in our feces nor our water supplies. In fact, it has been detected in river water. In the mallard duck populations there is disturbing evidence of Tamiflu resistant strains of influenza A [5-7] This resistance can be transmitted to humans.
As an alternative extracts from Glycyrrhiza inflata also inhibits neuraminidase. 
Important note about licorice root
Licorice should not be used if you have high blood pressure.
In my next post I will be discussing research regarding Echinacea.
1. Krawitz, C., et al., Inhibitory activity of a standardized elderberry liquid extract against clinically-relevant human respiratory bacterial pathogens and influenza A and B viruses. BMC Complement Altern Med, 2011. 11: p. 16.
2. Zakay-Rones, Z., et al., Inhibition of several strains of influenza virus in vitro and reduction of symptoms by an elderberry extract (Sambucus nigra L.) during an outbreak of influenza B Panama. J Altern Complement Med, 1995. 1(4): p. 361-9.
5. Jarhult, J.D., Oseltamivir (Tamiflu((R))) in the environment, resistance development in influenza A viruses of dabbling ducks and the risk of transmission of an oseltamivir-resistant virus to humans – a review. Infect Ecol Epidemiol, 2012. 2.