5-in-1 Intense Defense Ingredient Spotlight

Black Elderberry, Echinacea, White Willow, Vitamin C & Zinc

The unique blend of powerhouse ingredients in our new 5-in-1 Intense Defense Liquid Action Softgels helps provide intensive immune support when you need it the most.* Here's a breakdown of how each of these super ingredients helps support your immune system so you can keep doing what you need to do.*


Black Elderberry


The superstar ingredient in all Sambucol products, black elderberries have been used for thousands of years for wellness and antioxidant support. Elderberries are full of important antioxidants called anthocyanins, which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. These antioxidants can help fight free radicals in the body and may help support a healthy immune system.* Anthocyanins are what give black elderberries their deep purple color.
 
Sambucol makes all its products using the Haschberg variety of black elderberries (Sambucus nigra). This type of black elderberry is celebrated for its intense purplish-black color and high levels of anthocyanin antioxidants. They are also natural sources of Vitamins A, C, and E.
 
All of these benefits are what make black elderberries such a powerful superfruit and a nutritional powerhouse for immune system support.*


Echinacea


This little pink flower packs some big benefits. Echinacea helps maintain the body’s natural defense systems,* thanks to several chemicals found naturally in the plant. This beneficial herb contains potent antioxidants and is believed to trigger activity in the immune system.* Native to North America, Native Americans have used echinacea for hundreds of years to treat infections and for general wellness. It has pink or purple flowers with a brown, cone-shaped center.


White Willow


White willow has been used for centuries to help reduce inflammation and treat pain. Like black elderberry, the use of this therapeutic herb dates back to the time of Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine,” in 400 BC. White willow is a natural source of salicin, a chemical similar to aspirin. In combination with this plant’s powerful antioxidants, salicin may be responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of white willow.*


Vitamin C


Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect your cells against free radicals. Free radicals are produced when your body breaks down food or is exposed to toxins in the environment. One of Vitamin C’s many roles is helping the immune system function properly. It does this by helping your body produce white blood cells and helping those cells function more effectively.

 
Zinc


Zinc is a mineral found throughout your body. It plays a key role in many different functions, including immune system support. Zinc helps to keep your immune system strong. It does this by helping to fight off invading bacteria and viruses. It is also important to the growth of immune cells. Zinc is thought to act like an antioxidant, helping to fight off free radicals and reduce inflammation.

 

Shop our black elderberry softgels today.

 

 



Sources:


Healthline. "What Are Polyphenols? Types, Benefits, and Food Sources." Written by Alina Petre, MS, RD (NL) on July 8, 2019 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/polyphenols#benefits


VeryWellHealth. "The Benefits of Anthocyanins." Written by Cathy Wong and medically reviewed by Meredith Bull, ND on April 13, 2020  https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-scoop-on-anthocyanins-89522


Mayo Clinic article written by Mayo Clinic Staff on Nov. 17, 2020 - “Zinc”  https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-zinc/art-20366112

Healthline article written by Jillian Kubala, MS, RD on November 14, 2018 – “Zinc: Everything You Need to Know” https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/zinc


Mayo Clinic article written by Mayo Clinic Staff on Nov. 17, 2020 – “Vitamin C” 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-c/art-20363932


WebMD article written by Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD on March 15, 2022 – “The Benefits of Vitamin C” https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-benefits-of-vitamin-c

Mount Sinai Health Library article: “Echinacea.” https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/echinacea


Mount Sinai Health Library article: “Willow bark.” https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/willow-bark