Effects of a Combination of Elderberry and Reishi Extracts on the Duration and Severity of Respiratory Tract Infections in Elderly Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Authors: Carlos Gracián-Alcaide, Jose A. Maldonado-Lobón, Elisabeth Ortiz-Tikkakoski, Alejandro Gómez-Vilchez, Juristo Fonollá, Jose L. López-Larramendi, Mónica Olivares, and Ruth Blanco-Rojo

Journal: Applied Sciences

Study Design:

• Intervention: 1.5 g elderberry + 0.5 g reishi extract or placebo daily
• Participants: 60 nursing home residents aged 65 or older
• Duration: 14 weeks
• Outcome Measures: Incidence, duration, and severity of respiratory tract infections (RTIs), including influenza-like illness (ILI) and common cold

Summary: This study investigated the effects of a combined elderberry and reishi extract on respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in elderly nursing home residents. While the incidence of RTIs was similar between the extract and placebo groups, the extract group experienced significantly shorter durations of common cold events (2.5 days vs. 4.8 days). Additionally, the extract group had a significantly lower probability of experiencing severe ILI symptoms. The incidence of sleep disturbances was also significantly lower in the extract group. These findings suggest that the combination of elderberry and reishi extracts may be a natural strategy to reduce the duration and severity of RTIs in the elderly.