Can American Elderberry Juice Support Brain Health? New Research on Cognitive Function

By Popple Tree Creek FarmsBased on research published in Antioxidants (MDPI)

Why We’re Excited About This Study on American Elderberry

Here at Popple Tree Creek Farms, we’ve always known American elderberries are powerful — rich in antioxidants, full of color, and bursting with nutrients. Now science is catching up.

A recent study explored whether American elderberry juice could help older adults experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) — a condition that often precedes dementia. The findings are early but promising: elderberry compounds may play a role in keeping the mind sharp and flexible as we age.

What the Study Looked At

Researchers from the University of Cincinnati conducted a six-month, placebo-controlled study with 24 older adults diagnosed with MCI. Half of them drank 5 mL of elderberry juice three times per day, while the others received a placebo juice that looked and tasted similar but contained no active ingredients.

Each participant completed a series of cognitive tests measuring memory, visuospatial ability, and cognitive flexibility — which is basically how quickly the brain can adapt and switch between mental tasks.

What They Found

After six months, the elderberry group showed a noticeable improvement in mental speed, especially in cognitive flexibility. Participants who drank elderberry juice completed certain tasks faster than those in the placebo group.

There were no major changes in memory or overall accuracy, but this improvement in processing speed is meaningful — especially for older adults trying to maintain independence and focus.

The researchers believe the effect may come from anthocyanins, the purple pigments in elderberries known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help reduce oxidative stress in the brain, which is a major factor in age-related cognitive decline.

Why This Matters

Cognitive flexibility — the ability to adapt, switch gears, and think efficiently — is one of the first skills to decline as we age.If elderberry’s natural compounds can support this area, it opens the door for more research into nutritional ways to keep the brain resilient.

While no single food or supplement can prevent dementia, this adds to the growing evidence that polyphenol-rich foods, like American elderberries, blueberries, and blackcurrants, may help sustain brain health over time.

What It Doesn’t Prove (Yet)

Before we all rush to fill our glasses, it’s important to be realistic.

• The study was small — only 24 participants.

• It lasted just six months.

• Results were limited to speed improvements, not overall memory or problem-solving accuracy.

• The researchers emphasized that larger, longer trials are needed.

In short, this study is a positive first signal, not a conclusion.

What You Can Do

Adding elderberry to your daily routine is a simple, natural step toward supporting overall wellness.It’s not a treatment — but it’s one of the most antioxidant-rich foods found in nature.

Choose products made from fresh-pressed American elderberries, not imported concentrates or heavily processed juice.If you’re curious to try elderberry as part of your daily brain-health regimen, check out our line of small-batch, farm-made syrup

👉 Shop American Elderberry Products

Key Takeaways

• Elderberry juice improved mental processing speed in adults with mild cognitive impairment.

• The benefit may come from anthocyanins — powerful antioxidant compounds found in American elderberries.

• This was a preliminary, small study, but results are promising for future brain-health research.

• Incorporating natural, polyphenol-rich foods may support both body and mind as we age.

  
  

👉 Read the full study here

Reference:Antioxidants (MDPI), Vol 14, Issue 2, Article 131 (2025)“Preliminary Effects of American Elderberry Juice on Cognitive Functioning in Mild Cognitive Impairment Patients.”