Effects of an Elderberry-Based Functional Beverage on Exercise Performance, Muscle Structure, and the Gut-Muscle Axis

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Elderberry-Based Functional Beverage: A polyphenol- and anthocyanin-rich beverage derived from Sambucus nigra L., administered once daily for 12 weeks as a dietary supplement.

Placebo Beverage: A placebo beverage that mimics the elderberry drink in color and flavor but contains no polyphenols or bioactive compounds. Consumed once daily for 12 weeks.

Study summary

Introduction: Increasing sedentary lifestyle, microbiota imbalance and exercise-induced muscle fatigue are among the main causes of metabolic stress and performance decline, even in young individuals. The potential effects of functional foods-particularly polyphenol and anthocyanin-rich beverages-on both gut microbiota and muscle performance have attracted attention in recent years. In this context, intervention studies focused on the gut-muscle axis represent a promising and valuable area of research.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the effects of a functional beverage enriched with anthocyanins and polyphenols -extracted from Sambucus nigra L. (black elderberry)- combined with a regular exercise program on muscle performance, muscle morphology, fatigue level, and gut microbiota composition in healthy individuals.

Method: This 12-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial will include participants adhering to a berry-free diet. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: the intervention group will consume a functional elderberry beverage formulated with high-purity anthocyanins obtained via supercritical CO₂ extraction; the control group will receive a placebo beverage with matched taste and energy content but without active compounds. Both groups will engage in a structured combined exercise program (3 days/week). Pre- and post-intervention assessments will include gut microbiota profiling (16S rRNA sequencing), short-chain fatty acid analysis, systemic biomarkers, muscle morphology (via ultrasound), exercise performance, and body composition. Mediator analyses will be used to explore the role of the gut-muscle axis in the observed effects.

Unique value: This project represents one of the few human-based intervention studies systematically evaluating the interaction between functional beverages, exercise, and microbiota through the lens of muscle fiber-type-specific adaptations. Furthermore, by integrating mediator analyses and multi-level outcome measures, the study aims to elucidate the physiological relevance of the gut-muscle axis in a holistic manner. The development, standardization, and sensory evaluation of the elderberry-based beverage also contribute valuable insights to functional product innovation.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Change in Perceived Muscle Fatigue (VAS Score) After 12 Weeks — Baseline and Week 12
  Muscle fatigue perception will be assessed using a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS), where 0 indicates no fatigue and 10 indicates extreme fatigue. Unit of Measure: Units on a 10-point scale Interpretation: A lower score indicates improvement.
• Change in Time-to-Exhaustion Performance After 12 Weeks — Baseline and Week 12
  Muscle endurance will be assessed by measuring the time (in seconds) a participant can continue a standardized exercise until exhaustion. Unit of Measure: Seconds Interpretation: A higher time indicates improvement.

Trial sites (1)

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