Fall may still be weeks away, but respiratory virus activity is already shifting across the U.S. As students return to classrooms and families settle back into school-year routines, people are once again spending more time in close contact. By late August, the CDC was reporting increasing COVID-19 and rhinovirus activity nationally.
ElderCraft® European Black Elderberry and Reishi Mushroom offer two distinct, science-backed approaches to supporting a healthy immune system.
DID YOU KNOW?
An estimated 70% of the immune system is associated with the gut.Specialized immune cells constantly monitor what passes through the digestive tract. These cells help the body distinguish between harmless substances, such as food and beneficial bacteria, and potential threats that may require an immune response. That makes the connection between digestive health and immune health especially interesting for today’s wellness formulations.
ElderCraft®
Polyphenol-rich support for seasonal wellness
European black elderberry has a long history of use during cold and flu season, and modern research is helping explain why. Rich in polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins, elderberry has been studied for its role in supporting immune health and reducing the duration and severity of some respiratory symptoms.
ElderCraft® also has a compelling gut-health story: the ELDERGUT clinical study found changes in gut microbial diversity and increased levels of Akkermansia muciniphila, adding to evidence for the prebiotic potential of black elderberry polyphenols.
Reishi Mushroom
Beta-glucans for the gut-immune axis
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) brings a different set of bioactives to immune-health formulations. Its polysaccharides, including beta-glucans, have been widely studied for their immunomodulatory properties. Recent research also points to a connection with the gut microbiome.
A 2026 study found that Reishi-derived polysaccharides supported immune-cell activity, with results suggesting that gut bacteria may play an important role in that response. Together, these findings make Reishi especially interesting for formulations targeting both immune health and the gut-immune axis.
Back-to-school season puts immune health front and center, but today’s consumers are looking beyond one-dimensional seasonal solutions. ElderCraft® combines polyphenol-rich elderberry with clinically studied prebiotic benefits, while Reishi brings beta-glucans and emerging research into the relationship between the microbiome and immune function.
Looking to build your next immune-health supplement, functional food or beverage? Talk to our team about ElderCraft®, Reishi and other science-backed ingredients for seasonal wellness formulations.
