Elderberry contains several compounds that help support healthy immune function. These active compounds help defend against viruses by affecting their ability to infect the body's cells. Certain proteins at the surface of viruses have the ability to breakdown the body's cell membranes and infect the cell. By neutralizing these proteins, the active compounds in elderberry help to protect the cells from infection. Elderberry is also rich in anthocyanins, which have well documented antioxidant properties. In addition, the anthocyanins in the elderberry help to support cytokine production. Cytokines are essential for regulating immune function.