Elderberry Functional Gum and Cognitive & Oral Health in Older Adults

Launched by BURDUR MEHMET AKIF ERSOY UNIVERSITY · Jun 27, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring whether a special chewing gum made with elderberry extract can help support brain health and improve the balance of good bacteria in the mouth for older adults experiencing mild memory or thinking problems. Elderberry contains natural compounds known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which might protect the brain and reduce harmful inflammation. Since chewing itself can stimulate brain activity and help clear harmful proteins linked to dementia, this study combines the benefits of chewing with elderberry’s natural ingredients to see if it can support thinking skills and oral health in people aged 60 and over.

To join the study, participants should be 60 years or older with mild cognitive difficulties (meaning some memory or thinking issues but not severe dementia), have at least 20 natural teeth or a working set of dentures without chewing problems, and be generally healthy with controlled chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. Smokers and those who recently used antibiotics or mouthwashes that affect mouth bacteria won’t be eligible. Participants will be asked to chew the elderberry gum regularly, and researchers will monitor any changes in thinking abilities and mouth bacteria. This study is not yet recruiting but aims to offer a simple, gentle way to help maintain brain and oral health as people age.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Individuals aged 60 and over
• • Individuals with mildly reduced cognitive function using the MoCA test (MoCA score: 20-25)
• • Those with stable systemic diseases (e.g. HT, controlled DM)
• • Those with adequate dental health (≥20 natural teeth or no chewing problems with functional prosthesis)
• • Non-smokers and those who use regular medication and do not use antibiotics or antiseptic mouthwashes that could seriously affect the oral microbiota
• • Individuals who are willing to participate in the study and can give written consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Moderate to severe dementia (MoCA \< 20)
• • Presence of active infection or systemic inflammatory disease
• • Temporomandibular joint disorders affecting gum chewing function
• • Use of probiotics, prebiotics, or antibiotics within the last three months
• • Known allergy to elderberry or its components