Dr. Stephan Plattner is Scientific Director at the Business Unit Health and Nutrition at Iprona Lana in Italy. With over 15 years of experience in the international Nutraceutical industry his contribution span from clinical trial developments to new applications and product developments in collaboration with international partners.
“Let food be thy medicine,” the timeless principle of Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, has shaped Europe’s approach to daily self-care for centuries. Elderberry anthocyanins, a flagship ingredient within this food-as-medicine tradition, have long been used to support the body through seasonal changes and everyday health maintenance.
In November 2025, elderberry anthocyanins were officially approved as a new food ingredient in China, marking the beginning of their legitimate application in the domestic functional food market and opening new opportunities for immune health and cross-category innovation. In the European and U.S. markets, elderberry has already established itself as a top-selling immune-support ingredient, backed by scientific research and consumer recognition. Its polyphenols also modulate gut microbiota, offering “non-traditional prebiotic” potential, extending its benefits from seasonal immune support to daily health management.