Elderberry extract appears to offer one of the most potent concentrations of anthocyanins and other beneficial antioxidants commonly found in berries. Scientists aren’t quite sure why, but the unique ratio of potential antioxidants and other beneficial substances found in elderberry extract appears to be especially effective against infectious disease. Antioxidants are beneficial regardless of your health status, but if you’re concerned about viral or bacterial infections, adding elderberry extract to your daily antioxidant intake may be even more desirable.