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Advanced research on the antioxidant and health benefit of elderberry (Sambucus nigra) in food – a review
Abstract
Elderberry plant (Sambucus nigra) is a good source of protein, free and conjugated forms of amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, fibre fractions, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. Analysis of elderberry showed that it contains high biological activity components, primarily polyphenols, mostly anthocyanins, flavonols, phenolic acids and proanthocyanidins, as well as terpenes and lectins. In folk medicine, elderberry has been used in the treatment of many diseases and ailments. Elderberry has medicinal properties associated with the presence of polyphenols, which are compounds with potential antioxidant properties. They can greatly affect the course of disease processes by counteracting oxidative stress, exerting beneficial effects on blood pressure, glycaemia reduction, immune system stimulation, antitumour potential, increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the blood plasma, including also glutathione, and the reduction of uric acid levels.
... Polyphenols and anthocyanins contain significant antioxidant properties [4][5][6], which can counteract oxidative stress (imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidants) and inflammation [7][8][9], therefore providing neuroprotective benefits against neurodegeneration [9] by combatting mitochondrial oxidative stress [10]. Previous work in our lab investigated the impact of a 6-month elderberry (an anthocyanin dietary supplement that contains high antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties [11,12]) intervention on peripheral blood-based inflammatory markers in older adults with MCI [13]. The findings showed that overall low-grade peripheral inflammatory markers were reduced after 6 months. ...
... This is important given that our previous findings showed that generally low-grade peripheral blood-based inflammation was reduced after 6 months of consuming elderberry juice in older adults with MCI [13]. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in elderberries [11,12] may decrease inflammation and oxidative stress state [7][8][9] burden in the frontal and parietal areas [45] that are important for cognitive flexibility abilities [46]. Polyphenols have also been suggested to be neuroprotective [47], such as neural architecture protection [48], and stimulating neurogenesis in brain regions associated with working memory (involved with cognitive flexibility) and learning [49]. ...
... Currently, there are no effective pharmacological treatments for MCI patients [2], and non-pharmacological treatments have been proposed as potential agents in MCI treatment [3]. Elderberry antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [11,12] may support cognitive health in aging populations [51] through potentially attenuating the potential underlying mechanisms contributing to cognitive decline, such as inflammation [44,52,53]. Importantly, the implementation of elderberry juice as a non-invasive nutritional supplement may reduce the risk of MCI patients developing Alzheimer's disease. ...
Previous work examining dietary interventions high in polyphenols (i.e., antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties) has shown cognitive benefits. In a prior investigation examining American elderberry juice consumption with inflammation and cognition in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), we found a trend toward better visuospatial construct flexibility in MCI patients who consumed elderberry relative to the placebo control. This study aims to further examine the preliminary effects of American elderberry juice on the cognitive domains in MCI using cognitive composite scores. MCI patients (N = 24; Mage = 76.33 ± 6.95) received elderberry (n = 11) or placebo (n = 13) juice for 6 months and completed cognitive tasks targeting memory, visuospatial ability, and cognitive flexibility at the baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. For the composite z-scores calculated for global cognition and each domain, multilevel models and Kenward–Roger post hoc tests examined the interaction between condition (elderberry/placebo) and time (baseline/3 months/6 months). The findings showed a significant interaction between global cognitive flexibility (p = 0.049) and elderberry juice (not the placebo) trending toward a significant decrease (better) in composite cognitive flexibility latency scores from the baseline (M = 29.89, SE = 18.12) to 6 months (M = 18.57, SE = 9.68). Preliminary findings suggest elderberry juice may provide overall cognitive flexibility benefits in MCI. These promising results provide support for prospective investigations examining the potential underlying mechanisms of elderberries that may provide cognitive benefits in MCI, possibly due to anti-inflammatory effects.
... Elderberry infusions, extracts, and syrups are currently recommended for colds, rhinitis, and as a diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative and anti-inflammatory agent. The use of elderberry in these conditions is associated with its antiviral and antibacterial action, as well as its ability to boost the immune system [31]. The health-supporting properties of elderberry are related primarily to its high content of antioxidants, anthocyanins, flavonols (quercetin, kaempferol) and phenolic acids in particular [6]. ...
... The health-supporting properties of elderberry are related primarily to its high content of antioxidants, anthocyanins, flavonols (quercetin, kaempferol) and phenolic acids in particular [6]. These compounds neutralize oxidative stress, which produces beneficial effects in the form of cardiovascular support, reduced glycaemia, immune system stimulation, anti-cancer effects, as well as increased activity of antioxidant plasma enzymes, including glutathione, and reduced uric acid levels [31]. Elderberry fruits are most often used for juices, jams, marmalades, jellies, desserts, candies, syrups, teas, wines and as colourants for ice cream, yoghurts, candies and cakes. ...
... Sidor and Gramza-Michałowska [31] performed a review of research on the antioxidant properties of elderberry. The fruits of this plant contain an average of 371 mg to 583 mg GAE/100 g fresh matter. ...
Background
Red fruits are characterised by a particularly high content of bioactive compounds, e.g. anthocyanins, tannins, pectins, vitamins and minerals. Dietary supply of proper amounts of antioxidants is essential to reduce oxidative stress, and thus is an important element in the prevention of lifestyle diseases.
Objective
The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the content of polyphenols in selected red fruit juices (chokeberry, elderberry, pomegranate, cranberry), as well as to assess the impact of storage time on the content of these compounds in the analysed samples.
Material and Methods
The research material consisted of 17 juices (100%): 3 chokeberry juices, 4 elderberry juices, 5 pomegranate juices and 5 cranberry juices, which differed in terms of the manufacturer, type, price range, country of origin and production method. The total polyphenol content was measured by spectrophotometry using the Folin�Ciocalteu reagent. The procedure was based on a modified method described by Waterhouse. Active acidity (pH) was measured with the potentiometric method using a pH-meter and the sucrose content was measured using a refractometer.
Results
The highest mean content of polyphenolic compounds was found in chokeberry and elderberry juices. Juice storage time did not reduce the mean content of polyphenolic compounds. The highest sucrose content was found in chokeberry juices and the lowest in cranberry juice.
Conclusions
Chokeberry and elderberry juices had the highest content of polyphenols among the tested products. Juices stored after opening in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions (at 4°C) do not lose their nutritional properties.
... The large amounts of these components present would be expected to contribute to the biological activities observed for elderberries, as well as promote the potential development of therapeutic agents from these berries. Also, their potent antioxidative activity is supportive of other biological properties documented for elderberries, including antidiabetic, anti-infective, antimutagenic, immunomodulatory, and cardio-, gastro-, hepato-, and radioprotective effects [16,17]. ...
... Recently, several review articles on elderberries have been published, which have focused on the antiviral activity of elderberries [18], including effects on respiratory viral infections [19,20], specifically against influenza [21,22] and COVID-19 [23,24]; on the use of elderberries in the food industry [25]; on the chemical components and pharmacological activities of the berries [4,13,14], fruits, and flowers [26][27][28][29], as well as the whole plant of this species [2,3,15,16], and on the constituents and the female reproduction-focused bioactivity of the whole elderberry plant [30]. To complement these previous reviews, the present contribution highlights the development of potential therapeutic agents from elderberries and their small-molecule constituents. ...
... The major phenolic components of elderberries are postulated to counteract oxidative stress to help lower blood pressure, reduce glycemia, boost the immune system, decrease cancer risk, and increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Thus, these antioxidants may be important in supporting human health by alleviating cancer, infections, heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions [16]. In addition, elderberries have been cultivated as a commercial crop for their use in baked goods, jelly, juices, nutrient supplements, syrup, and wine (https://extension.missouri.edu/media/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/Pub/pdf/ ...
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) is a widespread deciduous shrub, of which the fruits (elderberries) are used in the food industry to produce different types of dietary supplement products. These berries have been found to show multiple bioactivities, including antidiabetic, anti-infective, antineoplastic, anti-obesity, and antioxidant activities. An elderberry extract product, Sambucol®, has also been used clinically for the treatment of viral respiratory infections. As the major components, phenolic compounds, such as simple phenolic acids, anthocyanins and other flavonoids, and tannins, show promising pharmacological effects that could account for the bioactivities observed for elderberries. Based on these components, salicylic acid and its acetate derivative, aspirin, have long been used for the treatment of different disorders. Dapagliflozin, an FDA-approved antidiabetic drug, has been developed based on the conclusions obtained from a structure–activity relationship study for a simple hydrolyzable tannin, β-pentagalloylglucoside (β-PGG). Thus, the present review focuses on the development of therapeutic agents from elderberries and their small-molecule secondary metabolites. It is hoped that this contribution will support future investigations on elderberries.
... The berries grow in clusters and have been used for centuries for medicinal purposes and are traditionally consumed to prevent or diminish the symptoms of several diseases [1][2][3][4]. Elderberries contain many bioactive compounds, mainly anthocyanin derivatives, including cyanidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-sambubioside, cyanidin 3-rutinoside, cyanidin 3-sambubioside-5-glucoside, and cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside, with cyanidin 3-sambubioside or cyanidin 3-glucoside being the most abundant depending on the variety and ripeness [4][5][6][7][8]. ...
... Similar total polyphenol values were recorded for elderberries in the other studies [6,8,23,26] ranging from 3.5 to 7.0 mg/g of fresh sample (FW). The higher GAE values about 11 mg/g were presented by Silva et al. [24], who used a freeze-dried material for extraction same as Wu et al. who presented even 19.4 ...
... The optimal volume of the sample extract added to the buffers was determined by its gradually increasing amount and monitoring the change in absorbance. According to the literature [4][5][6][7][8]10,24,26] and our finding, cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-sambubioside are the main anthocyanins present in elderberries. For this reason, cyanidin-3-glucoside (C-Glu) is frequently used as a standard for TAC determination [6,[24][25][26][27][28]. ...
This work focusses on the analysis of anthocyanins present in wild Czech elderberries, using spectrophotometric methods and liquid chromatography. Spectrophotometric methods were used to determine antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, and total anthocyanin content. Further, four major elderberry anthocyanins were determined using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with isocratic elution of 30% aqueous methanol with 5% of formic acid. All optimised methods were applied to the analysis of extracts prepared from frozen and dried elderberry fruit samples, and the results were evaluated using principal component analysis which clearly divided the samples into individual groups according to the sample pretreatment (frozen and dried samples). The frozen samples reached higher values of antioxidant capacity and total phenolic and anthocyanin contents compared to the dried samples, probably due to the degradation of anthocyanins during the drying process.
... S.nigra L. fruits also contain numerous compounds with high biological activity, among which anthocyanins and polyphenols have the highest activity-see Table 2. Anthocyanins Cyanidin 3-glucoside- Figure 57.0-102.7 mg QRE 6 /100 g [23] In vitro studies indicate the antioxidant properties of Sambucus nigra fruit extracts. These compounds can also increase the activity of enzymes in the small intestine, liver and lungs, including peroxidase, S-transferase, glutathione reductase and catalase [12,75]. ...
... The chemical composition of Sambuci Flos[23][24][25][26]. ...
... g CGE/kg; 170-343 mg CGE/100 g; 465.1 mg/ 100 g FW; 602.9-1265.3 mg CGE/100 g FW; 1374.4 mg CGE/100 g[23,74] ...
Sambucus nigra L. has been used for centuries in traditional medicine thanks to its valuable healing properties. The healing properties result from its high content of biologically active compounds, mainly antioxidants, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. In our review, we have presented scientific studies evaluating the anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects of extracts and their components from S. nigra L. flowers and fruits. The results of the research show that the effect of antioxidant phytochemicals contained in their composition reduces the level of free radicals and pro-inflammatory cytokines, prevents mutations that increase the risk of cancer development, and inhibits cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and changes in intracellular signaling, consequently inhibiting the growth of malignant tumors and the formation of metastases. Flowers and fruits of S. nigra L. are a valuable source of nutraceutical and pharmacological substances that can support prevention and anti-inflammatory and oncological therapy without negative side effects for the patient.
... valuable in functional compounds, elderberries are well known for their potential toxicity owned to cyanogenic glycosides such as sambunigrin and prunasin, zierin and holocain as well as lectins (Młynarczyk et al. 2018;Pascariu and Israel-Roming 2022), especially in immature, unripe fruits. These compounds are temperature sensitive and thermal processing leads to their degradation (Sidor and Gramza-Michałowska 2015;Młynarczyk et al. 2018); thus, jam manufacturing represents a proper preservation method and a solution to reduce toxicity. ...
... Processing of elderberry fruits induces changes in the composition of polyphenols, similarly like blanching generally reduces the polyphenol content according to Sidor and Gramza-Michałowska (2015). ...
... Other American species (S. cearulea) and European species (S. ebulus) also exist but are less widely cultivated. The elderberry has been used in folk medicine to treat many diseases and it is well-known for its effects on certain respiratory diseases (Sidor and Gramza-Michałowska, 2015). ...
... Antioxidant activities of elderberry were reported for its plant tissues, extract, food, supplements, and tea infusions (Sidor and Gramza-Michałowska, 2015). Using the DPPH assay, wine has been previously demonstrated to have more antioxidant activities than must (Schmitzer et al., 2010). ...
Elderberry fruit is available in the market and is becoming more popular. However, winemaking techniques are under-studied with this fruit. This study aimed to determine the impact of three processing methods on elderberry wine quality. The methods were: No extended maceration followed by hot water treatment (EC0); 2 days of cold soak maceration followed by hot water (EC2) and boiled elderberry (EB) fruits before alcoholic fermentation. The results indicated that although the treatments did not cause significant differences in ethanol, glycerol, total acidity, volatile acidity and tannins, wine pHs were influenced by the treatments. Besides influencing the pH, EB treatment produced darker elderberry wine, whereas, EC2 wine had the lightest color. Treatments also influenced the final wine monophenol profiles and antioxidant capabilities. EB wine had the highest total anthocyanin content and antioxidant activities. EC2 wine had a significantly higher amount of total hydroxycinnamates compared to EC0 but was not different from EB-treated wine. The wine antioxidant capacities were significantly lower than in musts but were not different between treatments. Cold maceration in EC2 did not help the extraction of antioxidants in elderberry wine. The results indicated that heating through boiling might help disrupt fruit cells and assist in the extraction of anthocyanins. Cold soak enhanced certain compounds in elderberry wines. This research provided information for elderberry fruit wine fermentation with general processing methods.
... Skład fitochemiczny ekstraktu z owoców czarnego bzu może różnić się, co wynika prawdopodobnie z czynników środowiskowych, składu gleby i warunków klimatycznych, sposobu pozyskiwania ekstraktu czy różnych odmian czarnego bzu [6,10]. Pośród flawonoli dominują zwykle kwercetyna i rutyna [11]. W grupie kwasów fenolowych przeważają kwas chlorogenowy, kwas protokatechowy [12]. ...
... Wysoka temperatura powoduje rozkład nie tylko związków trujących, ale również zmniejszenie stężenia substancji bioaktywnych. [11,[14][15][16]. Najczęściej ekstrakty z owoców czarnego bzu spożywane są w formie płynnej, czyli w postaci syropów, herbatek do zaparzania. ...
Respiratory infections are undoubtedly one of the most common diseases that both primary care physicians and specialists working in hospitals have to deal with. The percentage of these diseases is particularly high in children and, depending on the child's age, may range from 6% to even 25%. A major clinical problem is the recurrent nature of these infections and their complications. This results in receiving an increased number of medications that can cause numerous side effects. Overprescription of antibiotics and consequently, increase of antibiotic resistance are also observed. Looking forward, the prevention of the recurrent infections is the key problem. The aim of our work was to evaluate the efficacy of the most popular preparations available on the pharmaceutical market that can improve immunity and complement conventional methods of treating infections or completely replace them. These include: elderberry, β-Glucans, lactoferrin, colostrum, black cumin preparations, echinacea, propolis, Streptococcus salivarius K12, inosine pranobex, ginseng, OM-85 bacterial lysate. We reviewed the literature from 2012 to 2024 using Pubmed and Google Scholar. The assesment of the effectiveness of preparations for immunity was based primarily on the systematic reviews, meta-analyses and randomised controlled trials. The above-mentioned preparations are largely characterized by a positive impact on improving the immunity of people supplementing them by activating non-specific immunity mechanisms. Thanks to this, some of the respondents can observe the regulation of the body's inflammatory response and, consequently, a decrease in the number of infections and their course. Due to the still insufficient number of studies on these preparations and the discrepancies in the results obtained among authors, further researches are needed to take a clear stance on their effectiveness.
... Насіння містить жирну олію, до складу якої входять каприфолонова, азелаїнова, капронова, пеларгонова, малонова, пропіонова, олеїнова, α-лінолева, α-ліноленова, арахінова, бегенова кислоти, а також тригліцериди [7]. ...
... Ягоди бузини містять поліненасичені жирні кислоти (пальмітинову, стеаринову, олеїнову, лінолеву, ліноленову, арахінову, нервонову) [10]. Бузина є одним з найбагатших джерел біологічно активних сполук, таких як флавоноли (рутин, кемпферол), флаваноли, фенольні кислоти, проантоціанідини та антоціани (глікозиди ціанідину, самбуцину, дельфінідину, пеларгонідину, мальвінідину, пеонідину, петудину, 3-глюкозид, 3самбубіозид, 3,5-диглюкозид і 3-самбубіозидо-5-глюкозид ціанідину) [7][8][9][10]. Феноли підвищують їх антиоксидантну активність, але й містять шкідливі ціаногенні глікозиди, кількість яких знижується в процесі теплової обробки [11]. ...
Предмет. В останні роки актуальним завданням промисловості є розроблення, використання та випуск на ринок нових високоякісних, конкуренто спроможних харчових продуктів. Тому, великого значення набувають питання вивчення і залучення у виробництво нових видів сировини зі збільшеним вмістом біологічно активних речовин. Перспективним у цьому напрямку є використання вітчизняної рослинної дикорослої сировини, що має адаптогенну, тонізуючу, кровотворну та інші дії і Р-вітамінний комплекс. Дикорослі ягоди володіють високим потенціалом для харчової промисловості, оскільки їх використання дає змогу впроваджувати безвідходні й ресурсозберігаючі технології, а також більш ефективно використовувати корисні властивості місцевої сировини та розробляти нові види харчових продуктів, збагачених природними біологічно активними сполуками. Мета. Дослідження фізико-хімічного складу напівфабрикатів із бузини чорної, встановлення можливості їх застосування в технологіях виробництва харчових концентратів солодких страв. Методи. Для дослідження основних показників якості сировини та готових напівфабрикатів використовували стандартні фізико-хімічні методи визначення. Визначення вмісту поліфенольних сполук проводили методом Фоліна-Чекальтеу. Результати. Встановлено, що в ягодах бузини є значна кількість моноцукрів (9,2%), із органічних кислот домінує лимонна кислота. Також міститься бурштинова кислота, що є антиоксидантом, бере участь в обмінних реакціях організму людини, має гепатопротекторну, антистресову, адаптогенну дію. Основним показником, що характеризує антиоксидантні властивості ягід бузини, є вміст речовин фенольної природи – 856 мг/100 г, серед яких переважають антоціани (ціанідин), флавони (кверцетин). Сфера застосування результатів. Одержані напівфабрикати із бузини чорної запропоновано використовувати в технологіях харчових концентратів солодких страв, зокрема при виробництві киселів, мусів та желе.
... The plant produces elderberries (EDBs), which contain a large amount of phenolic compounds that can have a positive impact on human health. Among the positive effects studied are antioxidant capacity [2,12,13]; antibacterial [14,15], antiviral [16][17][18], and anticancer effects [19]; and antidiabetic properties [20][21][22]. For this reason, EDBs have been used for preventive or curative treatments in traditional medicine and in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries [23][24][25]. ...
... EDBs have a complex chemical composition that varies depending on many variables, including cultivar, location, ripening stage, and climate [32]. In the mature fruits of Sambucus nigra, the most important phenolic compounds are mainly anthocyanin derivatives: cyanidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-sambubioside, cyanidin 3-rutinoside, cyanidin 3-sambubioside-5-glucoside, and cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside [13,[33][34][35]. Because anthocyanins are unstable substances, processing conditions, particularly temperature, are crucial for products containing EDBs. ...
Phenolic compounds from elderberries (Sambucus nigra L.) have attracted attention due to their potential health benefits. This paper examines different extraction methods used to obtain phenolic compounds from these fruits and the stability of the extracts. Several extraction techniques (extraction with continuous agitation, ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, maceration, and enzyme-assisted extraction) were tested and compared to evaluate the yield and the quality of the extracts. The stability of the extracts with various storage parameters (time and temperature) and processing conditions (concentration and lyophilization) was also investigated. The results showed that ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) provided the highest yield of total phenolic compounds (74.89 mg GAE/g), of which 71.23% were represented by total anthocyanins and 62.50% by monomeric anthocyanins, with total flavonoids of 8.11–9.41 mg RUE/g. The analysis of individual phenolic compounds reconfirms the efficiency of UAE, obtaining 0.42–0.09 mg/g gallic acid, 0.59–0.01 mg/g chlorogenic acid, 0.17–0.03 mg/g 4-coumaric acid, and 2.43–0.01 mg/g rutin. The optimization of the extraction conditions led to the conclusion that the best solvent is 45% ethanol (v/v), and the optimal parameters are 40 °C for 40 min. It was also found that the stability of the extracts can be high during long periods of time (even after 180 days). These findings contribute to the understanding of the optimization of extraction processes and storage conditions to obtain extracts rich in phenolic compounds from elderberries, with potential uses in pharmaceutical and food applications.
... These compounds are common in many fruits, such as strawberries and blueberries. Elderberries contain bioactive compounds such as B vitamins, A vitamins, tocopherols, vitamin C, flavonols, phenolic acids, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, and minerals [7]. Anthocyanin compounds, primarily cyanidins, give elderberries their purple-black color [8]. ...
... Anthocyanin compounds, primarily cyanidins, give elderberries their purple-black color [8]. S. canadensis contains variable amounts of cyanidin-3-(Z)-(p-coumarin)-sambubioside-5glucoside, cyanidin-3-(p-coumarin)-glucoside, cyanidin-3-(E)-(p-coumarin)-sambubioside-5-glucoside, and cyanidin-3-(p-coumarin)-sambubioside based on berry variety and growth environment [7]. Bioactive compounds have been shown to degrade during fermentation [5]. ...
Berries and their products can enhance the antioxidant profile, color, and sensory characteristics of beverages, resulting in competitive, value-added products. However, a complete overview of how fermentation affects these compounds is lacking. The American black elderberry, Sambucus canadensis, is an excellent candidate for studying how berry juices are affected during fermentation due to high concentrations of color compounds, anthocyanins, and volatile compounds. Gravity, pH, titratable acidity, total anthocyanins, color, and GC-MS analyses were performed on two varieties of elderberries to examine the physical and chemical qualities of elderberry juice before and after wine fermentation. A commercial product with elderberry adjuncts added post fermentation was also analyzed. The concentration of anthocyanins degraded by ~40% as the color of the elderberry wine shifted from blue to red after fermentation. Products that added elderberries post fermentation did not see the same degradation, however, also did not incorporate the same changes to volatile compounds as observed in the fermented wine. The fermentation industry can use this study’s findings to decide how best to use fruits to improve commercial products.
... To support the claims of traditional medicine on the therapeutic benefits of S. nigra L., we investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of fruit and flower extracts using the cotton pellet granuloma test (picture of pellets is shown on Supplementary Figure S1). Oral administration of SNFrE (10,20, and 50 mg/kg BW) produced a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory response, with significantly reduced granuloma weight. As shown in Figure 1A, the mean granuloma weight for doses of 10, 20, and 50 mg/kg BW of SNFrE were 68.4 ± 9.94, 68.2 ± 9.69, and 61.4 ± 10.22 mg, respectively, compared with the control group (saline). ...
... Several studies have demonstrated black elder's anti-inflammatory effects exhibited via the decreased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 and TNF-α, and reduced neutrophil activation [44,49,50]. Their results indicate that European elder can reduce local inflammation, suppress the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inhibit the production of ROS [20], and suppress the NF-κB [49]. Unlike the fruit extract, which revealed a pronounced dosedependent effect, the flower extract did not show anti-inflammatory activity at any of the three concentrations tested. ...
Sambucus nigra L. (S. nigra, SN) or black elder is a traditional medicinal plant widely used worldwide for therapeutic and dietary purposes. The aim of the current study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of black elder fruit and flower extracts (SNFrE and SNFlE, respectively). The primary polyphenol constituents in the flower extract were flavonoids and phenolic acids, while anthocyanins were the main components in the fruit extract. SNFrE revealed pronounced and dose-dependent in vivo anti-inflammatory activity assessed by the cotton pellet-induced granuloma test. Doses of 10, 20, and 50 mg/kg BW of SNFrE reduced the weight of induced granuloma in rats by 20.3%, 20.5%, and 28.4%, respectively. At the highest dose (50 mg/kg BW), SNFrE had significant (p < 0.01) anti-inflammatory activity comparable to that of diclofenac, the reference compound used (10 mg/kg BW). In addition, the in vivo antinociceptive activity of the extracts in mice was estimated using the acetic-acid-induced writhing test. Both extracts at doses of 50 mg/kg BW inhibited the abdominal contractions induced by the acetic acid significantly comparing to the control group (p < 0.01). Our findings indicate that black elder extracts and particularly SNFrE possess anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities, providing experimental evidence for the use of S. nigra in traditional medicine.
... Studies have shown that elderberry has a high antioxidant (Dawidowicz et al., 2006;Genova & Lenaz, 2015;Sidor & Gramza-Michałowska, 2015) and anticancer activity (Pan et al., 2012) due to its high content of vitamin C and anthocyanins. ...
... Using elderberries may constitute a potential protective agent against growth and unfavourable effects of oxidative stress in the human body (Dawidowicz et al., 2006;Sidor & Gramza-Michałowska, 2015). Functional decline associated with ageing is primarily related to oxidative damage to the genome (Genova & Lenaz, 2015). ...
Our body's well-being is intricately linked to external factors, including temperature, humidity, pollution, microorganisms, and the daily food we consume. Nurturing our bodies involves harnessing the benefits of various plants that contribute to the production of diverse cosmetics. Natural elements such as almonds (Prunus dulcis), elderberries (Sambucus nigra), olives (Olea europaea), and grapes (Vitis vinifera) have demonstrated a range of biological activities, holding potential for therapeutic applications. This study aimed to assess the in vivo impact of these natural ingredients on longevity and genotoxicity/antigenotoxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. Longevity was evaluated through regular observations of Drosophila mortality. The somatic mutation and recombination assay were conducted to determine the antigenotoxic potential of the natural ingredients. The findings revealed that these ingredients influenced longevity, and they also exhibited antigenotoxic potential, with elderberry yielding the most promising results. The growing importance of natural and organic cosmetics underscores the significance of identifying ingredients with antigenotoxic effects, offering a promising avenue of research in recent years. Such ingredients could play a crucial role in safeguarding against DNA damage and its subsequent consequences.
... Moreover, elderberry extract, subjected to prolonged biotic stress, due to the presence of a stable radical structure inhibits ROS/ RNS, probably by systemic activation of signaling pathways by antioxidant enzymes and non-enzymatic systems, inhibits residual toxicity and remodulates cellular signaling. In confirmation of our results on the antioxidant activity of aqueous extracts of elderberry blossom, Sidor and Gramza-Michałowska found 60.2 mg equivalents of ascorbic acid, relative to DPPH [41]. In addition, Yi Yang et al. [42] and Chen et al. [43] emphasize the positive effectiveness of UV-B radiation on various parts of medicinal plants and the significant increase in antioxidant activity and content of bioactive components. ...
... The levels of reduction of lipid peroxidation from elderberry extract after adduction with PBN after artificially induced biotic stress -high temperature (60°C -90ºC) and UV-B radiation are presented in Fig. 4. Maximum values of inhibition of lipid radicals from the extract of S. nigra flower after thermal stress was reported at 60°C, within 41.7 ± 0.002 %, p < 0.005. In support of our results, elderberry extract statistically significantly reduced •OH, DPPH• radicals and inhibited lipid peroxidation in linoleic acid emulsion [41]. In contrast to our study, Araújo et al. reported that parts of plants or plant extracts exposed to biotic stress (temperature; UV-B) increase pigment content and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations [46]. ...
... In contrast, lower protein amounts were found in pomace powder (5.9 g/100 g of dry matter) [2]. Other studies also found lower protein values (2.7-2.9%) in elderberries [5,32]. A possible explanation for this high proportion of protein in our study may be that the removal of important compounds (all hydrophilic compounds) during the extraction process implies that the compounds that are not extracted and remain in the solid residue are concentrated in percentage terms. ...
... The recommended n-6/n-3 ratio is 4 or less, while the optimal value is 1. In this sense, it is clear that elderberry oil is not only within the recommended value but also has an optimal value of this ratio and is a balanced source of essential PUFA, which agrees with the findings observed in previous studies [3,5,13,32]. ...
Citation: Domínguez-Valencia, R.; Cittadini, A.; Pateiro, M.; Munekata, P.E.S.; Lorenzo, J.M. Elderberry Lipophilic and Hydrophilic Bioactive Compounds: Characterization and Extract Encapsulation. Foods 2023, 12, 4233. https://doi.org/10.3390/ foods12234233 Academic Editors: Antonella Pasqualone and Jaroslawa Rutkowska Abstract: There are few studies on the use of elderberry in the food industry, and its form of application differs between the different studies. Therefore, the objective of this study is to describe a procedure for obtaining a stabilized product with a high content of hydrophilic bioactive compounds (encapsulated elderberry extract). Moreover, the solid residue resulting from the extraction of the polyphenols was characterized, and the lipophilic compounds retained in this residue were analyzed. The results show an important antioxidant activity of the extracts obtained, mainly linked to the high content of anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonols. The lipophilic bioactive compounds were characterized by a high content of essential fatty acids and high proportions of tocopherols. The information and results of the present study provide novel information about both lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds for the integral valorization of elderberries to promote a circular economy strategy.
... Equal volumes of viral stock containing 10 5.5 CCID 50 / mL and media with MTC of the appropriate extract were mixed and incubated at different times (5,10,15,30,60,120,250, and 360 min) at 37 • C. The samples were frozen and thawed. Infectious virus titers were calculated at the 48th hour of culturing through the method of Reed and Muench [39]. ...
... mg CGE/100 g FW), followed by cyanidin-3-sambubioside (122.2-269.1 mg CGE/100 g FW) [43]. Other cyanidin glycosides reported include cyanidin-3-sambubioside-5-glucoside, cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside, cyanidin-3-rutinoside, pelargonidin-3-glucoside, and pelargonidin-3-sambubioside [15,21]. In agreement with these results, in our study, cyanidin glycosides were found to be the predominant anthocyanins in both SN and SE extracts. ...
Sambucus nigra (SN) and Sambucus ebulus (SE) are widely used in folk medicine, primarily as antiviral agents for colds and influenza. In the current study, the antiviral activity of extracts of SN and SE fruits, flowers, and leaves were tested against herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2). The HPLC analysis of the investigated extracts revealed the presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Rutin and chlorogenic acid were the main polyphenol constituents in flower and leaf extracts, whereas anthocyanins were predominant in fruit extracts. The flower extract of SN was characterized by the highest content of rutin and chlorogenic acid—14,232.1 mg/100 g dry weight (DW) and 7086.7 mg/100 g DW, respectively. SN fruit extract revealed the highest antioxidant activity measured using ORAC and HORAC methods—11,443.1 μmol TE/g and 8198.9 μmol GAE/g, respectively. To evaluate cytotoxicity, antiviral, and virucidal activities against HSV-2, the MTT assay and method of Reed and Muench were used. The least toxic extracts were PSNFrE and PSEFrE. The maximum tolerable concentration (MTC) of PSNFrE was 2000 μg/mL and the calculated CC50 value for that extract was 3570 μg/mL. The inhibitory activity against virus replication was established for three of the extracts—PSNFlE, PSNLE, and PSNFrE. PSEFrE showed neither activity against virus replication, nor virucidal activity. The data suggest a significant inactivation of more than 98% after 60 min of contact of HSV-2 virions with the PSNFrE applied in MTC. The current study provides evidence that Sambucus nigra reveals anti-HSV-2 activity; however, the most active parts of the species were fruits. Therefore, SN fruits and their extracts can be used as an attendant therapy for HSV-2 viral infections.
... The most commonly used plant species for treating dysentery in the study area is Aegle marmelos which used for the same problem in Tamil Nadu [44] , Orissa [45] and Madhya Pradesh [46] . However, Aloe vera is used for menstrual disorders in Himachal Pradesh [47] and for respiratory disorders in Cameroon [48] . ...
Traditional herbal medicines prepared from wild plants play a very
significant role in the primary healthcare. The survey was undertaken during
2022 to 2023 to document wild medicinal plants used in rural areas of
Chikodi town of Belagavi District, Karnataka. In the present survey 48
medicinal plants belonging to 38 genera and 30 families have been
documented. The data has been presented schematically as serial number,
aliments with their botanical name with family name, Kannada name, part
used and mode of preparation.
... The main polyphenols in the fruit are chlorogenic acid (Fig. 3A) and rutin (Fig. 5B). They have a beneficial effect on blood pressure, lower glycemia, show anticancer potential and stimulate the immune system (Sidor, Gramza -Michałowska, 2015). ...
Natural herbal products can effectively support the functioning of the immune system, constituting an important element of the treatment and prevention of bacterial or viral infections. The study's main goal is to indicate, based on scientific research, the possibilities of using selected plant raw materials as immunos-timulants. The work also aims to update the state of knowledge on the analysed properties of four selected plant species (Aloe arborescens, Aronia melanocarpa, Rosa canina, Sambucus nigra). The immunostimulatory properties of Aloe arborescens and Sambucus nigra have been confirmed by pharmacological and clinical studies. Therefore, it is not without reason that these plants are ingredients of popular and generally available commercial preparations. Similar activity of Aronia melanocarpa and Rosa canina has been found only based on in vitro or in vivo studies on experimental animals and clinical studies are needed to demonstrate the clear justification for using them as agents that increase the body's immunity.
... Emerging research suggests that elderberries may have anti-cancer properties, primarily attributed to their high levels of anthocyanins and other antioxidants [12,27]. These compounds help protect cells from DNA damage and reduce the risk of tumor growth by combating oxidative stress and inflammation [19,28]. ...
Elderberry hydrolate, derived from the berries of Sambucus nigra, has gained attention for its therapeutic properties, particularly in skincare. This review explores its potential applications in palliative care, where patients often experience compromised skin health due to illness or treatment. The bioactive compounds in elderberry hydrolate, including phenylacetaldehyde, 2-acetyl-pyrrole, n-hexanal, furfural, and (E)-beta-damascenone, contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and skin-healing effects. These properties make it a promising option for addressing common dermatological issues in palliative care, such as irritation, dryness, pruritus, and inflammation. For example, phenylacetaldehyde's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions help soothe irritated skin, while 2-acetyl-pyrrole's antioxidant effects protect sensitive skin from oxidative stress. Additionally, n-hexanal's antimicrobial properties reduce infection risks and furfural aids in skin regeneration. (E)-beta-damascenone's antioxidant effects help maintain skin health and prevent further damage. Despite these promising effects, barriers to the widespread implementation of elderberry hydrolate in palliative care exist, including cost, accessibility, patient sensitivities, and regulatory challenges. Future research focusing on standardized chemical profiling, clinical trials, and addressing these practical concerns will be crucial for integrating elderberry hydrolate into palliative care regimens. This review highlights its potential as a natural, supportive therapy for enhancing patient comfort and quality of life in palliative care settings.
... Elderberry has long been associated with health benefits [11][12][13]. In addition to their high antioxidant potential [10,[14][15][16], elderberry fruits are described as presenting anti-inflammatory [15,17], antidiabetic [18,19], and antiviral properties [20][21][22] and have a positive impact on obesity and metabolic disorders [23]. In addition to the previously mentioned beneficial health effects, recent studies have also shown that elderberry extracts have prebiotic properties [24][25][26]. ...
One of the food industry’s greatest challenges is to find natural ingredients capable of conferring antioxidant and color properties. In addition, the agri-food industry generates by-products that are often treated as waste, despite their abundance of phytochemicals that can be recovered and used as food ingredients. This study explores the potential of elderberry pomace, an industrial by-product of juice processing rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols, as a natural food additive in blueberry sorbet. Elderberry pomace was incorporated into the sorbet formulation in powder form or as aqueous extracts at two different concentrations. The analysis of the pomace extract by UHPLC-DAD-MS showed the presence of four anthocyanins: cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside, cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside-5-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside, and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside. The physicochemical properties of the sorbets such as pH, °Brix, overrun, melting rate, and color were evaluated, as well as their levels of total phenolic compounds, total monomeric anthocyanins, and in vitro antioxidant activity. The potential of sorbets to stimulate the growth of probiotic bacteria was evaluated and a sensory analysis was conducted to assess consumer acceptance. Results indicated that the sorbet containing the more concentrated extract presented higher overrun, faster melting rate, higher contents of phenolic compounds and anthocyanins, and higher antioxidant activity compared to the control. Additionally, this formulation showed a darker hue (lower L* value) and a tendency to stimulate probiotic bacteria. Moreover, the sorbets with pomace in their composition had good consumer acceptability. These findings highlight the potential of elderberry pomace to be used as a natural, sustainable ingredient in the ice cream industry, aligning with growing consumer trends towards healthier and eco-friendly products.
... Sambucus nigra Elderberry Conicineand Sambucine Active components present in the bark of elderberry possess sedative and laxative properties. [82] 20 Eschscholzia californica California poppy N-Methyllaurotetanine Plant component potentially attach to GABAA receptors, which could lead to sedation. [83] 21 ...
Sleep is a fundamental physiological process that not only supports immune function but also contributes significantly to overall well-being. Because of the established decline in the average amount of sleep due to lifestyle and rise in shift work over the past few decades, exploring the relationship between sleep and immunity has become crucial. Moreover, infections trigger increased sleep as a result of the host's immunological response, particularly the release of proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumour necrosis factor and interleukin-1. Understanding the mechanisms governing the human immune response against different pathogens during sleep, as well as the neuroimmune interconnections, immune regulatory effects of sleep, and the impact of cytokines in sleep deprivation, is crucial. Traditional medicine has employed plant derived preparations for treating various sleep disorders and promoting better sleep. While some plant derived products have shown positive effects on sleep, it is essential to acknowledge the limited scientific research in this area, and altered individual responses to these. In conclusion, recognizing the critical connection between sleep and immunity underscores the importance of prioritizing sufficient and restorative sleep to bolster overall health and well-being. While certain products may offer potential benefits for better sleep, further scientific investigation is necessary to fully understand their effectiveness and applicability on an individual basis.
... Wild and cultivated species of elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) have been used in folk medicine for thousands of years to prevent countless diseases (Charlebois, 2007). The medicinal potential of elder is due to its large number of bioactive compounds, polyphenols, phenolic acids, flavonoids, catechins, proanthocyanidins, which help the human body's defence against accumulated free radicals (Sidor and Gramza-Michałowska, 2015;Koss-Mikołajczyk et al., 2016). ...
Elderberry pomace, a by-product generated by elderberry processing industries, may be a favourable resource for further utilisation due to its components of high nutritional quality. In our research, elderberry pomace extract (EP) was added to apple juice as natural food additive for controlling microbial spoilage and enriching antioxidant components.
During the 8-week storage period of enriched apple juice (EPA) and control apple juice samples antioxidant properties were evaluated using the FRAP assay, Folin–Ciocalteu method, and pH differentiation method. The amount of polyphenols components was quantified using an RP-HPLC method. The microbiological status of samples was studied by determining the total viable and yeast/mould counts. The EPA is an important source of polyphenol components and other bioactive compounds, and the results suggest that extract of elderberry pomace could be a promising natural preservative to improve microbiological stability during refrigerated storage and increase the quality of apple juice.
... Cognitive decline has been linked with inflammation [4,5], which has been proposed as an underlying mechanism contributing to Alzheimer's disease and is a promising target for intervention [6]. Elderberries have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties [7,8], and show promising potential effects for improving cognition [9,10] and other areas of mental health [11][12][13] and related functioning [11,14]. However, to date, there have been no randomized controlled studies comparing the effects of elderberry consumption relative to a placebo-control in individuals with MCI. ...
Despite data showing that nutritional interventions high in antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties (anthocyanin-rich foods, such as blueberries/elderberries) may decrease risk of memory loss and cognitive decline, evidence for such effects in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is limited. This study examined preliminary effects of American elderberry (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis) juice on cognition and inflammatory markers in patients with MCI. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo–controlled trial, patients with MCI (n = 24, Mage = 76.33 ± 6.95) received American elderberry (n = 11) or placebo (n = 13) juice (5 mL orally 3 times a day) for 6 months. At baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, patients completed tasks measuring global cognition, verbal memory, language, visuospatial cognitive flexibility/problem solving, and memory. A subsample (n = 12, 7 elderberry/5 placebo) provided blood samples to measure serum inflammatory markers. Multilevel models examined effects of the condition (elderberry/placebo), time (baseline/3 months/6 months), and condition by time interactions on cognition/inflammation outcomes. Attrition rates for elderberry (18%) and placebo (15%) conditions were fairly low. The dosage compliance (elderberry—97%; placebo—97%) and completion of cognitive (elderberry—88%; placebo—87%) and blood-based (elderberry—100%; placebo—100%) assessments was high. Elderberry (not placebo) trended (p = 0.09) towards faster visuospatial problem solving performance from baseline to 6 months. For the elderberry condition, there were significant or significantly trending decreases over time across several markers of low-grade peripheral inflammation, including vasorin, prenylcysteine oxidase 1, and complement Factor D. Only one inflammatory marker showed an increase over time (alpha-2-macroglobin). In contrast, for the placebo, several inflammatory marker levels increased across time (L-lactate dehydrogenase B chain, complement Factor D), with one showing deceased levels over time (L-lactate dehydrogenase A chain). Daily elderberry juice consumption in patients with MCI is feasible and well tolerated and may provide some benefit to visuospatial cognitive flexibility. Preliminary findings suggest elderberry juice may reduce low-grade inflammation compared to a placebo–control. These promising findings support the need for larger, more definitive prospective studies with longer follow-ups to better understand mechanisms of action and the clinical utility of elderberries for potentially mitigating cognitive decline.
... Anthocyanins are pH-sensitive bioactive compounds obtained from natural products with purple, red and blue stains. Due to its structural features, it exhibits many benefits in wound healing such as antibacterial and antifungal potential [8]. In the present work, pH sensitive wound dressing was designed with natural polymers, AL and anthocyanin. ...
The ethanol-water based extraction of phenolic bioactive components, anthocyanins, from purple cabbage (PC) was carried out. Ultrasound assisted extraction was performed and each cycle was set to 3 minutes. UV-visible absorbance was evaluated at each cycle (total 3 cycles) and the intensity of absorbance at 546~550 nm was interpreted as the extraction efficiency of anthocyanin. The pH sensibility of PC extracts was evaluated at pH 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 and measured with UV-Visible spectrometry. Each pH condition, the extracts presented different color shades and wavenumbers of maximum absorbance proving their pH sensibility. Antioxidant activity of PC extract was evaluated and the excellent inhibition capacity was observed (~98%). PC extract was then embedded in alginate membrane to use as wound dressing materials. Alginate membrane with PC extract also presented high pH sensibility showing remarkable color changes after exposure to different pH environments.
... It was used in balancing blood pressure, reducing oxidative stress, increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes in blood plasma including glutathione (GSH), reducing uric acid levels, hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Last but not least, it exhibits antiviral and antibacterial activity to support the treatment of flu and colds [9]. Elderberry is a very favorable plant in terms of both antioxidant activity (quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, etc.) and vitamins (vitamins A, B, and C). ...
In recent years, people have had more expectations from the developed technology in medicine, especially in the field of orthopedics and traumatology. Tissue engineers are interested in techniques that benefit from patients’ cells and biomaterials, instead of prostheses and implants. On the other hand, researchers have begun to use various medicinal plants for regeneration and anti-cancer studies. In the present study, we aimed to produce cartilage and bone inductive scaffolds for osteochondral tissue engineering applications with the addition of hawthorn or elderberry extracts. Firstly, wet electro-spun poly (3-hydroxybutyric acid-co-3-hydroxyvaleric acid) fibers were integrated with a loofah mat. Then, they were impregnated into chitosan solution with/without hawthorn or elderberry extract. Composite hydrogel scaffolds were obtained by cross-linking with 0.3% (w/v) genipin. Fabricated scaffolds had more than 90% porosity and showed swelling capacity in the range of 1500–2200%. Based on the in vitro biocompatibility analyses using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), all the fabricated scaffolds were found to be biocompatible by WST-1, ALP activity, and GAG content analysis. Also, histological/immunohistochemical analyses showed that hawthorn and elderberry extract addition increased MSCs proliferation and collagen type I and II positivity. Consequently, all the scaffolds showed promising features for osteochondral tissue engineering applications.
Graphical abstract
... El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la actividad antimicrobiana y antibiopelícula del sauco (Sambucus canadensis (L.). Esta especie ha sido reportada con actividad antimicrobiana, antiviral, antioxidante, quimiopreventiva, los cuales han sido asociadas a los componentes presentes en la especie tales como triterpenos, taninos y diversos tipos de flavonoides (Abdelmigid, 2013;Lee y Finn, 2007;Sidor y Gramza, 2014;Tedesco et al., 2017) . Sin embargo, no se han reportado estudios sobre la actividad antibiopelícula de la especie frente a bacterias que afectan la inocuidad de los alimentos. ...
Los alimentos contaminados por patógenos forman biopelículas con una alta resistencia a biocidas, desinfectantes y antibióticos. Los extractos vegetales pueden ser una alternativa potencial para combatirlos. Este estudio evaluó la actividad antimicrobiana y anti biopelícula de un extracto vegetal (Sambucus canadensis) utilizado ampliamente en comunidades indígenas de México. El trabajo se realizó con bacterias aisladas de alimentos orgánicos. Las pruebas antimicrobianas mostraron actividad en todas las cepas evaluadas principalmente en S. aureus 976, S. entérica 915, E. coli 47553 (CMI 65.1 y 50 µg/mL) respectivamente. Respecto a la obstrucción en la formación de biopelícula se encontraron resultados significativos menores a 35 % a la concentración más baja 0.01 µg/mL frente a las cepas S. aureus CECT 976 y E. coli 47553. Respecto a los resultados en la disgregación del biopelicula las bacterias E. coli CECT 4757, S. aureus CECT 976 y S. aureus CECT 4465 lograron hasta un 36 % de disgregación en la concentración más baja de 0.01 µg/mL siendo estadísticamente significativo respecto al control (p < 0.001). Los resultados indican que el extracto vegetal tiene un alto potencial de actividad antibiopelícula frente a bacterias que afectan la inocuidad de los alimentos y plantean riegos para la salud de las personas.
... The flavonoids, quercetin-3-rutinoside (rutin), isorhamnetin-3-rutinoside (narcissin) and kaempferol-3-rutinoside (nicotiflorin) were found to be major constituents (Mikulic-Petkovsek et al. 2015). According to previously obtained data, acidic polysaccharides and polyphenols from elderflowers have potential health promoting effects, including antiviral, antiinflammatory and immune-stimulating effects (Ho 2017;Sidor and Gramza-Michałowska 2015;Kinoshita et al. 2012). However, there is not sufficient data about which specific compounds are responsible for the pharmacological activity of Sambucus nigra. ...
Pharmacopoeias are important resources for the quality control of medicinal plants and their products. Considering that approximately 80% of the world population to different extents relies on medicinal plants for the prevention and treatment of medical ailments the safety and suitability of medicinal plants is extremely important. Unfortunately, for many medicinal plants the active component or group of components responsible for their pharmacological activity are unknown. In such cases, the standardization of the medicinal plant material is performed using reference compounds that are either contained in the plant, but are known to not mediate the plants biological activity or are not contained in the plant at all, but find use as auxiliary reagents, for example, to help identify the necessary chromatographic zones/peaks. Additionally, many medicinal plants do not have qualitative or quantitative analysis procedures in place or use methods with low selectivity (spectrophotometry, colour reactions). In these cases, it is impossible to confidently and adequately standardize the medicinal plant material. Two other issues that complicate medicinal plant standardization include the variability of its chemical composition depending on multiple biotic and abiotic factors and the lack of sufficient data on the chemical composition of some plants. In this review, we analyzed medicinal plants common to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), European, United State and Japanese Pharmacopoeias. We have analysed and systematized literature data devoted to the relation between the chemical composition and pharmacological activity of the plants presented in this review. Based on the analysed data, we have suggested more rational and adequate methods for the quality assessment and quantitative standardization of medicinal plants.
... Similar to what was observed for TPC and anthocyanins, tapioca starch-derived particles showed higher PAC compared to SPI. Lower levels of PAC were observed for elderberries compared to blueberries, cranberries, chokeberries, and blackcurrant (Hoskin et al., 2019;Sidor & Gramza--Michałowska, 2015). Proanthocyanidins are characterized by their degree of polymerization, which has only been reported in the range of dimeric to hexameric forms in elderberries (Wu et al., 2004). ...
... Numerous of studies have underlined the important role of polyphenols in human health and particularly, in diseases related to oxidative stress [ 8 , 9 ]. In addition, several studies emphasize the significant role of polyphenols in the delay of the development of cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases [10] . Besides that, there is a growing interest in the use of polyphenols in food or cosmetic industries [ 11 , 12 ] as the market demand of using natural ingredients is constantly growing. ...
Currently, the interest in polyphenols is increasing due to their significant properties in health. Polyphenols exist in a range of natural products, however their extraction as well as their characterization are important issues as they are mainly present in complex matrices. Therefore, sensitive and selective analytical methods based on liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry are essential. Nevertheless, access to such high-resolution techniques is quite rare. Thus, in this work we present a simple, selective and robust method based on a single-quadrupole (Q) MS technique) for the analysis of a wide range of polyphenols such as flavonoids, phenolic acids and anthocyanins. Specifically, we present:•A simple liquid chromatography electro-spray ionization (LC-ESI) single-quadrupole mass selective (MS) method for the analysis of 18 different polyphenols.•Application of the method to three plant-based extracts that are derived after green extraction methods.
The aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant activity (DPPH method), total polyphenols, and phenolic acids (spectrophotometrically), as well as total dry matter, fat content, crude protein (Kjeldahl method), and ash content in cereal bars fortified with a 5 % addition of edible flowers. The prepared products were also assessed through sensory evaluation using a 9-point hedonic scale, which considered overall appearance, aroma, taste, consistency, aftertaste, and overall acceptability. The following variants of cereal bars were prepared: a control variant (without added flowers), a variant with elderberry flowers (EF), a variant with lavender flowers (LF), a variant with calendula flowers (CF), and a variant with damascene rose flowers (RD). Antioxidant activity ranged from 3.15 mg TEAC/g (RD) to 0.83 mg TEAC/g (ML; TEAC - Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity). The total polyphenol content ranged from 3.39 mg GAE/g (RD) to 0.91 mg GAE/g (LF; GAE - Gallic acid equivalent). The content of total phenolic acids was highest in the variant with elderberry flowers (11.80 mg CAE/g) and calendula (9.80 mg CAE/g; CAE - Caffeic acid equivalent). The values for total dry matter, fat, and crude protein did not change significantly, remaining at levels of 79 % (dry matter), 15 % (fat), and 12 % (crude protein) in the analyzed samples. The ash content increased with the addition of edible flowers, reaching its highest level in the variant with calendula flowers (2.02 %). The sensory evaluation of the prepared cereal bars indicated that the aroma and taste were characteristic of the flowers, and the consistency was deemed satisfactory. The variant with damascene rose flowers was evaluated as the best among the additions.
Mürver (Sambucus spp.), özellikle kara mürver (Sambucus nigra), antiviral, antioksidan ve anti-inflamatuar özellikleriyle bağışıklık sistemini destekleyen önemli bir bitkidir. Geleneksel tıpta enfeksiyon hastalıkları ve metabolik bozuklukların tedavisinde kullanılan kara mürver, modern araştırmalarla üst solunum yolu enfeksiyonlarının süresini ve semptom şiddetini hafifletme potansiyeliyle dikkat çekmiştir. Kara mürverin fenolik bileşikler, antosiyaninler, polifenoller, vitaminler ve diyet lifi açısından zengin besin profili, oksidatif stresin azaltılmasında, kalp-damar sağlığının desteklenmesinde ve bağışıklığın güçlendirilmesinde önemli rol oynar. Özellikle, kara mürver özütünün grip ve soğuk algınlığı virüslerinin hücreye girişini engelleyerek antiviral etki sağladığı, pro-enflamatuar sitokinlerin üretimini düzenlediği ve iltihaplı dokulara destek sağladığı belirlenmiştir. Çeşitli klinik çalışmalar, kara mürverin enfeksiyon süresini kısaltabileceğini ve semptomları hafifletebileceğini, ancak önleyici bir etki göstermediğini ortaya koymuştur. Güvenli kullanım açısından, çiğ tüketimden kaçınılmalı ve önerilen dozlara uyulmalıdır. Kara mürverin potansiyel sağlık faydaları ve düşük yan etki profili, doğal bir bağışıklık destekleyici ve fonksiyonel bir gıda olarak değerini artırmaktadır. Bu bağlamda kara mürver, geleneksel tıp uygulamalarından modern sağlık çözümlerine kadar geniş bir kullanım alanı sunmaktadır.
Abstract
Elderberry (Sambucus spp.), particularly black elderberry (Sambucus nigra), is a significant plant known for its antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties that support the immune system. Traditionally used in the treatment of infectious diseases and metabolic disorders, black elderberry has gained attention in modern research for its potential to alleviate the duration and severity of upper respiratory infections. Rich in phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, polyphenols, vitamins, and dietary fiber, black elderberry plays a crucial role in reducing oxidative stress, supporting cardiovascular health, and enhancing immunity. Specifically, black elderberry extract demonstrates antiviral effects by
Psychotropic stimulants like methamphetamine (METH) have an impact on the physiology, behavior, and psychology of human beings and can damage the reproductive and neuroendocrine systems in them. These deleterious impacts include a temporary drop in the relative weight of the testis along with adverse effects on spermatogenesis. Sambucus nigra, also known as elderberry (EB) or sweet elder, is a source of bioactive compounds that has drawn growing attention for its potential beneficial impact in preventing and treating several diseases. In this experimental research, 36 adult male rats were classified into three groups: (1) control, (2) METH, and (3) METH receiving the EB diet. The rats were injected with METH at a dose of 20 mg/kg for 28 days during treatment with the EB diet. Then, the rats were euthanized, and their sperm samples were collected for sperm parameters analysis. Afterward, the testis samples were taken for histopathological experimentations, immunohistochemistry against TNF-α and caspase-3, and serum testosterone levels. Our findings indicated largely improved sperm and stereological parameters, like spermatogonia, primary spermatocyte, round spermatid, and Leydig cells, and an increased serum testosterone level in the METH group receiving the EB diet compared to the other METH group. The results also revealed a significantly decreased TNF-α and caspase-3 expression in the METH+EB group compared to the METH group. In conclusion, the EB diet is regarded as an alternative treatment for improving the spermatogenesis process in reproductive toxicity induced by METH exposure.
The traditional maceration technique with a two-step solid-liquid extraction was used in this paper. After the first extraction step, an extract was separated from the exhausted plant material (elderberry flower) and then a plant material was added to the extract. Experimental parameters included different ethanol concentrations (30 %, 60 %, and 90 %), solid-to-solvent ratios (1:15, 1:30, and 1:45 w/v), pH values (3, 7, and 10), and extraction times (15, 30, and 45 minutes), while one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) was experimental design. The results indicated that the optimal ethanol concentration in the solvent was 60 vol. % for both extraction steps. Increasing the solid-to-solvent ratio from 1:15 w/v to 1:30 w/v resulted in higher (poly)phenol content, with a slight decrease observed at higher ratios. (Poly)phenols content remained consistent in acidic and neutral environments, but decreased at pH 10. While the content of (poly)phenolic compounds increased with longer extraction times, 30 minutes was considered optimal, as further extension did not significantly increase the content. Additionally, it was observed that the content of total (poly)phenols was lower in the second extraction step, suggesting saturation of the solvent after the first extraction..
Acrylamide (AA) is a chemical pollutant that naturally forms in starchy food products during high-temperature cooking, including frying, baking, and industrial processing, at +120°C and low humidity. The main chemical process that causes this is the Maillard reaction, the same reaction that "browns" food and affects its taste. AA is formed from sugars and amino acids (mainly one called asparagine ASN) that are naturally present in many foods. AA is found in crisps, chips, bread, biscuits and coffee. (Nematollahi et al., 2020). The health impact of acrylamide has been the subject of concern and research for several years. Research on laboratory animals has shown that exposure to high levels of acrylamide can cause a variety of adverse effects, including damage to the nervous system and an increased risk of some types of cancer. It is important to note that these studies often involve the administration of acrylamide at significantly higher doses than are typically found in food (Başaran et al., 2023). Various supplements such as fennel, nigella, pomegranate, wild berries, cumin, black cumin, bamboo leaves and many other supplements have an effect on reducing acrylamide levels, which comes from their antioxidant activity (Al-Ansi et al., 2019; Ashkezari & Salehifar, 2019; Borczak et al., 2022; Abdel-Shafi Abdel-Samie et al., 2011; Li et al., 2012). Besides impacting the acrylamide level, these supplements have antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, immune support, and other health benefits that make products with added ingredients like these functional products.
Amaç: Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı pozitif bitki listesinde yer alan Sambucus nigra çiçekleri çay olarak piyasada bulunmaktadır. Gıda olarak satışına izin verilen bu bitki genellikle sağlık faydası sebebi ile tüketilmektedir. Çalışmada, aktar ve internetten satın alınmış olan dokuz adet örnek ile organik tarımla üretilmiş bir adet örnek Avrupa Farmakopesi 10.0’a göre incelenerek bu bitki yönünden piyasa durum tespiti yapılması amaçlanmıştır. Yöntem: Numunelerde morfolojik, mikroskobik analiz, yabancı madde miktarı, kurutmada kayıp ve total kül miktar tayinleri ve ince tabaka kromatografisi (İTK) analizleri yapılmıştır. Ek olarak fenolik asitlerin (klorojenik ve kafeik asit) ve flavonoitlerin (rutin ve hiperozit) miktar tayinleri YPSK tekniği ile yapılmıştır. Bulgular: Mikroskobik analizde, tüm doku elementleri her numunede görülmemiş diğer yandan farklı bitki ve/veya organlara ait elementlerin varlığı tespit edilmiştir. Numuneler total kül miktar tayini ve kurutmada kayıp yönünden farmakopeye uygun bulunmuştur. İTK ve YPSK ile tüm numunelerde klorojenik asit tespit edilirken rutin, hiperozit ve kafeik asit varlığına tüm numunelerde rastlanmamıştır. Sonuç: Bulgular on numunenin de Avrupa Farmakopesi 10.0 kalitesinde olmadığını göstermiştir. Tıbbi amaçlarla kullanılabilecek olan bu çayların belirli standartlarda piyasada bulunmadığı bu durumun halk sağlığı açısından değerlendirilmesi gerektiği sonucuna varılmıştır.
The high susceptibility of berries to fungal contamination during the postharvest phase and increasing demand from consumers for a safe preservative have prompted the need for a potential substitute. In this context, beyond their conventional use as flavouring agents, essential oils have been investigated for their preservative actions in berries to supplant traditional synthetic preservatives. However, high volatility, poor environmental stability, intense organoleptic properties, and low aqueous solubility limit their use as natural preservatives. To circumvent this problem, nanoemulsion has evolved as a feasible strategy. Incorporating essential oil nanoemulsion into a biopolymer matrix of an edible coating ameliorates the postharvest deterioration of berries. Nanoemulsions improve the functional properties of essential oil-incorporated edible coatings by creating an effective barrier that improves antimicrobial properties, decreases water loss, reduces the rate of respiration and loss of firmness, and subsequently enhances the shelf life of berries. This paper summarizes how the physiological characteristics of fresh berries are affected by essential oil-based nanoemulsions integrated into edible coatings and recommends using these nanoemulsions to preserve berries.
Advancements in new treatment methods are becoming increasingly necessary due to a longer life expectancy, particularly in the field of osteochondral tissue engineering. In the present study, osteochondral tissue scaffolds with/without the addition of hawthorn or elderberry extracts were fabricated. Poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PEGDE) cross‐linked carboxymethyl chitosan hydrogel scaffold matrix was used as a control group. The addition of the plant extracts resulted in open porous structures with pore sizes around 100–450 μm and elastic modulus between 0.5 and 0.7 MPa, biomimicking the osteochondral tissue. Scaffolds containing either plant extract showed a high swelling tendency (1500–1750%) and a delayed release of the extracts after a week. Furthermore, the weight loss of the scaffolds after an enzymatic degradation for 56 days was ~30%. In addition, in vitro biocompatibility analyses were performed using bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells confirming non‐cytotoxicity for all the scaffold types. Biochemical assessment of alkaline phosphatase activity and glycosaminoglycan content yielded results consistent with osteochondral scaffold requirements. Finally, immunohistochemical analyses indicated that the plant extract addition, especially elderberry, increased collagen type I and type II formation. As a result, the addition of both hawthorn and elderberry extracts is a promising approach to osteochondral tissue regeneration.
The aim of this study is to substantiate the feasibility of processing wild berries (Viburnum opulus, Sorbus, Hippophae, Sambucus nigra) into functional food ingredients. The paper analyses the structure of powders from wild berries Viburnum opulus, Sorbus, Hippophae, Sambucus nigra, and investigates the content of micro- and macroelements in the powders; physicochemical parameters of wild berry powders (dry matter, mass fraction of moisture, dispersibility, mass fraction of reducing sugars, solubility, acidity) and dietary fibre content in Viburnum opulus, Sorbus, Hippophae, Sambucus nigra powders. The prototypes were made from high-quality fruit and berry raw materials not damaged by diseases and pests. To make the powders, the berries were dehydrated by osmotic dehydration, then dried in infrared dryers for 2 hours at 50°C to a mass fraction of moisture of 6–8 %. The dried berries were ground in a laboratory mill LZM-1. The structure of the berry powders was studied by electron microscopy. It was found that the powders have a crystalline porous structure and, accordingly, hydrophilic properties. This makes it possible to use them in food production as structure stabilisers, emulsifiers and moisture retainers. The content of some minerals in the samples was studied using a microscope-based SEM and EDS detector. It was found that the powders contain macronutrients (K, Ca, P, Cl, S, N), essential trace elements (Mg) and the conditionally vital trace element Si, which was found in powders from viburnum and sea buckthorn. The obtained powders from wild berries Hippophae rhamnoides L., Viburnum opulus, Sambucus nigra and Sorbus aucuparia contain a significant amount of vitamin C. According to all physicochemical parameters, the samples of plant powders from viburnum, elderberry, sea buckthorn, and mountain ash berries meet the requirements of DSTU 8498:2015. These results indicate the feasibility of processing Viburnum opulus, Sorbus, Hippophae, Sambucus nigra into functional food ingredients.
Beverages with nutritional functional properties constitute one of the fastest‐growing segments in the food industry. Beverages produced with berries as raw materials, owing to their richness in various beneficial substances (such as fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive phytochemicals), have emerged as integral components of nutritional functional beverages. In this review, we summarize the bioactive polyphenols present in berry beverages and discuss the potential properties of berries from an antidiabetic perspective. The application and impact of new technologies in the processing and production of berry beverages are also explored. Additionally, the review addresses the challenges and prospects faced by industrial development in berry beverage production. Our objective is to provide valuable information for food researchers and the berry beverage production industry, facilitating the production of highly nutritious drinks that appeal to consumers.
Background
As the cholinesterase theory is a prominent hypothesis underlying our current understanding of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the goal of this study was to compose functional vegan lunchtime soups with potential health benefits in the prevention of AD (in the context of cholinesterase inhibition).
Materials and Methods:
The potential of 36 edible plant raw materials in terms of acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition was investigated using a 96-well microplate reader. The most promising ingredients were combined to obtain 18 palatable vegetable soup recipes with 6 dominant flavor, appearance, and aroma variants. To shortlist candidates for in-depth analysis and potential consideration in industrial production, our team performed a sensory analysis of the soups.
Results:
The white boletus soup exhibited the highest potential for cholinesterase inhibition, further bolstered by the inclusion of other ingredients known for their elevated capacity to inhibit both AChE and BChE. Ingredients such as blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), garlic, and white potato contributed significantly to this inhibitory effect (nearly 100% of AChE inhibition). Notably, intriguing results were also observed for asparagus soup, despite the fact that the inhibitory potential of asparagus itself is negligible compared to other raw materials. The success of the asparagus soup lies in the meticulous selection of various ingredients, each contributing to its overall effectiveness. It was observed that mushroom soups scored the highest in this respect, while the team members’ response to nettle soup was the least favorable.
Conclusion
The outcomes of our study should serve as a catalyst for further exploration of this important research domain. Our current research focuses on deeper insights into the potential of comprehensive meal options. Furthermore, the synergy/antagonism/non-interaction between respective soup ingredients as well as elements of individual soups’ chemical composition is a very interesting topic currently under our intensive scientific investigation.
Cultivated fruits and berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, black currants, cherries, blueberries, are generally recognized sources of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other substances beneficial to human health and well-being. However, there are also wild berries and fruits that are of undoubted interest as food products having valuable medicinal properties due to the presence of phenolic compounds, antioxidants, and vitamins. These fruits have a great potential to be used in functional food making. The present review is dedicated to fruits of wild-grown shrubs Bird cherry (Prunus padus L.), Rowan berry (Sorbus aucuparia L.), Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus L.), Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.), and Barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) The chemical compositions of these wild berries are described as well as their effects on the improvement of human health proved by clinical trials and epidemiological studies. The possibilities of using the fruits of wild-grown shrubs in the preparation of functional foods and examples of their implementation for the manufacturing of dairy, bakery and meat products are considered.
A current alternative for sustainable development through green chemistry is the replacement of synthetic compounds with natural ones through the superior capitalization of natural resources, with numerous applications in different fields. The benefits of walnuts (Juglans regia L.) and elderberries (Sambucus nigra L.) have been known since ancient times, due to the presence of phytochemicals such as flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids, alkaloids, nitrogen-containing compounds, tannins, steroids, anthocyanins, etc. These active compounds have multiple biological activities for human health, including benefits that are antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antihypertensive, neuroprotective, etc. Like other medicinal plants, the walnut and the elderberry possess important phytosanitary properties (antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal) and their extracts can also be used as environmentally safe biopesticides, with the result that they constitute a viable and cheap alternative to environmentally harmful synthetic products. During recent years, walnut by-products and elderberries have attracted the attention of researchers, and investigations have focused on the species’ valuable constituents and active properties. Comparing the information from the literature regarding the phytochemical profile and biological activities, it is highlighted that, apart from the predominant specific compounds, the walnut and the elderberry have common bioactive compounds, which come from six classes (phenols and derivatives, flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, tannins, triterpenoids, and phytosteroids), and act on the same microorganisms. From this perspective, the aim of this review is to provide an overview of the bioactive compounds present in the different constitutive parts of walnut by-products and elderberries, which present a specific or common activity related to human health and the protection of agricultural crops in the context of sustainable development.
Elderberry, the fruit of Sambucus nigra, has become a popular inclusion in foods, beverages, supplements, and more in recent years. Although the European subspecies, S. nigra ssp. nigra, has been widely studied for its composition, particularly for phenolic and volatile profiles, other subspecies, such as the American elderberry S. nigra ssp. canadensis and the blue elderberry S. nigra ssp. cerulea, have also become contenders in the elderberry supply chain. For the first time, the composition (including micronutrients, macronutrients, organic acids, titratable acid, soluble solids, phenolic compounds, and cyanogenic glycosides) of these three subspecies of elderberry is compared, highlighting the unique qualities of each subspecies and identifying gaps in the available data on the three subspecies.
Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Food Science and Technology, Volume 15 is April 2024. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Evaluation of current clinical evidence on the effect of (poly)phenol-rich Vaccinium berries for sports nutrition.
This study evaluates whether elderberry (EB) effectively decreases the inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain cells to reduce Aβ toxicity. In the Aβ + EB group, EB powder was added to rats’ routine diet for eight consecutive weeks. Then, spatial memory, working memory, and long-term memory, were measured using the Morris water maze, T-maze, and passive avoidance test. Also, in this investigation immunohistopathology, distribution of hippocampal cells, and gene expression was carried out. Voronoi tessellation method was used to estimate the spatial distribution of the cells in the hippocampus. In addition to improving the memory functions of rats with Aβ toxicity, a reduction in astrogliosis and astrocytes process length and the number of branches and intersections distal to the soma was observed in their hippocampus compared to the control group. Further analysis indicated that the EB diet decreased the caspase-3 expression in the hippocampus of rats with Aβ toxicity. Also, EB protected hippocampal pyramidal neurons against Aβ toxicity and improved the spatial distribution of the hippocampal neurons. Moreover, EB decreased the expression of inflammatory and apoptotic genes. Overall, our study suggest that EB can be considered a potent modifier of astrocytes’ reactivation and inflammatory responses.
The objective of this study is the characterization of the phenolic profile and antioxidant activity of elderberries (Sambucus nigra L.) from a collection of 79 wild specimens in northern Spain to assess variations in the species at the local level and evaluate its interest as a source of biocompounds. Also, a first study was carried out on the microflora present in this fruit, providing information relevant to its commercial exploitation. Moreover, the phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity and microbial composition in overripe fruits were determined, seeking a better use for this currently wasted resource. A wide variability in levels of phenolics was detected. Elderberries showed high antioxidant activity related to a high cyanidin derivative content, making them of interest to industry. Microflorae were present in very variable concentration ranges, so their levels should be monitored in those applications that require strict control. Overripe fruits are of interest as a source of anthocyanidins, since their concentration and antioxidant capacity remain after the optimal ripening period, promoting sustainability and a better use of natural resources. The database generated is of particular interest for further breeding trials based on the phenolic profile and antioxidant activity of the samples.
Antioxidant capacity of foods and food supplements based on berries and flowers of medicinal plant elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) was assessed. Reducing properties of the samples and extracts were evaluated using amperometric detection at working electrode potential -0.8 V after HPLC separation. Moreover, antiradical activity of selected samples was determined by the means of Spectrophotometric DPPH radical scavenging method. Electro-chemical activity (EA) of fresh juice pressed from elder fruits amounted to 0.71 g AAE/1 with anthocyanins as minor contributors (10.2%). Catechins and phenolic acids were the major active groups. During production of elder berry spread, even more than 90% of the EA compounds found in raw elder berry material can be destroyed. Comparable activity may be found also in the products from elder flowers. Although elder blossom syrups possessed similar EA regardless of the technology used (0.033-0.054 g AAE/kg), their chromatographic patterns were often very different. For example, no flavonols were present in the syrups, if traditional preparation comprising 24-h maceration with citric acid was applied. Analyzing the chromatographic patterns, one can distinguish different base materials and technology, which can be used for the authenticity confirmation. Herbal infusions from elder flowers, which contain more flavonols than are in syrups, were 16-27 times richer in EA than drinks prepared from the syrups after recommended dilution. Only the syrup designed for preventing and treating upper-respiratory viral infections showed the EA (0.09 g AAE/kg) comparable to that of herbal infusion (0.13 g AAE/1).
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of cultivar, packing material and storage time on the content of phenolic acids and flavonoids in elderflower tea (ET) processed from flowers of the black elder (Sambucus nigra) cultivars 'Sampo', 'Sambu' and 'Samyl'. ET was processed by placing elderflowers in a thin layer on nylon screens in woody frames placed in a cool room and dried using a dehumidified air flow above and below the nylon screens for 96 h at 5°C. The yield of ET for the cultivars 'Sampo', 'Sambu' and 'Samyl' were 12.8%, 15.7% and 8.9%, respectively. A clear significant difference in the content of polyphenols was found between ET processed from the three cultivars. The total content of phenolic acids was significant higher in 'Samyl' (41.3 mg g⁻¹ ET) compared to 'Sampo' (33.8 mg g⁻¹ ET) and 'Sambu' (34.0 mg g⁻¹ ET). 'Sambu' had the lowest content of flavonoids (25.7 mg g⁻¹ ET), whereas the highest content was found in 'Sampo' (33.5 mg g⁻¹ ET). ET samples were packed in bags of brown paper at normal pressure and under vacuum in polyethylene plastic bags and in aluminium foil bags comprised of polyamide, aluminium and polyethylene, respectively, and stored at 0 (non-stored), 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 21 months. Principal components analysis and multiple linear regression analysis taking into account the correlation and interactions between packing material, storage time and cultivar showed, however, that packing materials and storage time only had a minor effect on the content of phenolic acids and flavonoids in ET. The overall conclusion of the following study is that polyphenols in ET are relatively stable during storage up to 21 months and that the content of phenolic acids and flavonoids in ET is mainly determined by the choice of cultivar/genotype. To maintain a good flavour of ET during storage paper bags are clearly less preferable than aluminium foil and plastic packing materials and therefore the best choice of packing material for ET seem to be aluminium foil based packing materials.
Black chokeberries (Aronia melanocarpa), elderberries (Sambucus nigra), red raspberries (Rubus idaeus) and black raspberries (Rubus occidentalis) were investigated at the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Institute of Horticulture. The berries were analysed for total phenolic content, total anthocyanin content and ascorbic acid content. The phenolic concentration was measured according to the Folin-Ciocalteu procedure, and anthocyanin content was evaluated spectrophotometrically. Ascorbic acid content was determined via titration with a 2,6dichlorophenolindophenol sodium chloride solution. In addition, methanolic fruit extracts were tested for their antioxidant activity using a DPPH radical-scavenging method. Antioxidant activity was found to be highly correlated with the phenolic content of the berries and varied significantly among the species and cultivars investigated. Among all species tested, Aronia melanocarpa (cv. Viking) was found to have the highest phenolic and anthocyanin content (3647.1 and 868.9 mg/100 g, respectively). Furthermore, Aronia melanocarpa had the highest DPPH-scavenging activity, displaying values between 89.8% and 91.6%. Sambucus nigra cultivars accumulated high amounts of ascorbic acid and anthocyanin. However, elderberries (cv. Lacimiata) were found to have low radical-scavenging activity (48%) but high levels of antioxidants. Black raspberries (cv. Bristol) had lower amounts of anthocyanins and phenolic compounds in comparison to black chokeberries and elderberries, but the radical-scavenging activity (RSA) of black raspberries was only slightly (approx. 9%) lower than the average RSA value of black chokeberries.
It is known that natural polyphenols posses such physical and chemical properties that contribute to a proper and efficient protection from oxidation of important biomolecules such as lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. The evaluation of the intensity of oxidative stress in arterial hypertension experimentally induced via the administration of L-NAME was conducted with the help of specific enzymatic determinations and non-specific markers. The findings showed the antioxidant and protective effect of the Sambucus nigra extract on biochemical parameters, as well as on histopathological modifications in experimental arterial hypertension. The serous activity of glutathione-peroxidase and superoxide-dismutase has significantly lower values in the hypertensive group as compared to the group protected by polyphenols. The knowing of the effects of polyphenols on the functionality of endothelial cells, including membrane sensitivity and intracellular signaling, could lead to the use of the polyphenolic extract of Sambucus nigra as a nutritional supplement in chronic cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
The aim of the study is to measure the in vitro antioxidant activity of elderberry (Sambucus nigra) fruit extract and to study its toxicity in a plant model system with regard to its possible application in food and agricultural industry. The antioxidant capacity of Sambucus nigra fruit powder was quantified by a photochemiluminescence method. The study of phytotoxicity of aqueous solutions of powder extract was performed using Allium cepa as a test organism. Photochemiluminescence determinations showed a very high antioxidant capacity of the product but also revealed its cytotoxic effect, along with mitodepressive activity and even inhibiton of mitosis at the preprophase stage when the fruit extract was used at higher concentrations. Aqueous solutions of the fruit powder have a reasonably expressed mutagenic activity in vivo on the radicles of Allium cepa, especially when they are used at a concentration of 1 g/dL for a prolonged time (48 h). At lower concentrations (0.1 g/dL), however, the mutagenic effect was not observed any more. The conclusion of our study is that Sambucus nigra fruit extract powder has a very high in vitro antioxidant activity and no mutagenic effects at low concentrations, which makes it recommendable for applications in the food industry.
Background. Recent epidemiological evidence on the growing role of food antioxidants in oxidative stress related diseases has led to a wide number of antioxidant potential evaluation assays. Main antioxidants in food are e.g. polyphenols of plant origin. Antioxidants consumption would be very promising future trend for human health and important factor in body defense system activity against reactive oxygen species (ROS), therefore in diseases prophylaxis. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the antiradical activity as ORACFL value of selected food and drinks. Material and methods. In the present study, twenty four products were analysed for oxygen radical absorbance capacity evaluated according to the ORACFL peroxyl radical scavenging method. Results. Highest ORACFL values were evaluated in strawberry, dried plum and cranberry fruits, carrot and red cabbage as vegetables, orange and pomegranate juices and red teaamong drinks group. Results. showed significant differences between samples in selected product groups. Conclusions. Research indicates that selected food products can be important peroxyl radical scavengers, and that is why information on food label, concerning the issue, would be useful for modern consumers.
Anthocyanin extracts of two blueberries, Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) and Vaccinium ashei (rabbiteye blueberry), and of three
other berries, Ribes nigrum (black currant), Aronia melanocarpa (chokeberry), and Sambucus nigra (elderberry), were analyzed by
high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection and electrospray ionization - mass spectrometry
(LC/PDA/ESI-MS). Both bilberry and rabbiteye blueberry contained 15 identical anthocyanins with different distribution patterns.
Black currant, chokeberry, and elderberry contained 6, 4, and 4 kinds of anthocyanins, respectively. The radical scavenging activities
of these berry extracts were analyzed by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). All these extracts showed potent antiradical
activities.
Black fruits either cultivated as chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa (Michx) Elliot), highbush blueberry 'Duke' (Vaccinium corymbosum L.), lowbush blueberry 'Putte' (Vaccinium corymbosum x Vaccinium anguslifolium), and blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.), or collected in the wild as billberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.), and wild blackberry (Rubus sp. L.) were assayed for nutritionally valuable components and phenolic composition. On fresh weight basis, lowest acidity was found for elderberry (0.83 g citric acid/100 g) and the highest for honeysuckle 2.86 g citric acid/ 100 g. Soluble solids content ranged from 16.0% (chokeberry) to 7.4% (blackberry). Honeysuckle berries showed the highest content of L-ascorbic acid (47 mg/100 g), while bilberries the lowest (7 mg/ 100 g). The berries also showed a disparate firmness ranging from 86 G/mm (bilberry) to 498 G/mm (chokeberry). Regarding total phenol, chokeberry and bilberry were predominant amounting 672.4 mg/100 g and 639.7 mg/100 g, respectively. Moreover, bilberry had the highest amount of anthocyanins (619.6 mg/100 g) and flavonoids (630.2 mg/100 g). The highest concentration of flavonols was observed for lowbush blueberry 'Putte' (35.2 mg/100 g), whereas, phenolic acids for chokeberry (121.9 mg/100 g). In contrast, the lowest total phenol was recorded for blackberry (137.8 mg/100 g) due to the low level of anthocyanins (129.4 mg/100 g), flavonols (5.1 mg/100 g), and phenolic acids (3.3 mg/100 g). Cyanidin 3- glucoside was the only anthocyanin occurring in the all species. The presence of chlorogenic acid and quercetin 3-glucoside was detected in the all berries except for blackberries. The 2-year study comparing black fruits of seven species out of different genera demonstrates their high nutritional value and health-promoting potential.
This paper deals with the chemical characterization of anthocyanins in elderberry cultivar 'Haschberg' grown in the Slovak Republic. Crude and purified extracts were analyzed. The impact of lyophilization on the qualitative profile was also studied. The anthocyanin profile of elderberry harvested from the private company, ZAGRO s.r.o. Michalovce (Eastern Slovakia), was investigated using liquid chromatography on reverse phase coupling atmospheric pressure ionization with ion-trap and time-of-flight (LC/MS-IT-TOF). Our results show that the anthocyanin extraction method can have an important impact on its degradation. Purified extracts showed high amount of anthocyanins. Seven different anthocyanins were identified in extracts before and after freeze-drying.
The aim of the study was to determine the effect of road traffic on the chemical composition of elderberry flowers and fruits. The raw material for the study was collected from sixteen different wild stands in south-east Poland. Each stand was located at a different distance from roads, carrying different loads of traffic. The raw material was collected from June (flower) to August (fruit) 2009 and dried at 30 degrees C. Determination of the content of flavonoids (flavonols converted into quercetin) was performed by spectrophotometry according to the Polish Pharmacopoeia VIII (2008) procedure. Some minerals, including heavy metals (Cr, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd, Ni, Fe and Mn), were determined with the ICP-AES method after dry digestion of the plant material. A closer distance to transportation routes and heavier traffic had a significant impact on the chemical composition of raw elderberry, which had a lower total content of flavonoids than the material collected from sites further away from roads. Significant correlation was found between the content of Cr, Fe, Cd and Cu in elderberry fruit or the content of Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb and Mg in elderberry flowers and the influence of traffic, where closer proximity and heavier road traffic contributed significantly to an increase in the concentration of these elements in the analyzed raw material. The chemical composition of elderberry flowers and fruits was significantly affected by the traffic and depended on a harvest site.
Dried oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) is a raw material used, to a very limited extent, as an additive to food products. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of dried oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) added on nutritional value and glycemic index of crackers and bread. The research material consisted of corn crackers and wheat bread baked in a laboratory. The content of protein, fat, dry mass and mineral compounds in the form of ash were determined using standard analytical methods. The content of fibre fractions was determined according to a Van Soest method. The glycemic index (GI) was determined as a percent growth rate of glucose concentration in the blood of people examined after they have eaten particular food products compared to the growth thereof after consumption of glucose. Based on the experiments conducted, it was found that the dried oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus added to crackers and bread enhanced their nutritive value. In those products, there were determined higher contents of protein, insoluble and soluble dietary fibre, and cellulose. The products with the oyster mushroom added were characterized by a lower glycemic index compared to the products without this additive.
Bioassays of 2 types (antibacterial and antitumor) were performed to show the biological activities of 16 different plants grown in Bolu, Turkey: Clinopodium vulgare L. subsp. vulgare L., Salvia verticillata L. subsp. amasiaca (Frey & Bornm.) Bornm., Salvia tomentosa Mill., Mentha pulegium L., Melilotus officinalis (L.) Desr., Melilotus alba Desr., Medicago lupulina L., Galega officinalis L., Xeranthemum annuum L., Cichorium intybus L., Plantago lanceolata L., Plantago major L. subsp. major, Fumaria officinalis L., Galium palustre L., Echium vulgare L., and Sambucus nigra L. For each plant, 3 different extracts (aqueous, ethanol, and methanol) were obtained, and a total of 48 extracts were evaluated. Antibacterial activity was evaluated with 10 bacteria, including Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Serratia marcescens, Proteus vulgaris, Enterobacter cloacae, and Klebsiella pneumoniae by disk diffusion method. All plants except M. alba, M. lupulina, X. annuum, G. palustre, and S. nigra showed inhibitory activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The best inhibitory activity was observed with aqueous extract of M. officinalis (22.5 mm); it performed better than all positive controls (erythromycin, ampicillin, carbenicillin, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol; 7-20 mm) against P. aeruginosa. Antitumor activity was evaluated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens-induced potato disk tumor assay. The best antitumor activity was obtained with the methanolic extract of M. alba and aqueous extract of F. officinalis (100% tumor inhibition).
Significant reduce of the harmful effects of free radicals on normal physiological functions is achieved by consuming the antioxidants through food. Therefore, antioxidants are an important factor in health care. Determination of total antioxidant capacity of medicinal plants from the families: La-minaceae (Melissa officinalis, Salvia officinalis, Teucrium montanum, Achillea millefolium), Betula-ceae (Betula pendula), Asteraceae (Calendula off-cinalis), Tiliaceae (Tilia cordata), Rosaceae (Rosa canina), Sambucaceae (Sambucus nigra), Malace-ae (Crataegus monogyna) and berries from the families Vaccinium (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) Rosace-ae (Fragaria ananassa.) was conducted by indirect FRAP method. The method is based on the reduction of iron from Fe III to Fe II form with the presence of antioxidants using low pH (pH=3,6). Formed Fe (II) ions in the presence of reagents TPTZ create a colored complex, which reaches a maximum absorption at 593 nm. Test results of total antioxidants in the extracts of medicinal plants show significant differences and their range from 1 538.20 - 21 070,00 μmolFe II/L of extract, and in extracts of berries values range from 3003,94 - 12258,00 μmolFe II/L. The highest value of total antioxidants was measured in the extract of Melissa officinalis.
Anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity of various red fruit juices
(black currant, red raspberry, blackberry, sour cherry, sweet cherry,
strawberry, chokeberry, and elderberry juice) has been evaluated in this
study by using HPLC, pH-differential, and DPPH method. Anthocyanins
were the predominant phenolic components (66 % in elderberry juice,
56 % in black currant juice) or represented considerable portion in total
polyphenol content of some juices (40 % in blackberry juice, 33 % in
chokeberry juice). Amount of anthocyanins determined by HPLC method
ranged from 202 to 6287 mg l –1 in strawberry and elderberry juice, respectively.
Anthocyanins present in investigated red fruit juices were derivatives
of cyanidin, delphinidin, pelargonidin and peonidin. Chokeberry,
elderberry, blackberry and sour cherry juice were characterized by cyanidin
derivatives, black currant juice by delphinidin and cyanidin derivatives
and strawberry juice by pelargonidin derivatives. The major anthocyanins
in red raspberry and sweet cherry juice were derivatives of cyanidin although
peonidin (in sweet cherry juice) and pelargonidin derivatives
(in red raspberry juice) were found in low amount. Antioxidant activity
varied from 4 to 72 μmol TE/ml in sweet cherry and chokeberry juice,
respectively. High correlation was observed between antioxidant activity
and total anthocyanin content of investigated red fruit juices. Overall results
showed that red fruit juices can serve as a good source of bioactive
phytochemicals in human diet. Chokeberry, elderberry and black currant
juice were the richest in anthocyanin content and showed the strongest
antioxidant activity, as well. Therefore, these three juices can be regarded
as good candidates for raw materials in production of functional foods.
The aim of this study was focused on the chemical characterization of phytochemical
compounds and their antioxidant capacity of Sambucus nigra L. (black elder) and
Sambucus ebulus (dwarf elder) berries. The primary sources of antioxidant capacities in
the evaluated elderberry extracts were phenolic acids and flavonoids (flavonols and
anthocyanins) determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-PDA-MS).
The most abundant anthocyanin in elderberry fruits was cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside,
which accounted for more than half of all anthocyanins identified in the berries. Quercetin-
3-O-rutinoside was the major flavonoid found in elderberry extracts, in higher quantity in
Sambucus nigra. The antioxidant capacity data obtained for crude-extracts proved that the
Sambucus ebulus had the highest antioxidant activity, being the richest one in
anthocyanins.
The overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) is a deleterious process that can be an important mediator of damage to cell structures including protein, lipid and DNA, and consequently leads to various disease states and senescence. In the present study, the protective effects of carnosic acid (CA) on ROS/RNS-induced protein damages were examined. CA dose-dependently decreased the fragmentation, carbonylation, and nitration of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in AAPH and Hemin/nitrite/H2O2 incubation systems, respectively. Moreover, CA effectively attenuated protein carbonylations in the radical-treated RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, after pretreatments of RAW264.7 macrophages with CA, the generation of ROS and NO induced by AAPH and H2O2 or LPS were significantly suppressed, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein expression was time- and dose-dependently upregulated. Hence, our results indicated that CA might be beneficial for cellular proteins in oxidative stress or inflammation conditions by alleviating ROS/RNS generation and inducing the expression of antioxidant enzyme HO-1.
The oil content and fatty acid composition of total lipids (TLs) and main lipid classes (NLs- neutral and PLs- polar lipids) in seeds of two wild Sambucus species (S. nigra and S. ebulus) from Transylvania (Romania) were determined by capillary gas chromatography (GC-MS). In addition, the positional distribution of fatty acids in seed triacylglycerols (TAGs) was determined by hydrolysis with pancreatic lipase. The seeds were found to be rich in fat (22.40-24.90 g/100g) with high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) ranging from 68.96% (S. ebulus) to 75.15% (S. nigra). High ratios of PUFAs/SFAs (saturated fatty acids), ranging from 7.06 (S. nigra) to 7.64 (S. ebulus), and low ratios of n-6/n-3, ranging from 0.84 (S. nigra) to 1.51 (S. ebulus), were determined in both oils. The lipid classes/subclasses analyzed (PLs, MAGs-monoacylglycerols, DAGs-diacylglycerols, FFAs-free fatty acids, TAGs and SEs-sterol esters) were separated and identified using thin-layer chromatography. The fatty acid compositions of the TAG fractions were practically identical to the profiles of TLs, with the same dominating fatty acids in both analyzed species. SEs and FFAs, were characterized by high proportions of SFAs. The sn-2 position of TAGs was esterified predominantly with linoleic acid (43.56% for S. nigra and 50.41% for S. ebulus).
Following a request from the European Commission to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the Scientific Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) was asked to provide a scientific opinion re-evaluating the safety of anthocyanins (E 163). The Panel concluded that the currently available toxicological database was inadequate to establish a numerical ADI for anthocyanins. For anthocyanins extracted from edible fruits and vegetables by aqueous processes, changes in composition would not be expected. The Panel concluded that provided exposure from use as a food additive was comparable to that from the diet the underlying conclusion in the 1975 SCF opinion that such food additives derived from natural sources would still apply. The majority of data are on aqueous grape skin extract (GSKE) and blackcurrant extracts and the Panel considers that exposures estimated from current uses and use levels these extracts are unlikely to be of safety concern. The Panel recommends that the specifications for E 163 should be modified to reflect this conclusion. For anthocyanins extracted from other sources and/or using non-aqueous extraction methods the absence of characterisation does not allow verification that this conclusion in the 1975 SCF opinion could be applied. The Panel noted that for some extracts it had proven possible to assess a group based on toxicological and compositional data on representative samples across the range of extracts. The Panel concluded that refined exposure estimates of anthocyanins used as a food additive were higher than dietary intakes and that these did not include intakes from colouring foods. Therefore the Panel would recommend that appropriate characterisation and toxicological data should be required to permit a further re-evaluation of anthocyanins including comparative data on anthocyanins (E 163) produced by aqueous extraction.
The effects of dietary cyanidin-3-Oglucoside (C3G) and concentrates from blackcurrant [Ribes nigrum] (BC) and elderberry [Sambucus nigra] (EC) on plasma and tissue concentrations of α- (a-T) and γ-tocopherol (y-T) and cholesterol, as well as the fatty acid composition of the liver lipids were investigated in growing, male rats of the Sprague-Dawley strain. Animals were fed semisynthetic diets supplemented with 2 g/kg C3G, BC, or EC for 4 weeks. Dietary anthocyanins did not affect feed intake, body weight, and organ weights. C3G elevated the concentrations of tocopherols in the liver and lungs (P < 0.05). Cholesterol levels in plasma and liver were not affected by any of the regimens. C3G and BC reduced the relative amount of saturated fatty acids in the liver (P < 0.05). BC also lowered the percentage of 22:6 + 24:0 and EC the ratio of 20:3/20:4 n-6 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary C3G, BC, and EC appear to have little effect on cholesterol levels and the fatty acid pattern in the liver but seem to be capable of sparing vitamin E in healthy, growing rats.
An evidence-based scientific scrutiny of Irish traditional medicines for their antimicrobial potency is urgently required for combating antibiotic resistant common nosocomial pathogens. We now report our seminal findings on the major constituents including terpenes identified in native, historically significant herbal medicinal plant Elder (Sambucus nigra L.) flower and elder berry in particular and their concomitant strong antimicrobial effects exhibited on various nosocomial pathogens notably upon methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus MRSA, recognised globally as a clinically significant pathogen, associated with skin and soft tissue infections.
Sambucus nigra (S)(elder) is rich in phenolic antioxidants, especially flavonoids from the anthocyanin subclass. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of S extract on imunnity status in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). S was applied by gavage for 12 weeks to normal and diabetic rats. Streptozotocin caused a significant elevation of plasma glucose. Applied to diabetic rats, S significantly reduced inbalance imunnity status. In conclusion, S significantly decreased the streptozotocin-induced abnormalities in imunnity status in diabetic rats and might be useful in prevention and control of diabetes mellitus and diabetes-associated complications.
This study is carried out to evaluate the chemical composition and physicochemical properties of berry leaves, carob and doum tea infusions and their mixtures. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities of these extracts were investigated by scavenging of 1,1 diphenyl-2-picrylehydrozyl (DPPH) radicals. The proliferation inhibition activities on some types of bacteria and yeast were also measured for evaluating the antimicrobial activity of berry leaves, carob and doum tea infusions and their blends. The results showed that carob was characterized by its high protein content. The highest percentage of fiber was found in doum sample, followed by carob but ash was the highest in berry leaves samples. The levels of most elements were higher in carob sample, when compared with those of berry leaves and doum samples. The highest value of TSS was found in the tea infusions of doum and carob (22.5 Brix), meanwhile, the lowest was observed in the doum tea infusions (10.60 Brix). Acidity of berry leaves, carob and doum tea infusions was higher than that of the berry leaves +doum tea infusions, but lower than that of the berry leaves + carob + doum tea infusions. Total sugars formed the major components in doum and berry leaves + carob tea infusions. Doum and carob tea infusions had significantly higher non-reducing, but lower contents of reducing sugars than the other tested samples. The results indicated that berry leaves + carob + doum tea infusions sample showed higher quality attributes especially color, taste and overall acceptability. The berry leaves and berry leaves + carob tea infusions had a high level of vit. C (11.05 and 10.28 mg/100 g), while it was low in doum tea infusions. Blended samples showed a higher content of total phenol compounds compared to tea infusions of berry leaves, carob and doum. Data indicated that the berry leaves + carob + doum, berry leaves + carob, berry leaves + doum and doum + carob tea infusions samples were good antioxidants with strong DPPH radical-scavenging activity. The results confirmed that the investigated extracts had good antimicrobial activity, especially against bacteria. © Copyright by Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences.
The present study focuses on the way in which natural polyphenols extracted from the Sambucus nigra fruits influence the oxidative stress from the experimental diabetes, as well as improving the state of the cardiovascular lesions. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin 55 mg/Kg body mass. The glycosylated haemoglobin values in the diabetic group are very high, as compared to the group protected by elder fruit extract where these values were significantly low. Due to the polyphenolic protection, the serum activity of glutathione peroxidase is more intense for the diabetic rats treated with natural polyphenols as compared to the diabetic rats. The obtained results highlight a significant improvement (p<0.001) in the antioxidative capacity of the serum in diabetic rats treated with natural polyphenols, bringing back to normal the concentration of reduced glutathione, as well as an important decrease in the serum concentration of malondialdehyde, thus proving an important decrease of the lipid peroxides in serum. After the administration of polyphenols, the values of IL-1β significantly decreased. The natural polyphenols compounds do reduce the lipids peroxides, do neutralize the lipid peroxil radicals, and by this do prevent the cardiovascular long term consequences of the experimentally induced diabetes mellitus.
The data provided in literature reveal the complex biologically-active properties of polyphenols: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, platelet antiaggregant, hypocholesterolemic, vasorelaxant. Due to their anthocyanins content, both Aronia melanocarpa and Sambucus nigra may have beneficial effects on the evolution and complications of arterial hypertenison. The experiment was conducted on five groups of white Wistar rats that enjoyed Aronia and Sambucus extract protection without suffering from drug-induced high blood pressure versus those that suffered from L-NAME induced high blood pressure. Their blood pressure as well as their SOD and GSH-Px expressed antioxidant status were measured on a weekly basis throughout the experiment, and their kidneys were sampled for a histological examination performed at the end of the experiment. The antioxidant capacity was either highly statistically significant for Aronia versus the purely high blood pressure group, or just statistically significant for Sambucus; moreover, the high blood pressure group treated with Aronia proved more protected (p<0.001) than the unprotected group and more highly statistically significant than the group that received Sambucus. The anatomic-pathological examination of the kidney sample revealed alterations such as chronic lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate, hydropic degeneration injuries, perivascular fibrosis. These alterations were considerable in the high blood pressure group, whereas in the polyphenol protected groups they were much diminished. The considerable oxidative stress revealed in the high blood pressure rats was favorably modulated by vegetable polyphenols delivery. The histological examination conducted on the kidney samples supported the vessel protection effect of the two extracts.
A single dose of polyphenols comprised in a beverage based on fruit juices did not significantly increase the content of total phenolics neither in plasma nor in serum. How-ever, the ingestion of 500 mL beverage significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity in plasma (FRAP) as well as in serum (FRAP, TRAP), reaching the peak after different times (30-60 min). In addition, the photochemiluminescence test system, being a very sensitive assay in recent investigations, did not show any alteration in antioxidant capacity neither in plasma nor in serum. Thus, the kind of physiological liquid a well as the kind of test system seem to be factors affecting the analysis of antioxidant capacity within human intervention studies. The use of at least two assays is strongly recommended.
In this work we present a study on the extraction from dry elderberry flowers at ambient temperature.50 vol. % ethanol-in-water solution as a solvent is used. The variation of total dry content in the extracts, their total polyphenol content as well as their antioxidant capacity is measured in time. The experimental data show that the plateau is reached after the 90th min. The maximum yield from 2 g dry flowers is 0.52 g (120 min), the maximum total polyphenol content is 2.312 g GA/L (120 min). The best antioxidant capacity (IC50%=6.58) is measured for the 90th min extract. Nevertheless the difference between the values obtained at 90th and at 120th min is in the order of the experimental incertitude.
The effect of ferulic acid on biochemical and histological properties, mRNA expression of HO-1 and GST in the liver and heart were investigated in obese, diabetes rats after ferulic acid administration for 16 weeks. The results showed that ferulic acid (60 mg/kg) decreased the activities of ALT, AST, CK, and LDH in the serum, by 53.5, 33.6, 47.8, and 405.5% respectively; and reduced cell apoptosis from 16.55 to 9.11% in the liver, and 11.27 to 5.09% in the heart. Ferulic acid significantly increased the antioxidant activity in the plasma, liver, and heart, and upregulated the mRNA expression of HO-1 and GST in the cells of liver and heart of the diabetes animals. Moreover, ferulic acid maintained the body weight, significantly decreased serum glucose and lipid, and advanced glycation end products in the plasma, liver, and heart. It can be concluded that ferulic acid can alleviate late-stage diabetes in obese rats.
The total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of ethanol herb extract in different lipid systems was determined. For the purpose of this study, five representatives of spices were selected: garlic (Allium sativum L.), marjoram (Origanum majorana L.), peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.). Lipid analyses showed different antioxidant potential of herbs extracts depending on the system used. Rancimat and Oxidograph tests showed that extract antioxidant potential in lard was higher than in sunflower oil. Thyme and marjoram extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity but the lowest was recorded for garlic and mint one. Statistical Analysis showed a high correlation between total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. Lipid oxidative stability in the Schaal oven test showed different trends, however, highest activity was observed in the samples of thyme and rosemary extract. Mint extract in sunflower oil and lard on cellulose matrix exhibited prooxidative activity.
Herbs are known for their medicinal properties, resulting from a wide range of bioactive compounds. Polyphenols are the potential antioxidants that would slow down or terminate oxidation processes. Lipids are very susceptible to oxidation that is why the present investigations aimed at finding herbs source of as strong antioxidant compounds to be used in lipids stabilization. Use of herb extracts efficiently increases the oxidative stability of examined lipids. Hence, their addition could enhance the nutritional value of the lipid products.
Anthocyanins are naturally occurring compounds widespread in plant-derived foodstuffs and therefore abundant in human diet. There are evidences regarding the positive association of their intake with healthy biological effects displayed in vivo. This review aims to highlight some aspects regarding anthocyanins bioavailability; these include a short introductory part of anthocyanin chemistry, stability, occurrence and intake.
This first part is followed by a more detailed one concerning the main topic of the review that includes the bioavailability and metabolism of anthocyanins. Special attention is given to the contribution of the gastric mucosa to anthocyanin absorption as the result of the high content of intact anthocyanins (20–25%) detected is plasma few minutes after intake. The contribution of intestinal tissue and the microbiota impact in anthocyanin absorption and bioactivity is also highlighted. Despite the biological activities that have been associated with these compounds, anthocyanins appear to be rapidly absorbed and eliminated, reaching only low maximal concentrations in plasma and urine. Some possible critical factors that may contribute to this paradox were also explored including the ability of a compound to cross membranes, the effect of pH, digestive enzymes, biliary acids and microbiota, the lack of sensitivity of the analytical method, the possible ingestion of pigments (anthocyanin derivatives, especially in the case of red wine) and the influence of the food matrix.
Generally, the bioavailability of anthocyanins is presumed but whether the effect is due to the native compounds or other forms, which mechanism are involved or which factors have crucial impact on bioavailability still remain underexplored.
The aim was to determine the effect of Ginkgo leaf extracts on the stability of lipids and cholesterol in pork meatballs over 21 days of refrigerated storage. The antioxidants used were characterized by their antioxidant activity towards lipids and cholesterol. Extracts were prepared from green and yellow leaves from Ginkgo biloba L. trees. Water, acetone and ethanol were used as extractants. The extracts showed stabilizing effects on both lipid and cholesterol oxidation processes. The lipid oxidation process of pork meatballs was mostly inhibited by the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the yellow leaves. Their antioxidant activity was higher than that of BHT. All the extracts had a stabilizing effect on cholesterol and most of them inhibited the formation of oxidized derivatives. The acetone and ethanol extracts of green leaves and the ethanol extract of yellow leaves inhibited the formation of cholesterol oxidation products formation most effectively.
Diet has gained scientific community attention due to the crucial role in health maintenance, but also in disease treatment, and essential in disease prevention. Several food and food components, particularly phenolic rich foods, have been investigated as they present themselves as putative functional foods. In the past decades, obesity has reached epidemic proportions and consequently, metabolic syndrome (a set of disorders as impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia and high blood pressure, which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes) incidence is increasing worldwide at an alarming rate and this phenolic rich foods, specially berries have been investigated to their potential beneficial effect in this disorders.
In the present work the chemistry of blueberries (BB) (fruits of some Vaccinium species) was summarised as well as the knowledge about bioavailability and biokinetic of anthocyanins from blueberries with particular emphasis on its implications in metabolic disorders.
Polyphenols are abundant in red grapes and in their derived products, amongst other natural food sources. These compounds are associated with the prevention of diseases caused by oxidative stress. The present review discusses the action of grape polyphenols against diseases and the new polyphenols-rich products developed to be used as nutraceuticals. Grape polyphenols demonstrated effects such as maintenance of endothelial function, increase in antioxidant capacity and protection against LDL oxidation. Recent patents regarding polyphenols show a tendency use a right-on-target approach and the new patented products are aiming at preventing and treating specific diseases.
Therapeutic properties of tea Camellia sinensis are of particular interest since it has been consumed for ages and was always regarded as safe beverage. Tea is most popular beverage in the world because of its attractive aroma, exceptional taste, health promoting and pharmaceutical potential. Current results showed that antioxidative, antibacterial and other health effects are attributed to its caffeine content and caffeine — polyphenols interactions. An overview is given on caffeine content in different tea leaves beverage. Special attention is drawn to caffeine physiological effect on human organism. Controversies concerning the possible caffeine influence on human physical and psychological health are briefly summarized and presented.
Obesity and insulin resistance in skeletal muscles are major features of type 2 diabetes. In the present study, we examined the potential of Sambucus nigra flower (elderflowers) extracts to stimulate glucose uptake (GU) in primary porcine myotubes and reduce fat accumulation (FAc) in Caenorhabditis elegans. Bioassay guided chromatographic fractionations of extracts and fractions resulted in the identification of naringenin and 5-O- caffeoylquinic acid exhibiting a significant increase in GU. In addition, polyphenols related to those found in elderflowers were also tested and among these, kaempferol, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid and caffeic acid increased GU significantly. FAc was significantly reduced in C. elegans, when treated with elderflower extracts, their fractions and the metabolites naringenin, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-5''-acetylglycoside, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside and isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside and the related polyphenols kaempferol and ferulic acid. The study indicates that elderflower extracts contain bioactive compounds capable of modulating glucose and lipid metabolism, suitable for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.
There is an increased interest in the consumption of fruits containing high phenolic concentrations such as berry fruits. Attractive colour of berries plays a vital role for consumer acceptance. The aim of this work was to evaluate colour parameters (a*, b*, L*), phenolic content and sensory changes of blueberry, elderberry and blackcurrant (BC) pasteurised commercial juices during accelerate storage. Initial phenolic concentration was 3.21, 10.06, 10.72gGAEL -1 for blueberry, elderberry and BC, respectively. Moreover, phenolic concentration of all juices decreased by approximately 40% throughout the first 30days. Blueberry exhibited a substantial decrease in a* (40%) in the first 30days, while elderberry presented a gradual decrease and BC only presented a slight decrease (7%) at the end of storage. Colour preferences decreased when storage time increased. However, when consumers were informed that 'the juices are a rich source of phenolics, which contribute to reducing risk of suffering chronic diseases', a high level of purchase intention was obtained.
The objective of this study was to investigate the ability of endothelial cells (EC) to incorporate anthocyanins and to examine their potential benefits against various oxidative stressors. Endothelial dysfunction has been proposed to play an important role in the initiation and development of vascular disease, with studies having shown that administration of antioxidants improves endothelial function. Elderberry extract contains 4 anthocyanins, which where incorporated into the plasma membrane and cytosol of EC following 4 h incubation at 1 mg.ml−1. However, incorporation within the cytosol was considerably less than that in the membrane. Uptake within both regions appeared to be structure dependent, with monoglycoside concentrations higher than that of the diglucosides in both compartments. The enrichment of EC with elderberry anthocyanins conferred significant protective effects in EC against the following oxidative stressors: hydrogen peroxide (H2O2); 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH); and FeSO4/ascorbic acid (AA). These results show for the first time that vascular EC can incorporate anthocyanins into the membrane and cytosol, conferring significant protective effects against oxidative insult. These findings may have important implications on preserving EC function and preventing the initiation of EC changes associated with vascular diseases.
Solid-phase extraction (SPE) was used to obtain anthocyanin-rich extracts from five berry species: chokeberry, elderberry, black currant, blackberry and blueberry. During SPE more than 94.4% of the sugars and more than 88.5% of the acids present in the crude extracts were separated. The SPE resulted in 90–95.6% anthocyanins recovery. The antioxidative properties of the anthocyanin-rich extracts were tested by measuring their oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC), hydroxyl radical averting capacity (HORAC), total peroxyl radical trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP), scavenging of nitric oxide and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Elderberry extract revealed the highest ORAC value of 5783μmol TE/g. Chokeberry extract was the most potent inhibitor of lipid peroxidation and had the highest TRAP value of 4051μmol TE/g. Blueberry extract had the highest HORAC result – 1293μmol GAE/g and was the most powerful scavenger of NO. The high antioxidant activity according to all antioxidant assays revealed opportunities to apply these preparations as antioxidants.
During internship and residency, young physicians encounter a myriad of diseases and symptoms in the course of training. As discussed in the previous installment of this series ( Clinical Diabetes 27:160–163, 2009), diabetes is a major issue in U.S. health care and is growing rapidly. Medical professionals can expect to spend a large portion of their time caring for diabetic patients in inpatient and outpatient settings as the prevalence of this disease increases steadily.
Central to the treatment of patients with diabetes is the understanding of the disease itself. Previously, physicians classified diabetes based on the treatment required to control the disorder (insulin-dependent versus non–insulin-dependent diabetes) or age at which the disorder develops (juvenile diabetes or late-onset autoimmune diabetes of adulthood). As our understanding of diabetes has deepened, the diagnostic criteria and classification scheme of diabetes has changed as well.
Different therapies now target the underlying mechanisms of diabetes, such as insulin deficiency, insulin resistance, and other aspects of the disease process. To improve the health care of people with diabetes, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) no longer recommends classification of diabetes based on treatment of hyperglycemia, but rather on the underlying mechanism involved.1,2 The underlying mechanisms of diabetes were discussed in detail in our previous installment. This issue will focus on the classification scheme for diabetes, which is important for several reasons.
In addition to offering expedient and up-to-date health care for patients, there are other important reasons to have a thorough understanding of the classification of diabetes. A diagnosis of diabetes can have a major effect on the cost of an individual's health insurance premiums. In many situations, patients with diabetes may even be considered uninsurable, which limits their ability to become self-employed or to obtain insurance for their family. There are also important ramifications in …
Preparations of elderflowers (Sambucus nigra L.) have traditionally been used as diuretics however recent studies suggest that they also have a potential use in the treatment/prevention of conditions associated with the metabolic syndrome. Extracts of elderflowers are known to activate the key regulator of adipocyte differentiation, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ, without stimulating adipocyte differentiation, and furthermore to enhance insulin-stimulated glucose uptake (GU) in adipocytes [1]. The flavanone naringenin was identified as one of the bioactive components whereas major elderflower metabolites were not active [2]. In the present study, we have further investigated the effects of elderflower extracts and metabolites on mechanisms associated with lipid storage and insulin resistance in relation to the metabolic syndrome. Both dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol (MeOH) extracts of elderflowers were found to be able to enhance GU in pig myotubes both with and without insulin-stimulation corresponding with previous studies on mouse abdominal muscle [3]. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans provides an excellent model system for studying lipid metabolism and fat accumulation in vivo. Extracts of elderflowers were able to significantly reduce fat accumulation as measured by the lipophilic dye Nile red, in C. elegans at concentrations of 200µg/mL, and in particular the DCM extract was one of the most potent plant extracts with more than a 50% reduction of Nile red fluorescence [4]. However, on individual basis major elderflower metabolites do not seem to possess the same magnitude of bioactivity in the tests performed as the extracts. Hence, synergistic effects might be at play warranting further investigations. References: 1. Christensen KB et al. (2009) Phytother. Res. 23: 1316–1325. 2. Christensen KB et al. (2010) Phytother. Res. in press. 3. Gray AM et al. (2000)J. Nutri. 130: 15–20. 4. Boelt SG et al. (2008) Chem. Physics Lipids 154: S32-S32.