Accumulation of Anthocyanins and Other Phytochemicals in American Elderberry Cultivars during Fruit Ripening and its Impact on Color Expression

Unveiling the Potential of Southern Elderberry (Sambucus australis): Characterization of Physicochemical Properties, Carbohydrates, Organic Acids and Biophenols

Sambucus australis is a wild species with purple fruits like berries. It is native from South America and can be found in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil. A comprehensive characterization of S. australis fruiting period and ripening could provide valuable information on the stage of development suitable for formulating typical and new food and cosmetic products, as well as it could contribute to reveals its nutritional value. This study aimed to examine the evolution of fruit size and weight alongside the accumulation patterns of sugars, organic acids, biophenols and antioxidant activity during different development stages of S. australis fruit, assessing its potential as a source of health-promoting compounds. The increase in total sugar (269.59 g/kg dry weight), together with the decrease in the total organic acids (321.63 g/kg dry weight) at the fully ripe stage, indicates that the fruit is sweet. This suggests that it is an appealing product to be consumed when it is fully ripe. The fatty acid composition contains significant levels of α-linolenic, linoleic, oleic and palmitic acids. It is characterized by high ratios of polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids, ranging from 5.8 to 6.4. S. australis fruits appeared to possess good levels of biophenols at fully ripe fruits (4709.7 µg/g dry weight) together with antioxidant activity (higher than 80%), so, it could be considered as a functional food.

Systematic application of UPLC-Q-ToF-MS/MS coupled with chemometrics for the identification of natural food pigments from Davidson plum and native currant

This study investigates the potential of Australian Traditional foods as novel sources of natural colourants for food applications, employing untargeted metabolomics and chemometrics. Two native species were analysed: Davidson plum and native currant. The species were quantitatively assessed for colour properties using the CIELAB colour system in conjunction with Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole Time of Flight Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-Q-ToF-MS/MS). The results highlight diverse phenolic, flavonoid, and significant anthocyanin levels in Davidson plum and native currant, contributing to their robust red hues, comparable to commercial blueberry standards. Davidson plum and native currant exhibited high phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin levels, contributing to vibrant red hues and significant bioactivity. Compared to blueberry, these species showed greater redness (a*) and chroma. Native currant demonstrated the highest phenolic content (146.73 mg g-1), anthocyanin content (14.48 mg g-1), and antioxidant activity (95.48 μmol Trolox equivalents/g). The chemometric analysis identified 46 key pigment metabolites, including anthocyanins and flavonoids, directly correlating to observed colour properties. UPLC-Q-ToF-MS/MS combined with CIELAB colourimetry facilitated pigment identification and colour analysis. These findings position Davidson plum and native currant as promising natural food colourants and functional ingredients. Additionally, the study underscores the efficacy of integrating chemometric analysis with CIELAB and UPLC-Q-ToF-MS/MS methodologies for pinpointing specific metabolites that influence the colour properties of these Traditional foods. This approach facilitates a deeper understanding of how indigenous Australian bushfoods can be innovatively incorporated into the food industry, aligning with consumer demand for natural and sustainable food options.

Effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Sambucus nigra on superficial digital flexor tendon repair in rabbit by ultrasonography and histopathology

BACKGROUND

Adult tendon tissue has limited and slow regenerative capacity. Sambucus nigra plant possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory attributes.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of this plant's fruit on superficial digital flexor tendon repair in rabbits (SDFT).

METHODS

Twenty-five male New Zealand white rabbits weighing 1.5-2 kg were selected, quarantined and randomly divided into four groups of six. By performing a partial left posterior limb tenotomy, differentiating the SDFT and creating multiple scrapes were performed. During 3 consecutive days post-surgery, the positive control group was injected with 0.5 mg/kg dexamethasone, whereas the treatment groups received extract doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. The negative control group did not receive any medication. Evaluation of sonographic and histopathological parameters was conducted on days 0, 7 and 28 post-surgeries. Findings were analysed and compared using SPSS22.

RESULTS

Both treatment groups showed significant differences in echogenicity, and collagen fibre alignment compared to the control and positive control groups, in sonographic evaluation. Histopathological examination revealed fewer inflammatory cells and increased collagen fibre formation in the treatment groups compared to the other two groups. No significant difference in angiogenesis was observed among the groups on days 7 and 28 (p value <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that the S. nigra fruit extract, by stimulating collagen synthesis and reducing inflammation, effectively accelerates the healing process of injured tendons.

Development of Potential Therapeutic Agents from Black Elderberries (the Fruits of Sambucus nigra L.)

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.

Elderberry, an Ancient Remedy: A Comprehensive Study of the Bioactive Compounds in Three Sambucus nigra L. Subspecies

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.

The Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant Activity and Microflora of Wild Elderberry in Asturias (Northern Spain): An Untapped Resource of Great Interest

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.

Elderberry Extracts: Characterization of the Polyphenolic Chemical Composition, Quality Consistency, Safety, Adulteration, and Attenuation of Oxidative Stress- and Inflammation-Induced Health Disorders

Elderberry is highly reputed for its health-improving effects. Multiple pieces of evidence indicate that the consumption of berries is linked to enhancing human health and preventing or delaying the onset of chronic medical conditions. Compared with other fruit, elderberry is a very rich source of anthocyanins (approximately 80% of the polyphenol content). These polyphenols are the principals that essentially contribute to the high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities and the health benefits of elderberry fruit extract. These health effects include attenuation of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and inflammatory disorders, as well as anti-diabetic, anticancer, antiviral, and immuno-stimulatory effects. Sales of elderberry supplements skyrocketed to $320 million over the year 2020, according to an American Botanical Council (ABC) report, which is attributable to the purported immune-enhancing effects of elderberry. In the current review, the chemical composition of the polyphenolic content of the European elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and the American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), as well as the analytical techniques employed to analyze, characterize, and ascertain the chemical consistency will be addressed. Further, the factors that influence the consistency of the polyphenolic chemical composition, and hence, the consistency of the health benefits of elderberry extracts will be presented. Additionally, adulteration and safety as factors contributing to consistency will be covered. The role of elderberry in enhancing human health alone with the pharmacological basis, the cellular pathways, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed health benefits of elderberry fruit extracts will be also reviewed.

Optimization of Major Extraction Variables to Improve Recovery of Anthocyanins from Elderberry by Response Surface Methodology

Elderberry, which is well known for its richness in anthocyanin, is attracting attention in the bioindustry as a functional material with high antioxidant capacity. The aim of this study is to optimize extraction conditions to more effectively recover anthocyanins from elderberry. In a fundamental experiment to determine the suitable solvent, various GRAS reagents, such as acetone, ethanol, ethyl acetate, hexane, and isopropyl alcohol, were used, and total phenol and anthocyanin contents were detected as 9.0 mg/g-biomass and 5.1 mg/g-biomass, respectively, only in the extraction using ethanol. Therefore, ethanol was selected as the extraction solvent, and an experimental design was performed to derive a response surface model with temperature, time, and EtOH concentration as the main variables. The optimal conditions for maximal anthocyanin recovery were determined to be 20.0 °C, 15.0 min, and 40.9% ethanol, and the total anthocyanin content was 21.0 mg/g-biomass. In addition, the total phenol and flavonoid contents were detected as 67.4 mg/g-biomass and 43.8 mg/g-biomass, respectively. The very simple and economical extraction conditions suggested in this study contributed to improving the utilization potential of anthocyanin, a useful antioxidant derived from elderberry.

Label compliance for ingredient verification: regulations, approaches, and trends for testing botanical products marketed for "immune health" in the United States

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the botanical product market saw a consumer interest increase in immune health supplements. While data are currently insufficient to support public health guidance for using foods and dietary supplements to prevent or treat COVID-19 and other immune disorders, consumer surveys indicate that immune support is the second-most cited reason for supplement use in the United States. Meanwhile, consumers showed increased attention to dietary supplement ingredient labels, especially concerning authenticity and ingredient claims. Top-selling botanical ingredients such as elderberry, turmeric, and functional mushrooms have been increasingly marketed toward consumers to promote immune health, but these popular products succumb to adulteration with inaccurate labeling due to the intentional or unintentional addition of lower grade ingredients, non-target plants, and synthetic compounds, partially due to pandemic-related supply chain issues. This review highlights the regulatory requirements and recommendations for analytical approaches, including chromatography, spectroscopy, and DNA approaches for ingredient claim verification. Demonstrating elderberry, turmeric, and functional mushrooms as examples, this review aims to provide industrial professionals and scientists an overview of current United States regulations, testing approaches, and trends for label compliance verification to ensure the safety of botanical products marketed for "immune health."

Potential Use of Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) as Natural Colorant and Antioxidant in the Food Industry. A Review

The food industry, in response to current consumer demand for natural and functional foods, is constantly evolving and reformulating traditional products formulations. Thus, during the last decades, multiple natural sources have been investigated to replace the need to add synthetic additives. In addition, the use of natural sources can also increase the nutritional quality of the food. With this in mind, elderberry is used in the food industry for certain purposes. However, its potential is much higher than the number of applications it currently has. Its high content of anthocyanins, as well as other polyphenols and vitamins, means that it can be used by the food industry both as a colorant and as an antioxidant. In addition, the incorporation of these bioactive compounds results in functional foods, with a high antioxidant capacity. Moreover, the inclusion of elderberry products in foods formulation increases their shelf-life, but the correct amount and strategy for adding elderberry to food should be studied to ensure a positive effect on nutritional and technological properties without affecting (or improving) the sensory quality of foods. Therefore, this manuscript aims to review the main bioactive compounds present in elderberries, as well as their potential uses in the food industry.

Fruit Quality Characteristics and Biochemical Composition of Fully Ripe Blackberries Harvested at Different Times

We investigated how the quality of blackberry fruit changes during the ripening period. Since it is difficult to predict picking dates for blackberries, we were interested in how the quality of fully ripe fruit changed depending on the sampling date (from 28 July to 1 September). Blackberries (at full ripeness) were sampled at six weekly intervals and the contents of sugars, vitamin C, organic acids and phenolic components were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. The colour parameters, total soluble solids and weight of the fruits were also measured. The results showed that the fruits at the last sampling had a significantly lower fruit weight and higher soluble solids. 'Cacanska Bestrna' had the highest fruit weight and vitamin C content (11.43 mg/100 g). The main sugars in blackberries were fructose (13.8-33.4 g/kg FW) and glucose (13.0-33.2 g/kg FW). 'Loch Ness' and 'Navaho' had a sweeter taste since they had the highest ratio of sugars and acids (S/A approx. 5.8) and 'Smoothstem' and 'Thornfree' had the sourest taste, with a ratio of S/A 2.5. Blackberries harvested at the first two samplings had lower anthocyanin contents than fruits from later sampling times. There were no significant differences in the content of flavonols, ellagitannins, flavanols or hydroxycinnamic acids during the ripening period. The content of vitamin C in the fruits did not change among samplings, but the fruits had a higher content of organic acids at the first two or three samplings. The results may be useful for both the processing industry and growers to set quality standards for each variety and to determine the optimal harvest time.