Comparison of the Chemical Composition of Selected Varieties of Elderberry with Wild Growing Elderberry

Abstract

Elderberries of wild-growing shrubs are most often used; however, various cultivated varieties of this shrub appear more and more often. The aim of this research was to compare the fruit composition of specific varieties with those grown wild in urban and ecologically clean conditions. Six varieties of elderberry grown on one experimental farm and two wild-growing samples from the city center and the landscape park were assessed. The content of vitamin C, antioxidant activity, sugar and organic acid content, triterpenes and carotenoids was marked in the tested fruits. The analyses show that there were significant differences in the content of the tested ingredients between the varieties tested, while the place of cultivation was of less importance. Apart from organic acids and triterpenes, fruits from wild-growing shrubs were more abundant in other compounds determined. The white variety of ‘Albida’ turned out to be the poorest in bioactive compounds.

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) Encapsulated Extracts as Meat Extenders against Lipid and Protein Oxidation during the Shelf-Life of Beef Burgers

“…In this regard, we found 79 compounds classified under the sub-class anthocyanins, with cyanidin 3-gentiobioside being the most abundant compound (i.e., 7.8 mg/100 g), followed by delphinidin and glycosidic forms of malvidin and pelargonidin ( Table S1 ). Additionally, as reported in Table S1 , the semi-quantitative analysis based on UHPLC-HRMS allowed us to detect a total content in the raw extract equal to 73.6 mg/kg of anthocyanins (expressed as cyanidin equivalents).According to the literature, elderberry fruits are characterized by a high content of anthocyanins, which give them their characteristic dark-purple color [ 25 ]. Anthocyanins are widely used as natural pigments in the food industry [ 10 ] and, as well as other flavonoids (e.g., quercetin derivatives), exhibit antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, immune-stimulating, antibacterial, antiallergic, and antiviral properties.…”

Anthropression as a Factor Affecting the Content of Heavy Metals in the Flowers of Sambucus nigra L.—A Medicinal Plant Affecting Human Health

“…In addition to its decorative value, due to the presence of bioactive substances in its tissues, it is used to increase the body's immunity. Extracts from the tissues of this species are a rich source of specific bioactive substances belonging mainly to the group of flavonoids derived from quercetin (isoquercitrin, hyperoside, and rutoside), kaempferol (astragaline, nicotiflorin), and isorhamnetin 3-G-glucoside and 3-0-rutinoside [5,6]. All parts of this plant can be medicinal raw materials, but the parts most often used are the flowers and fruits, which are obtained from the natural state [6].…”

“…Extracts from the tissues of this species are a rich source of specific bioactive substances belonging mainly to the group of flavonoids derived from quercetin (isoquercitrin, hyperoside, and rutoside), kaempferol (astragaline, nicotiflorin), and isorhamnetin 3-G-glucoside and 3-0-rutinoside [5,6]. All parts of this plant can be medicinal raw materials, but the parts most often used are the flowers and fruits, which are obtained from the natural state [6]. While immature berries as well as green leaves and stems contain toxic cyanogenic glycoside and sambunigrin and thus should be avoided in human consumption, the flowers and fully ripe berries have widespread culinary use [7].…”

“…While immature berries as well as green leaves and stems contain toxic cyanogenic glycoside and sambunigrin and thus should be avoided in human consumption, the flowers and fully ripe berries have widespread culinary use [7]. In addition, the fruits of the elderberry are rich in other compounds and are valuable for human health; such compounds include vitamins A, B, and C; organic acids; polyphenolic acids; triterpenes; and minerals such as K, Ca, Fe, Mg, P, Na, Zn, Cu, Mn, Se, Cr, Ni, and Cd [5,6,8,9]. Due to their composition, flower extracts can be used as an antipyretic, diaphoretic, vasoconstrictor, and diuretic.…”

“…Therefore, this species is used in the treatment of colds, flu, angina, asthma, measles, and scarlet fever. It is recommended to consume juices and syrups from flowers and fruits in cases of bronchitis, pneumonia, cough, phlegm in the upper respiratory tract, and sore throat [5,6], and there are many medicines and dietary supplements containing S. nigra extract on the pharmaceutical market.…”