Abstract
An unbreakable relationship between plants, nutrition, and health has directed researchers to deeply investigate and characterize the biopotential and medicinal properties of traditional foods. The aim of this study is to analyze and compare the phytochemical composition and biological potential of plant extracts with the idea of defining the most potent extracts as a natural source of bioactive molecules and their application in different industries. We evaluated unused plant species Sambucus nigra L. for investigation of bioactivities as potential natural products. Extracts of fresh elderberry fruits were obtained by modern (microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE)) and traditional (maceration (MAC)) extraction techniques, using 50% ethanol (50% EtOH) and water (H2O) of different polarities. In analyzed extracts, rutin and chlorogenic acid were dominant compounds in both 50% EtOH and H2O extracts, while ursolic acid was identified in 50% EtOH extracts as a terpenic compound with notable concentration. Elderberry extracts were evaluated regarding antioxidant, neuroprotective, antityrosinase, and antidiabetic abilities: MAE extracts had the best overall activity, and in general, 50% EtOH extracts were more potent than water extracts. The correlation of the dominant compound—rutin with all biological activities, indicates the importance of its presence in elderberries. S. nigra fruits showed excellent biopotential and opened possibilities of creating new food products or remedies, which are not present on the market because elderberry extracts are an exceptional source of rutin, chlorogenic acid, and ursolic acid.
Highlights
The Sambucus genus includes several berry species, and among them is the most interesting and most important black elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.)
We evaluated unused plant species Sambucus nigra L. for investigation of bioactivities as potential natural products
Extracts of fresh elderberry fruits were obtained by modern (microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE)) and traditional (maceration (MAC)) extraction techniques, using 50% ethanol (50% EtOH) and water (H2O) of different polarities
Summary
The Sambucus genus (the Adoxaceae family) includes several berry species, and among them is the most interesting and most important black elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.). Black elderberry is a widespread shrub, which grows at higher altitudes on the banks of the rivers, as well as in the brighter forests [1]. The species of this genus were wild-growing plants, but nowadays, the extraordinary potential of their fruits and flowers usage have induced plantation cultivating of elderberry across Europe [2]. Montenegrian mountain Ljubišnja, especially canyon of Cehotina river, is a region rich in wild-grown elderberries. Their exploitation in this area is minor, it is an unpolluted locality that offers good environmental conditions for the fine growth of elderberries. The elderberry fruits from this area have been used as a traditional remedy for the cold, flu or for the preparation of tea and jams [3], but they have never been applied in industry or subjected to scientific analysis
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