Abstract
The antioxidant properties of fruits, flowers, leaves, bark (or stem) of elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.), red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa L.) and dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus L.) were investigated. The total content of anthocyanins and total phenolic compounds content by using of Folin-Ciocalteu assay were determined spectrophotometrically. The total content of water-soluble antioxidants was investigated by amperometric method. The antioxidant activity (AOA) of plant extracts was measured using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical, ABTS (2,2’azinobis(3)ethylbenzthiazoline-6- sulfonic acid) radical and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays. It was established that the fruits of plants of the genus Sambucus L. were characterized by the maximum level of all studied antioxidants. High content of anthocyanins and phenolic compounds was determined in the leaves of elderberry and dwarf elder. The flowers of these elderberry species were distinguished by a high total content of water-soluble antioxidants. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in fruits extracts in comparison with other parts of the plant. Higher antioxidant activity was identified in the extract of the fruits of elderberry and dwarf elder than of the red elderberry fruits. The most optimal method for evaluating the antioxidant activity of elder extracts was the FRAP assay, which showed the highest correlation between AOA and individual antioxidant components, compared to DPPH and ABTS assays. Comparative analysis of antioxidant content and antioxidant activity of various plant parts of three elderberry species showed that the most promising sources of biologically active substances with antioxidant properties are fruits and flowers of elderberry and dwarf elder.
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