Elderberry Juice Research Articles

Effects of Enzyme Treatment on the Microfiltration of Elderberry

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of microfiltration (MF) on the antioxidant capacity of elderberry juice using ceramic membrane. Previous to MF measurements preliminary examination was achieved with different enzymes. Four different samples were prepared: one without any enzyme and three with different pectolytic enzymes. The resistances were determined using the resistance-in-series model and difference between four enzyme-treated samples are evaluated. The effect of this technology on the antioxidant component of the clarified elderberry juice has been evaluated in permeate and retentate samples. For ferric reducing antioxidant power was measured with FRAP and total phenolic content (TPC) was determined with Folin Ciocalteau reagent. The total anthocyanin content (TAC) was estimated using spectrophotometric method. Higher juice yield was obtained using enzyme compared with enzyme-free elderberry pulp. The analytical results show that the MF membrane retained the valuable components in different rate. Significant losses are believed to have occurred after the MF clarification process due to fouling layer resistance, what can be decreased with pectolytic enzymes treatment.

Fenton's treatment as an effective treatment for elderberry effluents: economical evaluation

ABSTRACTThe utilization of Fenton's oxidation for the depuration of elderberry juice wastewater was studied. The aim was to select the adequate cost-effective operating conditions suitable to lead to an effluent within the legal thresholds to be discharged into the natural water courses. The treatment efficacy was assessed by chemical oxygen demand (COD), colour, phenolic content and total solids removal besides its ability to improve biodegradability (biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5)/COD). Moreover, the costs of the applied reactants were also considered. Fenton's reaction was able to abate at least 70% of COD (corresponding to a final value below 150 mg O2 L−1). Besides, total phenolic content degradation was always achieved. Within these conditions, the resulting effluent is able to be directly discharged into the natural hydric channels. Fenton oxidation could be successfully applied as a single treatment method with a reactant cost of 4.38 € m−3 ([Fe2+] = 20 mmol L−1, [H2O2] = 100 mmol L−1, pH = 3 and 4 h of oxidation procedure).

The change in the content of biologically active substances of black elderberry in the production of juice

The berries of the black elderberry are a source of biologically active substances, among which phenolic compounds that have the main value. Most of the phenolic compounds are natural antioxidants and are widely used in the food industry. Using black elderberry will allow to enrich foods with biologically active complex contained in it. The purpose of the research is to study the chemical composition of black elderberry and the impact of processing technology on the quality of juice from these raw materials. Analysis of the chemical composition of berries of the black elderberry has confirmed the presence of a large number of biologically active substances in its composition. The impact of processing technology on the quality of the black elderberry juice was investigated. It was found that using enzymatic catalysis for squash pre-treatment has a positive effect on the quality indicators of black elderberry juice. Analysis of the fractional composition of phenolic compounds at different ways of squash pre-treatment was performed and it was determined that the maximum transition of phenolic compounds is achieved in enzymatic catalysis of squash, which has been pre-heated to inactivate endoenzymes of raw materials.

Determination of free quinic acid in food matrices by Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography with UV detection

A new method using Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography and UV detection was developed for the determination of free quinic acid in fourteen commercial beverages (fruit juices, red wine, coffee, vinegar, and edible mushroom extract). Samples were directly injected into the HPLC system after dilution and centrifugation. All separations were carried out by gradient elution on a ZIC®-cHILIC column, using an eluent consisting of acetonitrile and aqueous phosphate buffer at pH 6. Quinic acid eluted in 12min as a symmetric peak well separated from all other peaks in the chromatograms. The total turnaround time per sample was 60min. The method was validated using cranberry juice as model beverage matrix. Linearity was demonstrated on spiked juice between 200 and 600μg/mL (r2=0.999), and precision and accuracy were satisfactory (RSD≤10% and recovery 100±1%, respectively).The method was proven to be suitable for its purpose. Quinic acid levels ranged from undetectable (<15μg/mL in red grape juice, elderberry juice, and in red wine vinegar) to 740±30μg/mL (in mushroom extract). The results were discussed in comparison with the previous reports on similar matrices using different HPLC separation modes.

Comparison of Flavour and Volatile Flavour Compounds of Mixed Elderberry Juices

The aim of this work was to find the best composition for fruit drink based on elderberries with optimal flavour characteristics. For this purpose elderberry juice was mixed with various fruit juices (grape, black currant, apple, orange, carrot) in various ratios, flavour was evaluated sensorially and instrumentally as the content of aroma compounds. Five flavour characteristics (sweet, acid/sour, bitter, astringent, characteristic elderberry), off-flavour, odour, texture (mouth-feel), colour and overall acceptability were evaluated sensorially using scale. Aroma compounds were extracted by solid phase microextraction and assessed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The significant differences (P &lt; 0.05) in flavour were found between samples, which could be explained by differences in their volatile profiles. In total 57 compounds were identified in fruit juices and included 20 alcohols, 10 aldehydes, 8 ketones, 7 acids, 7 esters and 5 other compounds. Alcohols were quantitatively the most important group of all juices. The grape-elderberry juice, in optimum ratio 7:3 (70% v/v of elderberry), was proposed for practical use owing to the pleasant sweetish, elderberry flavour, and excellent other sensory characteristics.

Thermal degradation kinetics of monomeric anthocyanins, colour changes and storage effect in elderberry juices

Fil: Busso Casati, Carolina Ines. Pontificia Universidad Catolica Argentina Santa Maria de los Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina

Determination of Anthocyanins and Total Polyphenols in a Variety of Elderberry Juices by UPLC-MS/MS and Other Methods.

Elderberry (Sambucus spp.) juice contains a variety of polyphenols, mostly anthocyanins. In order to understand the variation of polyphenol levels by genotype, various elderberry juice samples were analyzed for total phenolics (TP), total monomeric anthocyanins (TMA) and individual anthocyanin content. The Folin-Ciocalteu total phenolic method and pH differential method were used to measure the TP and TMA content, respectively. The TP and TMA concentrations of elderberry were found to vary greatly among different genotypes. TMA content varied from 2.1% for 'Sperandio' to 60.6% for the 'Bob Gordon' cultivar. In addition, ultra-performance liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry was used to separate and detect individual anthocyanins from samples prepared by solid phase extraction. Multiple-reaction-monitoring was used to process data for the reduction of false positives, maximizing selectivity, and reliable quantification. The quantitative performance of the method was validated, and a detection limit of 0.3 ng·ml-1 for cyanidin 3-O-glucoside was determined. This newly developed method may serve to characterize and profile various anthocyanins in elderberry juices for quality control, assessment of dietary intake, and anthocyanin-based biomedical studies.

Effects of Elderberry Juice from Different Genotypes on Oxidative and Inflammatory Responses in Microglial Cells.

Many species of berries are nutritious food and offer health benefits. However, among the different types of berries, information on health effects of American elderberries (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis) has been lacking and little is known about whether elderberry consumption can confer neuroprotective effects on the central nervous system. Microglial cells constitute a unique class of immune cells and exhibit characteristic properties to carry out multifunctional duties in the brain. Activation of microglial cells has been implicated in brain injury and in many types of neurodegenerative diseases. Our recent studies demonstrated the ability for endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) and interferon gamma (IFNγ) to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) in murine microglial cells (BV-2) through activating NADPH oxidase and the MAPK pathways. In this study, BV-2 microglial cells were used to examine effects of elderberry juice obtained from different genotypes on oxidative and inflammatory responses induced by LPS and IFNγ. Results show that 'Wyldewood' extract demonstrated antioxidant properties by inhibiting IFNγ-induced ROS production and p-ERK1/2 expression. On the other hand, most juice extracts exerted small effects on LPS-induced NO production and some extracts showed an increase in NO production upon stimulation with IFNγ. The disparity of responses on ROS and NO production from different extracts suggests possible presence of unknown endogenous factor(s) in the extract in promoting the IFNγ-induced iNOS synthesis pathway.

Occurrence of Polyphenols, Organic Acids, and Sugars among Diverse Elderberry Genotypes Grown in Three Missouri (USA) Locations.

Elderberry (Sambucus spp.) is an emerging horticultural crop used in a variety of foods, wines, and dietary supplements. A better understanding of the elderberry juice complex including its putative health-promoting compounds in relation to genetic and environmental parameters is needed. A multi-location planting of nine elderberry genotypes was established in 2008 at three geographically-diverse sites in Missouri, USA. Fruits were harvested from replicated plots 2009-2011, frozen, and later prepared for laboratory analysis. Polyphenols, organic acids, and sugars were quantified by HPLC and the results evaluated for response to genotype, site, and year. The American genotypes 'Ocoee' and 'Ozark' were consistently higher in chlorogenic acids compared to other genotypes, whereas 'Ocoee' was significantly higher in rutin than 'Ozark'. The European 'Marge' was significantly higher in isoquercitrin and other flavonoids compared to most North American genotypes. Significant differences in polyphenols were also detected among sites and production years. Malic, citric, and tartaric acids varied significantly among genotypes, sites, and years, whereas succinic, shikimic, and fumaric acids generally did not. Levels of lactic, acetic, and propionic acids were negligible in most samples. The American genotype 'Ocoee' was higher in citric and tartaric acids, while lower in malic acid. The sugars glucose and fructose also responded significantly to genotype, site, and year. 'Ocoee', 'Ozark', and 'Marge' perform very well in Missouri horticulturally and appear to have additional potential as cultivars based on their unique juice characteristics.

Peptidomics study of anthocyanin-rich juice of elderberry

Biologically active peptides play a role in plant signaling and defense. Elderberry juice is known to contain a variety of anthocyanin compounds, a sub-set of polyphenols, which are responsible for the deep purple color of the juice. In this paper, we describe a method utilizing solid phase extraction (SPE) to remove anthocyanins from peptides. Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was used to separate and identify the peptides. The results showed that the use of SPE was an effective method to separate peptides from anthocyanins and other background compounds including high polyphenol content in the juice samples. More than 1000 peptides present in elderberry juice were successfully identified.

Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to Rosbacher drive® and increased attention pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following an application from Hassia Mineralquellen GmbH & Co KG, submitted for authorisation of a health claim pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of Germany, the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to Rosbacher drive® and increased attention. The Panel considers that Rosbacher drive®, which contains natural mineral water plus grape juice, lemon juice, pomegranate juice, elderberry juice, isomaltulose, sucrose, fructose syrup, caffeine, ascorbic acid and natural flavourings, is sufficiently characterised. The claimed effect, increased attention, is a beneficial physiological effect. The single study which was carried out with Rosbacher drive® was an open-label, non-randomised sequential study and the study did not report on any outcomes of attention. No conclusions can be drawn from this study for the scientific substantiation of the claim. The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of Rosbacher drive® and increased attention.

Preliminary study of extraction of biologically active compounds from elderberry (Sambucus nigraL.) pomace

Elderberry pomace, by-product of juice pressing procedure, is still rich in biologically active compounds, especially antioxidants and phenolic compounds. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether elderberry pomace could be utilized as a source of natural colourings and preservatives. By a simple solvent extraction a proper food colouring could be produced from elderberry pomace characterized by similar colour values as pressed elderberry juice. A solvent ratio of 1:20 with 50% ethanol proved to be the optimal solvent extraction method to produce an extract rich in antioxidants showing inhibitory effect against Lysteria monocytogenes and Enterococcus faecalis. In elderberry pomace extract three main phenolic compounds: chlorogenic acid, rutin and coumaric acid have been identifed by HPLC analysis. Based on our results, elderberry pomace, a by-product of fruit processing technologies, seems to be suitable for developing natural food additives after appropriate clarifcation processes.

Effect of adding elderberry juice concentrate on the quality attributes, polyphenol contents and antioxidant activity of three fibre-enriched pastas

Pastas enriched with plant-derived bioactives such as dietary fibre (DF) and polyphenols (PPs) may confer health benefits to consumers. In this study, fettuccine pastas were prepared using elderberry juice concentrate (EJC) and DF in the form of Hi-maize starch (HMS) or apple pectin (low or high methoxyl, LM or HM). Emphasis is placed on the physico-chemical properties and cooking quality of these bioactive-enhanced pastas. Results reveal that the bioactive-enhanced pastas had acceptable quality characteristics but differed in appearance, taste, texture, moisture content, water activity, cooking characteristics and chemical composition depending on the formulation. Adding EJC to fettuccine pastas reduced the firmness, wettability and volume expansion of the fresh pastas, but increased protein, total DF content, total antioxidant activity (TAA) and total extracted PP content (TEPC). Cooking of the EJC-enhanced pastas in boiling water for 12min caused a reduction of TEPC in the order EJC-LM pectin>EJC-HM pectin>ECJ-HMS, though the TEPC of all cooked pastas was similar (~0.8–0.9mg catechin equivalent/g cooked pasta). Solid losses on cooking were 6.0%, 7.2% and 8.1% for the EJC-HMS, EJC-LM pectin and EJC-HM pectin pastas, respectively. Importantly, a significant amount of the PPs present in the EJC ingredient such as cyanidin-3-sambubioside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-rutinoside, cyanidin-3-sambubioside-5-glucoside and/or cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside was retained in the EJC-enhanced pastas. The final concentrations and profiles of these PPs varied with formulation. The combined use of EJC and DFs (LM or HM pectin or HMS) for pasta formulation appears beneficial for delivering their health-promoting bioactives to consumers.

Effects of Elderberry Juice on Citrobacter rodentium‐induced Host Responses in C57BL/6J Mice

IntroductionC. rodentium (CR) is a murine pathogen that shares characteristics with human pathogenic E. coli. Elderberry juice (EJ) has been shown to possess anti‐inflammatory activities. The goal of this study was to evaluate EJ's impact on host immune responses to CR infection.Experimental DesignAnimals (n=40) were randomly assigned into four treatment groups: 1) Uninfected: CR (−), AIN93G diet with no EJ (0% EJ diet); 2) CR (+), 0% EJ diet; 3) CR (+), 0.4% EJ diet; 4) CR (+), 2% EJ diet. CR was given by a single oral dose (10^9 CFU) on day 0, and animals were sacrificed on day 10.ResultsBodyweight and fecal CR load were similar among groups post‐challenge. H&amp;E staining showed that CR increased colon mucosal height (50%), and pathology scores of inflammation (2‐fold), epithelial defects (2.5‐fold) and hyperplasia (2‐fold). Quantitative PCR showed that CR increased TNF‐alpha (3‐fold), IFN‐gamma (2‐fold) and IL‐17 (to detectable) expression in colon. However, when comparing all infected groups, no such differences were observed by EJ treatment, except for higher IL‐10 expression in colon (2‐fold, p&lt;0.05). Systemic anti‐oxidative status was also evaluated by ORAC and TBARS in plasma and liver, and no significant differences were found among all groups.ConclusionExcept for elevating colonic IL‐10 mRNA expression, EJ treatment did not significantly alter other inflammatory responses to GI infection by CR.Grant Funding Source: NIH P50AT006273

Conjoint Analysis of U.S. Consumers’ Preference for Elderberry Jelly and Juice Products

This study is the first of its kind in eliciting U.S. consumer preferences for elderberry juice and jelly products. An online survey collected self-reported information from 1043 U.S. residents. Results of a conjoint analysis suggest elderberry products that disclose qualified health claims and are produced locally were the best positioned to compete for greater shares in the jelly and juice product markets. Although consumers were 27% less likely to purchase elderberry jelly and 23% less likely to purchase elderberry juice relative to products containing competing fruit types, ceteris paribus, the fruit type product attribute determined only 9% of jelly and 13% of juice stated purchasing decision. More important than fruit type, consumers valued product price, disclosure of health claims, and origin. Consumers were 3.7 times more likely to choose locally produced jelly products than imported jelly and twice as likely to select products disclosing health claims compared with jelly products without claims. Likewise, consumers were 3.3 times more likely to choose locally produced juice products than imported juice products and 2.1 times more likely to select juice products with health claims than without. Our results indicate that an introductory strategy that combines the strength of preferences for locally produced products along with the disclosure of health claims at a competitive price can be an important tool in expanding the market for elderberry products in the United States.

A comparison of fruit characteristics among diverse elderberry genotypes grown in Missouri and Oregon.

Elderberry (Sambucus spp.) fruit are used for food and dietary supplements in Europe and North America, and contain large amounts of cyanidin-based anthocyanins and other phenolics that may benefit human health. Information on the effect of both genotype and production environment on elderberry juice characteristics is needed in order to optimize production of quality food and dietary supplements. The characteristics of elderberry fruits relative to genetic and production environment were evaluated from 12 American elderberry genotypes at three U.S. sites (two in Missouri and one in Oregon) over three growing seasons. Additional genotypes of American and European elderberry were studied at the Oregon site. Location, genotype, and growing season influenced pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity, total phenolics, and total anthocyanins. Elderberries grown in Oregon were consistently higher in acidity than those grown in Missouri. Differences in acidity and anthocyanin with environment were dependent on genotype. Non-acylated anthocyanins and flavonol-glycosides were more influenced by location than by genotype. 'Bob Gordon' and 'Adams 2' genotypes, which are good producers in diverse environments, were significantly higher in total phenolic and total anthocyanin contents in all locations, and may be good selections for producing juices, wines, or health products.

Anti-Influenza Virus Effects of Elderberry Juice and Its Fractions

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) has traditionally been used for treating influenza and colds. We evaluated the antiviral effect of concentrated juice of elderberry (CJ-E) on the human influenza A virus (IFV). CJ-E had a relatively strong effect on IFV-infected mice, although its anti-IFV activity was weak in a cell culture system. The in vivo anti-IFV activities of the fractions were determined after separating CJ-E by ultrafiltration and anion-exchange chromatography. Oral administration of the high-molecular-weight fractions of CJ-E to IFV-infected mice suppressed viral replication in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALFs), and increased the level of the IFV-specific neutralizing antibody in the serum, as well as the level of secretory IgA in BALFs and feces. Fr. II from high-molecular-weight fraction HM, which contained acidic polysaccharides, showed relatively strong defense against IFV infection. We conclude that CJ-E had a beneficial effect by the stimulating immune response and preventing viral infection.

Enhancing Agro-Industrial Wastewaters Depuration by Ozone Oxidation

This article explores the application of several ozone-based technologies on the abatement of a bio-refractory stream coming from an elderberry juice plant (BOD5/COD = 0.26). The impact of ozone inlet concentration and pH was addressed firstly, followed by the analysis of the O3+H2O2 combined system. Finally, the activity and stability of two solid catalysts (Mn-Ce-O and Fe-Mn-O) was assessed. None of the approaches produced values within the legal thresholds for direct discharge into water-courses. It is advisable to integrate the chemical treatment with a bio-reactor. Thus, single ozonation at pH = 3 (BOD5/COD = 0.48), O3+[H2O2] = 32.5 mM (BOD5/COD = 0.46) and O3+Mn-Ce-O at pH = 3 (BOD5/COD = 0.44) are promising strategies.

Discovering Niche Markets for Elderberry Juice in the United States

This study contributes to the limited research on elderberry (Sambucus sp.) marketing and consumer preferences by eliciting consumers’ familiarity with elderberry products and identifying and profiling market segments for elderberry products. Results of a survey, distributed online to a sample of U.S. consumers, show one-third of respondents to be familiar with elderberry. The most common elderberry products sampled and purchased were juice, jelly, and wine. The consumer sample was divided into current and potential consumer groups. Health-conscious and less health-conscious consumer segments were identified within each group, composing four market segments in total. Current elderberry consumers (14% of respondents) are on average younger, more educated, and less price sensitive than potential consumers. They strongly prefer locally produced juices and elderberry juice to other types of juices. For this category of consumers, elderberry juice products can be positioned as novelty products that are perceived to be healthier and more expensive than other comparable products. Including a qualified health claim on the label would reinforce the health benefits of elderberry products and potentially increase less health-conscious consumers’ likelihood to purchase them. Market segments comprised of those who have not tried elderberry yet are characterized as appreciating locally produced products but as having greater price sensitivity than current consumers. Elderberry juice products can be introduced to these segments as value healthy products [similar to cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)], emphasizing the health benefits and local origins while maintaining a lower price.

Spray Drying of Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) Juice to Maintain Its Phenolic Content

Spray drying was studied with Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) juice using a Buchi B-290 spray dryer. Different inlet temperatures ranging from 70°C to 120°C and two feed flow rates of 180 ml/hr and 300 ml/hr were considered for the experiment. The operating parameters were optimized in terms of total phenolic content retention, color, and powder recovery. The inlet temperature of 80°C with feed flow rate of 180 ml/hr gave high phenolic content retention with good color but lower recovery of the dried powder, i.e., less than 50%. To increase the recovery percentage during the drying process, the elderberry juice was spray dried with five different wall materials, i.e., soya milk powder, soya protein powder, isolated soya protein, gum acacia, and maltodextrin. Wall materials were evaluated in terms of total phenolic content retention, color of the powder, and mass recovery percentage. The gum acacia and maltodextrin gave better results and high recovery percentage, i.e., more than 70%. The best three combinations were stored under three different storage conditions in three different packagings to monitor the stability of the phenolic content and color of the powder.