Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of American Elderberry Juice for Improving Cognition and Inflammation in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Despite data showing that nutritional interventions high in antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties (anthocyanin-rich foods, such as blueberries/elderberries) may decrease risk of memory loss and cognitive decline, evidence for such effects in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is limited. This study examined preliminary effects of American elderberry (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis) juice on cognition and inflammatory markers in patients with MCI. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients with MCI (n = 24, Mage = 76.33 ± 6.95) received American elderberry (n = 11) or placebo (n = 13) juice (5 mL orally 3 times a day) for 6 months. At baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, patients completed tasks measuring global cognition, verbal memory, language, visuospatial cognitive flexibility/problem solving, and memory. A subsample (n = 12, 7 elderberry/5 placebo) provided blood samples to measure serum inflammatory markers. Multilevel models examined effects of the condition (elderberry/placebo), time (baseline/3 months/6 months), and condition by time interactions on cognition/inflammation outcomes. Attrition rates for elderberry (18%) and placebo (15%) conditions were fairly low. The dosage compliance (elderberry-97%; placebo-97%) and completion of cognitive (elderberry-88%; placebo-87%) and blood-based (elderberry-100%; placebo-100%) assessments was high. Elderberry (not placebo) trended (p = 0.09) towards faster visuospatial problem solving performance from baseline to 6 months. For the elderberry condition, there were significant or significantly trending decreases over time across several markers of low-grade peripheral inflammation, including vasorin, prenylcysteine oxidase 1, and complement Factor D. Only one inflammatory marker showed an increase over time (alpha-2-macroglobin). In contrast, for the placebo, several inflammatory marker levels increased across time (L-lactate dehydrogenase B chain, complement Factor D), with one showing deceased levels over time (L-lactate dehydrogenase A chain). Daily elderberry juice consumption in patients with MCI is feasible and well tolerated and may provide some benefit to visuospatial cognitive flexibility. Preliminary findings suggest elderberry juice may reduce low-grade inflammation compared to a placebo-control. These promising findings support the need for larger, more definitive prospective studies with longer follow-ups to better understand mechanisms of action and the clinical utility of elderberries for potentially mitigating cognitive decline.

Genus Sambucus: Exploring Its Potential as a Functional Food Ingredient with Neuroprotective Properties Mediated by Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms.

The genus Sambucus, mainly Sambucus nigra, has emerged as a valuable source of bioactive compounds with potential neuroprotective properties. This review explores the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroregenerative effects of Sambucus-derived compounds and their implications for brain health and cognitive function. In vitro studies have demonstrated the ability of Sambucus extracts to mitigate oxidative stress, modulate inflammatory responses, and promote neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation. In vivo studies using animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, have shown that Sambucus compounds can improve cognitive function, motor performance, and neuronal survival while attenuating neuroinflammation and oxidative damage. The neuroprotective effects of Sambucus are primarily attributed to its rich content of polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins, which exert their benefits through multiple mechanisms, including the modulation of signaling pathways involved in inflammation, apoptosis, mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress. Furthermore, the potential of Sambucus as a functional food ingredient is discussed, highlighting its application in various food products and the challenges associated with the stability and bioavailability of its bioactive compounds. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on the neuroprotective potential of Sambucus and its derivatives, offering valuable insights for the development of dietary strategies to promote brain health and prevent age-related cognitive decline.

Walnut By-Products and Elderberry Extracts-Sustainable Alternatives for Human and Plant Health.

A current alternative for sustainable development through green chemistry is the replacement of synthetic compounds with natural ones through the superior capitalization of natural resources, with numerous applications in different fields. The benefits of walnuts (Juglans regia L.) and elderberries (Sambucus nigra L.) have been known since ancient times, due to the presence of phytochemicals such as flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids, alkaloids, nitrogen-containing compounds, tannins, steroids, anthocyanins, etc. These active compounds have multiple biological activities for human health, including benefits that are antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antihypertensive, neuroprotective, etc. Like other medicinal plants, the walnut and the elderberry possess important phytosanitary properties (antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal) and their extracts can also be used as environmentally safe biopesticides, with the result that they constitute a viable and cheap alternative to environmentally harmful synthetic products. During recent years, walnut by-products and elderberries have attracted the attention of researchers, and investigations have focused on the species' valuable constituents and active properties. Comparing the information from the literature regarding the phytochemical profile and biological activities, it is highlighted that, apart from the predominant specific compounds, the walnut and the elderberry have common bioactive compounds, which come from six classes (phenols and derivatives, flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, tannins, triterpenoids, and phytosteroids), and act on the same microorganisms. From this perspective, the aim of this review is to provide an overview of the bioactive compounds present in the different constitutive parts of walnut by-products and elderberries, which present a specific or common activity related to human health and the protection of agricultural crops in the context of sustainable development.

Evaluation of phenolic content in selected red fruit juices.

BACKGROUND: Red fruits are characterised by a particularly high content of bioactive compounds, e.g. anthocyanins, tannins, pectins, vitamins and minerals. Dietary supply of proper amounts of antioxidants is essential to reduce oxidative stress, and thus is an important element in the prevention of lifestyle diseases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the content of polyphenols in selected red fruit juices (chokeberry, elderberry, pomegranate, cranberry), as well as to assess the impact of storage time on the content of these compounds in the analysed samples. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research material consisted of 17 juices (100%): 3 chokeberry juices, 4 elderberry juices, 5 pomegranate juices and 5 cranberry juices, which differed in terms of the manufacturer, type, price range, country of origin and production method. The total polyphenol content was measured by spectrophotometry using the Folin�Ciocalteu reagent. The procedure was based on a modified method described by Waterhouse. Active acidity (pH) was measured with the potentiometric method using a pH-meter and the sucrose content was measured using a refractometer. RESULTS: The highest mean content of polyphenolic compounds was found in chokeberry and elderberry juices. Juice storage time did not reduce the mean content of polyphenolic compounds. The highest sucrose content was found in chokeberry juices and the lowest in cranberry juice. CONCLUSIONS: Chokeberry and elderberry juices had the highest content of polyphenols among the tested products. Juices stored after opening in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions (at 4°C) do not lose their nutritional properties.

Novel insights on extraction and encapsulation techniques of elderberry bioactive compounds.

BACKGROUND: Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) has been used in traditional medicine and as a supplement in many beverages and meals. Elderberry is a good source of bioactive flavonoids like quercetin, kaempferol, and rutin, as well as other phenolic compounds. Extraction techniques significantly influence the efficiency of extraction of bioactive compounds. Green chemistry elements such as safety, environmental friendliness, run-down or at least minimal contaminants, efficiency, and economic criteria should all be addressed by an effective bioactive extraction process. Furthermore, micro/nanoencapsulation technologies are particularly effective for increasing bioavailability and bioactive component stability. SCOPE AND APPROACH: This review article comprehensively describes new developments in elderberry extraction and encapsulation. Elderberry is largely employed in the food and pharmaceutical industries due to its health-promoting and sensory characteristics. Elderberry has traditionally been used as a diaphoretic, antipyretic, diuretic, antidepressant, and antitumor agent in folk medicine. KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: Conventional extraction methods (e.g. maceration and Soxhelt extraction) as well as advanced green techniques (e.g. supercritical fluids, pulsed electric field, emulsion liquid extraction, microwave, and ultrasonic extraction) have been used to extract bioactives from elderberry. Over the other protective measures, encapsulation techniques are particularly recommended to protect the bioactive components found in elderberry. Microencapsulation (spray drying, freeze drying, extrusion, emulsion systems) and nanoencapsulation (nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles and nanodispersions, nanohydrogels, electrospinning, nano spray drying) approaches for elderberry bioactives have been examined in this regard.

Elderberry diet improves gut-brain axis dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and cognitive impairment in the rat model of irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is related to a problem in the gut-brain axis. This experimental research aimed to shed light on the potential therapeutic application of elderberry (EB), which can work on the axis and get better the IBS symptoms. There were three groups (36 Sprague-Dawley rats) in this experiment, including control, IBS, and IBS with EB diet (IBS + EB). Making use of intracolonic instillation of 1 ml of 4% acetic acid for 30 s, IBS was induced. 7 days later, the EB extract (2%) was added to the diets of all animals for 8 weeks. Some histological, behavioral, and stereological techniques were used to detect the effects of EB on the gut and brain tissues. The findings showed that the EB diet improved locomotion and decreased anxiety-like behavior in the rat models of IBS. Moreover, the diet dropped the expression of TNF-α and increased mucosal layer thickness and the number of goblet and mast cells in colon tissue samples. In the hippocampal samples, administration of EB prevented astrogliosis and astrocyte reactivity. Although hippocampal and cortical neurons decreased markedly in the IBS group, EB prevented the drop in the number of neurons. Although lots of research is needed to elucidate the effectiveness of EB in IBS and its exact molecular mechanism, the result of this study showed that EB as an antioxidant and immune-modulatory agent could be a promising research target to prevent the impairment in the gut-brain axis, and could ameliorative classic IBS symptoms.

Anti-Aging Effects of Anthocyanin Extracts of Sambucus canadensis Caused by Targeting Mitochondrial-Induced Oxidative Stress.

Anthocyanin is a natural antioxidant agent extracted from the fruits of Sambucus canadensis, which has been considered to have potential anti-aging effects. Cell senescence is the primary cause of aging and related diseases. Recently, research on the development of compounds for eliminating senescent cells or damaged organs have shown prospects. The compounds which promote the clearing of senescent cells are called "senolytics". Though anthocyanin is considered to have potential anti-aging effects owing to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, the mechanism of the elimination of senescent cells remains unclear. In this study, we prepared anthocyanins extracted from the fruits of Sambucus canadensis and evaluated their anti-aging effects in vivo and in vitro. We found that anthocyanin could significantly reduce cell senescence and aging of the lens by inhibiting the activity of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, consequently promoting the apoptosis of senescent cells, increasing the autophagic and mitophagic flux, and enhancing the renewal of mitochondria and the cell to maintain cellular homeostasis, leading to attenuating aging. Therefore, our study provided a basis for anthocyanin to be used as new "senolytics" in anti-aging.

Sambucus ebulus (Elderberry) Fruits Modulate Inflammation and Complement System Activity in Humans.

Sambucus ebulus (SE) fruits are used for immune stimulation and amelioration of gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions. Currently, there is no scientific evidence of their effects on various aspects of the immune response mechanisms in humans. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory potential of SE fruit infusion intake in healthy humans. Anthocyanin content was determined with UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Fifty-three volunteers enrolled in a 4-week SE infusion intake intervention. Blood count, serum total protein, Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNFα), High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), C3, and C4 levels were measured on automatic analyzers, and Interleukin 8 (IL-8) was measured manually with an ELISA kit. Cyanidin-3-O-galactoside (48.15 mg/g DW), followed by cyaniding-3-sambubioside (43.41 ± 1.07 mg/g DW), were the most abundant anthocyanins in SE samples. A significant decrease in total protein (2.82%), IL-6 (20.15%), TNFα (5.38%), IL-8 (5.50%), C3 (4.16%), and C4 (14.29%) was established in the whole group. Total protein, IL-8, TNFα, and C4 decreased in women (3.11%, 4.76%, 5.09%, and 11.11%), and IL-6 decreased (40.61%) in men. Hb (1.20%) and hematocrit (1.55%) levels decreased in the whole group and in the women group (1.61% and 2.20%). SE fruits exert immune-modulatory activity as revealed by decreased pro-inflammatory status and complement activity markers in healthy volunteers after a 4-week intervention.

The Effect of Sample Pretreatment on the Anthocyanin Content in Czech Wild Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.).

This work focusses on the analysis of anthocyanins present in wild Czech elderberries, using spectrophotometric methods and liquid chromatography. Spectrophotometric methods were used to determine antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, and total anthocyanin content. Further, four major elderberry anthocyanins were determined using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with isocratic elution of 30% aqueous methanol with 5% of formic acid. All optimised methods were applied to the analysis of extracts prepared from frozen and dried elderberry fruit samples, and the results were evaluated using principal component analysis which clearly divided the samples into individual groups according to the sample pretreatment (frozen and dried samples). The frozen samples reached higher values of antioxidant capacity and total phenolic and anthocyanin contents compared to the dried samples, probably due to the degradation of anthocyanins during the drying process.

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.

Bioactive Potential of Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.): Antioxidant, Antimicrobial Activity, Bioaccessibility and Prebiotic Potential.

Due to its abundance of physiologically active ingredients, one of the oldest medicinal herbs, elderberry (EB) Sambucus nigra L., is beneficial for both therapeutic and dietary purposes. This study determined the bioaccessibility of the phenolic compounds and the prebiotic potential of the polyphenols from freeze-dried EB powder (FDEBP), along with the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of this extract. The most significant phenolic compounds in black EB are represented by anthocyanins (41.8%), predominating cyanidin-sambubiosides and cyanidin-glucosides (90.1% of the identified anthocyanins). The FRAP assay obtained the highest antioxidant activity value (185 ± 0.18 µmol Fe2+/g DW). The most sensitive to the antimicrobial activity of the extract was proven to be Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa had the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.95 mg/mL. To determine the prebiotic potential of the polyphenols, the cell growth of five probiotic strains (Lactobacillus plantarum, L. casei, L. rhamnosus, L. fermentum and Saccharomyces boulardii) was tested. The influence on cell growth was positive for all five probiotic strains used. Overall, the most significant increase (p < 0.05) was recorded at 1.5% FDEBP, on L. casei with a growth index (GI) of 152.44%, very closely followed by GI at 0.5% and 1% concentrations. The stability of the total phenolic compounds through simulated gastronitestinal digestion was increased (93%), and the bioaccessibility was also elevated (75%).

Effect of cultivar, maturation stage, and year on sugar and phenolic composition of elderberries.

BACKGROUND: The chemical composition, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activity of the three main Portuguese elderberry cultivars were determined for the first time through five stages of maturation, in different harvesting years, to gain a deeper understanding of the effect of climatic conditions and enzymatic activity involved in the synthesis and degradation of phenolic compounds on the final quality of elderberries. RESULTS: Simple sugar and anthocyanin content increased with maturation but total acidity and flavonoids content decreased, and cinnamic acids did not show a clear trend. Climatic conditions seem to have a decisive influence on the elderberry maturation, namely the total number of hot (>30 °C) days. The PAL, PPO, and POD activity can explain the differences observed in elderberry phenolic content. CONCLUSION: These results highlighted the influence of climatic conditions in each harvesting season on elderberry development and quality. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Complete genome sequence of a novel cytorhabdovirus infecting elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) in the Czech Republic.

The genus Cytorhabdovirus includes plant viruses with an unsegmented, single-stranded, negative-sense RNA genome that infect various plant hosts. In this work, we report the detection of a new cytorhabdovirus infecting elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.). Total RNA was purified from infected leaves and, after ribodepletion, sequenced using an Illumina system. The RNA genome of viral isolate B15 is 12,622 nucleotides (nt) long, and that of isolate B42 is 12,621 nt long. A nearly complete sequence (12,592 nt) was also obtained for a third isolate (B160). The RNA genomes of all three isolates showed an organisation typical of cytorhabdoviruses, harbouring all six of the expected genes (3´ N-P-P3-M-G-L 5´), separated by intergenic regions. These isolates were closely related to each other (99.5-99.6% nt sequence identity) and showed the highest overall similarity to trichosanthes associated rhabdovirus 1 (63.5% identity) and Wuhan insect virus 5 (58% identity), and similar results were obtained when comparing individual coding sequences or proteins. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that this elderberry virus, for which we propose the name "sambucus virus 1" belongs to the genus Cytorhabdovirus and fulfils the criteria to represent a novel species.

An elderberry-supplemented diet improves spermatogenesis in mice with busulfan-induced azoospermia.

CONTEXT: Approximately 40-50% of all infertility cases are due to male infertility, and one of the most important causes of infertility is azoospermia. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the potential effect of elderberry on the spermatogenesis process in the azoospermia mice model. METHOD: Thirty adult male mice were randomised into three groups: control; busulfan (45mg/kg); and busulfan+elderberry (2%), 6mL orally per animal. Sperm samples were collected from the tail of the epididymis, and testis specimens were also collected and then subjected to sperm parameters analysis, histopathological evaluation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and glutathione (GSH) measurement to determine the mRNA expression and hormonal assay. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that the elderberry diet may be considered a complementary treatment to improve the spermatogenesis process in busulfan-induced azoospermic mice. IMPLICATIONS: Considering some limitations, the elderberry diet can be an alternate option for improving testicular damage following chemotherapy.

Polysaccharides from European Black Elderberry Extract Enhance Dendritic Cell Mediated T Cell Immune Responses.

European black elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) is a popular way to treat common colds or influenza infections. Mechanistically, this might be due to a direct antiviral effect or a stimulatory effect on the immune system of the host. Here, we evaluated the modulatory effects of black elderberry derived water extract (EC15) and its polysaccharide enriched fractions (CPS, BOUND, and UNBOUND) in comparison to a conventional alcoholic extract (EE25), regarding the phenotypical and functional properties of dendritic cells (DCs), which are essential cells to induce potent T cell responses. Interestingly, the water extract and its polysaccharide fractions potently induced DC maturation, while the ethanol extract did not. Moreover, the capacity to stimulate T cells by these matured DCs, as assessed using MLR assays, was statistically higher when induced by the water extracted fractions, compared to immature DCs. On the other hand, the ethanol extract EE25 did not induce T cell stimulation. Finally, the cytokine expression profiles of these DC-T cell cocultures were assessed and correlated well with increased T cell stimulation. Also, the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ was highly increased in the presence of the elderberry water extract EC15, and the polysaccharide enriched CPS, BOUND, and UNBOUND fractions, but not by EE25. Thus, from these data, we conclude that the polysaccharides present in water-derived elderberry fractions induce potent immune-modulatory effects, which represents the basis for a strong immune-mediated response to viruses including influenza.

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

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.

Antioxidative Properties and Acrylamide Content of Functional Wheat-Flour Cookies Enriched with Wild-Grown Fruits.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of widely grown fruits (wild roses, elderberries, sea buckthorns, rowans, chokeberries, and hawthorns) as a functional ingredient in wheat-flour cookie formulation on antioxidative properties with a simultaneous reduction of the carcinogen-like compound acrylamide. The organoleptic features of the cookies were assessed by a panel of consumers. The following parameters were measured: chemical composition, total polyphenols, polyphenolic profile, antioxidant activity, and acrylamide content. The overall ratings of the tested cookies with the addition of chokeberries, hawthorns, sea buckthorns, and elderberries were more than satisfactory, while wild rose and rowan cookies were the most widely accepted and best rated by the panelists. The antioxidant activity of the tested cookies was 1.1−15.22 µmol trolox·g−1 dm and 2.46−26.12 µmol Fe (II)·g−1 dm as measured by the ABTS and FRAP methods, respectively. All the fruit-enriched cookies had significantly higher antioxidative properties (p < 0.05) in comparison to the control cookies, but among the fruit-enriched cookies, there were differences in the quality and quantity of particular polyphenols. The acrylamide content was significantly decreased by 59% (hawthorn), 71% (rowan), 87% (wild rose), 89% (sea buckthorn), 91% (elderberry), and 94% (chokeberry) compared with the control cookies (p < 0.05). Cookies enriched with wild-grown fruits could constitute a promising novel snack food.

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Selected Fruit Juices.

Fruit and fruit juices are a valuable source of bioactive compounds, which can protect our organisms from oxidative stress. The phenolic compounds and other phytochemicals may affect the antimicrobial properties of juices. The aim of this study has been to evaluate antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of selected berry juices and vitamin C-rich fruit juices. The research material was composed of seven juices, including three from berries (elderberry chokeberry, cranberry), three from vitamin C-rich fruit (sea buckthorn, wild rose, Japanese quince) and one exotic juice from noni fruit. Antioxidant capacity, total polyphenol, total flavonoid and total anthocyanin content were determined. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) as well as the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) were evaluated. The research showed that fruit juices from wild rose, chokeberry and Japanese quince had the highest antioxidant capacity. These juices were characterised by the rich content of polyphenols. Elderberry and chokeberry juices had the highest total anthocyanins. The juices differed in the content of bioactive compounds and specific bactericidal properties against Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria. Fruit juices from cranberry, Japanese quince and sea buckthorn had the highest antimicrobial activity. Wild rose, chokeberry and elderberry juices, despite their high antioxidant properties, showed antimicrobial activity only against Gram-positive strains, except Enterococcus faecalis and Clostridium perfringens. Significant differences in the content of bioactive compounds in fruit juices affect the antimicrobial properties juices.

Consumer-perception, nutritional, and functional studies of a yogurt with restructured elderberry juice.

We investigated the effects of supplementation of yogurt with elderberry juice (Sambucus nigra L.), in both natural and restructured forms, on certain technological, physicochemical, sensory, and health-promoting properties of yogurt, including antioxidant activity and inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), α-amylase, and α-glucosidase activity. Consumer acceptance of the yogurt-juice products was assessed. Gel-strength restructured elderberry juice retained a spherical shape and most of the juice, despite decreasing in mass from 57.2 to 50.9 g during storage. As a result, yogurt supplemented with 10 and 25% restructured elderberry juice appeared to be more desirable from a sensory and technological perspective than yogurt with natural juice. Yogurt supplemented with restructured elderberry juice had a high water-holding capacity (94.4-96.4%), exhibited no spontaneous whey syneresis, and maintained a dense consistency (up to 5,626 g). Consumer penalty analysis of the just-about-right diagnostic attributes indicated that the flavor of these yogurts may not be sufficiently refreshing. High correlation was demonstrated between ACE inhibition, ABTS, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase in yogurt supplemented with restructured juice. An in vitro gastrointestinal simulation estimated bioaccessibility of antioxidants to be in the range of 62 to 66%. This model fermented yogurt supplemented with restructured elderberry juice is a novel dairy-juice beverage that represents a new approach for the development of functional fruit yogurt beverages.

Leishmanicidal activities of biosynthesized BaCO3 (witherite) nanoparticles and their biocompatibility with macrophages.

The aim of this study was cost-effective and greener synthesis of barium carbonate (BaCO3 or witherite) nanoparticles with economic importance, and to evaluate their therapeutic potentials and biocompatibility with immune cells. Barium carbonate nanoparticles were biosynthesized using black elderberry extract in one step with non-toxic precursors and simple laboratory conditions; their morphologies and specific structures were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDX). The therapeutic capabilities of these nanoparticles on the immune cells of murine macrophages J774 and promastigotes Leishmania tropica were evaluated. BaCO3 nanoparticles with IC50 = 46.6 µg/mL were more effective than negative control and glucantium (positive control) in reducing promastigotes (P < 0.01). Additionally, these nanoparticles with a high value of cytotoxicity concentration 50% (CC50) were less toxic to macrophage cells than glucantime; however, they were significantly different at high concentrations compared to the negative control.