New esters from the essential oil of dry flowers of elder (Sambucus nigra L.).

BACKGROUND: Elder (Sambucus nigra L.) has relevance for the food, fragrance and pharmaceutical industries. Flowers of this species emit a very pleasant scent; for processing purposes, inflorescences are either collected from the wild or harvested from a cultivated crop. The study of elderflower-derived volatiles bears both phytochemical and commercial importance. RESULTS: Three samples of dry elderflower essential oil obtained from laboratory-scale hydrodistillations were analyzed. By use of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, synthesis and NMR studies of chromatographic fractions of a distillation water extract prepared in a semi-industrial scale steam distillation, 252 constituents of the oil were identified; 115 compounds were not previously reported as elderflower volatiles, seven of which were new natural esters. Particularly interesting were those of isosenecioic (3-methylbut-3-enoic) acid because these were never before found in the plant kingdom. CONCLUSION: With these identifications, the known essential oil constituents accounted for 89.0-93.0% of the analyzed samples. Although the number of known S. nigra flower-derived volatiles is now quite high, further research (both analytical and olfactory) is needed to unveil all of the relevant contributions to the unique odor of elderflowers. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Health-Promoting Properties: Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Properties of Sambucus nigra L. Flowers and Fruits.

Sambucus nigra L. has been used for centuries in traditional medicine thanks to its valuable healing properties. The healing properties result from its high content of biologically active compounds, mainly antioxidants, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. In our review, we have presented scientific studies evaluating the anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects of extracts and their components from S. nigra L. flowers and fruits. The results of the research show that the effect of antioxidant phytochemicals contained in their composition reduces the level of free radicals and pro-inflammatory cytokines, prevents mutations that increase the risk of cancer development, and inhibits cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and changes in intracellular signaling, consequently inhibiting the growth of malignant tumors and the formation of metastases. Flowers and fruits of S. nigra L. are a valuable source of nutraceutical and pharmacological substances that can support prevention and anti-inflammatory and oncological therapy without negative side effects for the patient.

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.

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.

Water-in-Oil-in-Water Double Emulsions as Protective Carriers for Sambucus nigra L. Coloring Systems.

The use of natural colorants is needed to overcome consumer concerns regarding synthetic food colorants' safety. However, natural pigments have, in general, poor stability against environmental stresses such as temperature, ionic strength, moisture, light, and pH, among others. In this work, water-in-oil-in-water (W1/O/W2) emulsions were used as protective carriers to improve color stability of a hydrophilic Sambucus nigra L. extract against pH changes. The chemical system comprised water and corn oil as the aqueous and oil phases, respectively, and polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR), Tween 80, and gum Arabic as stabilizers. The primary emulsion was prepared using a W1/O ratio of 40/60 (v/v). For the secondary emulsion, W1/O/W2, different (W1/O)/W2 ratios were tested with the 50/50 (v/v) formulation presenting the best stability, being selected as the coloring system to test in food matrices of different pH: natural yogurt (pH 4.65), rice drink (pH 6.01), cow milk (pH 6.47), and soy drink (pH 7.92). Compared to the direct use of the extract, the double emulsion solution gave rise to higher color stability with pH change and storage time, as corroborated by visual and statistical analysis.

Incorporation of the Dry Blossom Flour of Sambucus nigra L. in the Production of Sponge Cakes.

The present study aims to develop recipe compositions and technology for producing sponge cakes from wholemeal flour, partially replaced with a functional plant component dry blossom flour of Sambucus nigra L. Three designs of sponge cakes with 5, 10, and 15% content of flour of Sambucus nigra L. corrected up to 100% with whole-grain oat flour were studied. Their characteristics were compared with sponge cakes of 100% wheat flour/control. The obtained new products were characterized by reduced carbohydrates, increased content of dietary fiber, and preserved volume compared to the control. The physicochemical parameters of sponge cake and marshmallows with different concentrations of dry flowers of Sambucus nigra L. included in them differed from the control with lower water absorption, pH, and moisture, while having a higher relative mass and ash content and retaining the original size. Pathogenic microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., and Staphylococcus aureus, and common coliforms were not detected in the control and experimental samples when determining the microbiological parameters. Therefore, the developed formulations are an excellent alternative to wheat flour, significantly improving some nutritional characteristics such as smell, taste, dietary fiber, and lower carbohydrate content.

Wild Sambucus nigra L. from north-east edge of the species range: A valuable germplasm with inhibitory capacity against SARS-CoV2 S-protein RBD and hACE2 binding in vitro.

Berries and flowers of Sambucus nigra L. tree are well known for their ability to mitigate symptoms of upper respiratory disorders related to reported antiviral properties. Industrial application and commercial cultivation of S. nigra is largely limited to a few widely grown cultivars. Restricted genetic diversity of cultivated S. nigra can be disadvantageous if new industrial applications are discovered. In this study wild S. nigra populations located on the north-east edge of the species natural range were explored by assessing genetic origin, berry and flower anti-oxidative potential, and berry rutin content. Best performing wild S. nigra extracts were selected for an assessment of previously unreported biological activity- inhibitory capacity against SARS-CoV2 S1 protein receptor binding domain (RBD) binding to recombinant human angiotensin -converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor in vitro based on competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) marker-based genetic characterization suggested that explored wild S. nigra populations result from wild gene pool expanding northwards with admixture of historically introduced cultivated S. nigra. Average values of total phenolic content, anti-radical activity, and total flavonoids content of wild S. nigra populations did not exceed those of cv. 'Haschberg'. Concentration-dependent inhibition of ACE2-SARS-CoV2 S-protein RBD binding was demonstrated in vitro for elderberry fruits and flowers extracts (IC50 of 1.66 mg DW ml-1 and 0.532 mg DW ml-1, respectively). Wild elderberry fruit extract exhibited higher inhibitory capacity than the extract from berries of cv 'Haschberg'. This study validates the requirement for S. nigra wild germplasm bioprospecting and opens up directions for further research of new anti-SARS-CoV2 industrial applications of S. nigra.

The impact of Sambucus nigra L. extract on inflammation, oxidative stress and tissue remodeling in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide-induced subacute rhinosinusitis.

Rhinosinusitis is a common disorder related to inflammation of paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity mucosa. Herbal medicines could be an option in the treatment of rhinosinusitis due to their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. The study aims to investigate the effect of intranasal Sambucus nigra L. subsp. nigra (SN) extract against inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue remodeling in nasal and sinus mucosa, but also in serum, lungs, and brain, in Wistar rat model of subacute sinonasal inflammation induced by local administration of lipopolysaccharides (LPS), from Escherichia Coli. The cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6) and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde) in nasal mucosa, blood, lungs, and brain were analyzed. In addition, a histopathological examination was performed, and NF-kB, MMP2, MMP9, TIMP1 expressions were also evaluated in nasal mucosa. Both doses of LPS increased the production of cytokines in all the investigated tissues, especially in the nasal mucosa and blood (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05), and stimulated their secretion in the lungs, and partially in the brain. Malondialdehyde increased in all the investigated tissues (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). In parallel, upregulation of NF-kB and MMP2 expressions with downregulation of TIMP1, particularly at high dose of LPS, was observed. SN extract reduced the local inflammatory response, maintained low levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1ß. In lungs, SN reduced all cytokines levels while in the brain, the protective effect was noticed only on IL-6. Additionally, SN diminished lipid peroxidation and downregulated NF-kB in animals exposed to a low dose of LPS, with increased TIMP1 expression, while in animals treated with a high dose of LPS, SN increased NF-kB, MMP2, and MMP9 levels. In conclusion, SN extract diminished the inflammatory response, reduced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and, influenced MMPs expressions, suggesting the benficial effect of SN extract on tissue remodeling in subacute rhinosinusitis and on systemic inflammatory response.

Anthocyanin Profile of Elderberry Juice: A Natural-Based Bioactive Colouring Ingredient with Potential Food Application.

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) is a widely disseminated plant that produces bright black berries containing high quantities of anthocyanins, acknowledged for their bioactivity and dye capacity. Besides other applications, anthocyanins might be employed as natural colouring agents to reduce/eliminate the use of artificial dyes, while providing positive effects on consumers' health. Herein, the anthocyanins profile of elderberry juice was characterised by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn. In addition, its antioxidant capacity and cytotoxicity were also evaluated. As a proof-of-concept of its colouring capacity, elderberry juice was added (different percentages) to a highly appreciated and consumed pastry product (croissant) and compared with a commercial dye (black carrot). In general, the nutritional properties of control and coloured croissants were similar, despite some individual differences in sugars and fatty acids. In turn, the appearance obtained with elderberry juice incorporation might be considered innovative, besides partially maintaining the anthocyanins content of fresh juice and showing considerable antioxidant activity.

Concentration of Bioactive Compounds from Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) Juice by Nanofiltration Membranes.

For the first time the chemical profile, physico-chemical parameters, inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolysing enzymes associated with type 2 diabetes, and radical scavenging properties of Sambucus nigra L. (elderberry) juice treated by nanofiltration (NF) were investigated. Three commercial NF membranes with different molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) (400 and 1000 Da) and polymeric material (composite fluoro-polymer and polyethersulphone) were tested. According to HPLC analyses, most part of bioactive compounds were retained by the NF membranes producing a retentate fraction of interest for the production of functional foods. The NP030 membrane, a polyethersulphone membrane with a MWCO of 400 Da, exhibited the highest rejection towards phenolic compounds when compared with the other selected membranes. Accordingly, the produced retentate fractions exhibited the highest radical scavenging activity.

Characterisation of Antimicrobial Properties of Extracts of Selected Medicinal Plants.

The scope of the experiments included analysis of the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic, methanolic and aqueous extracts against bacterial and fungal cultures and determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration of plant extracts tested microbial growth. Analysis of the antifungal and antibacterial activity was carried out by the disc diffusion method using paper discs. In the experiment 11 species of microorganisms - 8 bacterial and 3 fungal strains were used. The highest antimicrobial activity against the tested strains was demonstrated by black elder (Sambucus nigra L.), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) extracts. The study showed the diverse morphological activity of specific parts of elderberry and quince, which is the effect of different polyphenolic profile of these plants. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas putida and Bacillus subtilis showed the highest sensitivity to the effect of extracts of the analysed plants. As a positive control three antibiotics - amphotericin B, vancomycin and amoxicillin with clavulanic acid were used.

Effect of Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) Extract Supplementation in STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats Fed with a High-Fat Diet.

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) lipophilic and polar extract dietary supplementation effects were evaluated according to diabetes management indices, using an in vivo model. A research pipeline was constructed, that ranged from extract preparation, partial chemical characterization and toxicity evaluation, to examining the elderberry extract dietary supplementation effects on biofluid and tissues. Extracts toxicity was screened using an Aliivibrio fischeri bioluminescence model. A concentration of up to 60 mg/L was selected, and rat doses for oral supplementation were computed applying the interspecies correlation between A. fischeri and rats. Wistar type 2 diabetic rats, induced by streptozotocin (STZ), were fed a high-fat diet and supplemented for 4 weeks at doses of 190 and 350 mg/kg body weight/day of lipophilic and polar extract, respectively. As far as we know, lipophilic elderberry extract supplementation was assessed for the first time, while polar extract was administrated at higher doses and for a shorter period compared to previous studies, aiming to evaluate subacute supplementation effects. The polar extract modulated glucose metabolism by correcting hyperglycemia, while the lipophilic extract lowered insulin secretion. Both extracts lowered insulin resistance, without remarkable alterations to hematological indices, sera lipids and sera and tissular trace element homeostasis. In conclusion, elderberries are a potential source of bioactive compounds for formulations to be used as co-adjuvants in diabetes management.

In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Activities of Black Elder (Sambucus nigra L.) Fruit and Flower Extracts.

Sambucus nigra L. (S. nigra, SN) or black elder is a traditional medicinal plant widely used worldwide for therapeutic and dietary purposes. The aim of the current study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of black elder fruit and flower extracts (SNFrE and SNFlE, respectively). The primary polyphenol constituents in the flower extract were flavonoids and phenolic acids, while anthocyanins were the main components in the fruit extract. SNFrE revealed pronounced and dose-dependent in vivo anti-inflammatory activity assessed by the cotton pellet-induced granuloma test. Doses of 10, 20, and 50 mg/kg BW of SNFrE reduced the weight of induced granuloma in rats by 20.3%, 20.5%, and 28.4%, respectively. At the highest dose (50 mg/kg BW), SNFrE had significant (p < 0.01) anti-inflammatory activity comparable to that of diclofenac, the reference compound used (10 mg/kg BW). In addition, the in vivo antinociceptive activity of the extracts in mice was estimated using the acetic-acid-induced writhing test. Both extracts at doses of 50 mg/kg BW inhibited the abdominal contractions induced by the acetic acid significantly comparing to the control group (p < 0.01). Our findings indicate that black elder extracts and particularly SNFrE possess anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities, providing experimental evidence for the use of S. nigra in traditional medicine.

Evaluation of the anti-obesity effect of Sambucus nigra L. (elderberry) and Vitex agnus-castus L. (chasteberry) extracts in high-fat diet-induced obese rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of S. nigra L. and V. agnus-castus L. plants on obesity in vivo. Extracts were prepared from S. nigra leaves, flowers, fruits and from V. agnus-castus leaves, flowers, and fruits using 100% water and 70% ethanol. The total phenol and flavonoid contents of the extracts were quantified spectrophotometrically. The findings revealed that the ethanol extracts of V. agnus-castus and S. nigra flowers had the highest phenolic content, while the ethanol extracts of S. nigra flowers and V. agnus-castus leaves had the highest flavonoid content. Qualification and quantification of the phenolic contents of the extracts were carried out using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) analyses. The study investigated the effects of various extracts on plasma levels of leptin, insulin, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and lipase enzyme in obesity-induced rats. The results showed that the ethanol extract of V. agnus-castus flowers, as well as the ethanol and water extracts of V. agnus-castus leaves, resulted in body weight reduction in rats with obesity. Additionally, these extracts were found to decrease serum levels of LDL, triglycerides, leptin, lipase, TNF-α, and IL-1ß while increasing levels of HDL and adiponectin. The LC-HRMS results demonstrated that all three extracts exhibited relatively high concentrations of luteolin-7-glycoside and kaempferol, in comparison to the other extracts. The ethanol extract of V. agnus-castus flowers contained 653.04 mg/100 g of luteolin-7-glycoside and 62.63 mg/100 g of kaempferol. The ethanol extract of V. agnus-castus leaves contained 1,720.26 mg/100 g of luteolin-7-glycoside and 95.85 mg/100 g of kaempferol. The water extract of V. agnus-castus leaves contained 690.49 mg/100 g of luteolin-7-glycoside and 194.41 mg/100 g of kaempferol. The study suggests that the ethanol extract of V. agnus-castus flowers and leaves, as well as the water extract of V. agnus-castus leaves, may have potential benefits in treating obesity. However, further controlled clinical studies are necessary to evaluate the clinical efficacy of V. agnus-castus in treating obesity and investigate the in vivo anti-obesogenic effects of luteolin-7-glycoside and kaempferol separately, both in their pure form and in combination.

Phenolic Compound Composition of Sambucus nigra L. Wild-Growing Plants from Kosovo.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the phenolic components in the flowers and leaves of wild-growing Sambucus nigra L. Materials and Methods: Plant materials were collected from eleven localities in Kosovo. Before LC-DAD-ESI-MSn analysis, an ultrasonic-assisted method with 70% methanol for 30 min extraction was used. Results: In total, 34 and 37 phenolic compounds were identified in flower and leaf extracts, respectively, with a total content of 61321.82-85961.64 mg/kg dry weight (DW) and 36136.62-93890.37 mg/kg DW. In all of the analyzed extracts, 15 phenolic acids, 20 flavonoids, one lignan, and one coumaroyl iridoid were detected. The major components were flavonoids, especially flavonols (quercetin-3-rutinoside, caffeoyl-kaempferol, and isorhamnetin-3-rutinoside), followed by phenolic acids (dicaffeoylquinic acid isomer, caffeic acid derivative, dicaffeoylquinic acid isomer, and dicaffeoylquinic acid isomer). Conclusion: In general, the methanolic extracts of flowers have shown higher polyphenolic content than those found in leaves. The multivariate statistical analysis of the phenolic content of the samples resulted in PLS-DA models with appropriate correlation coefficients of 0.903 and 0.921 for flower and leaf extracts, respectively. The models revealed distinctive clustering patterns, and the loading scatter plots depicted the unique phenolic compounds specific to each sample group.

Effective removal of Cr (VI) ions using low-cost biomass leaves (Sambucus nigra L.) in aqueous solution.

The tannery industries have become an important part of societal growth; however, these processes have produced huge volumes of effluents containing heavy metals, particularly Cr(VI) oxyanions. The study is crucial and cost-effective for reducing the chromium (VI) from industrial wastewater. In order to meet the sustainable development goal (SDG) objective 6.3, the capacity of Sambucus nigra L. to adsorb heavy metal is established with the purpose of eradicating hazardous chemical contamination and reducing pollution. In this study, discontinuous tests were carried out to determine the efficiency of Cr(VI) sorption on leaves of Sambucus nigra L. Adsorption factors such as pH, temperature, adsorbent dosage, and contact time were evaluated. At a dosage of 3 g/L and pH 2, an efficiency of 98.22% was achieved under favorable conditions. The equilibrium and kinetic models that best fitted the experimental data are non-linear Freundlich and; pseudo-second order, and intra-particle diffusion, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters of the adsorption process, including Gibbs free energy (ΔG0), enthalpy (ΔH0), and entropy (ΔS0), were measured at 291, 303, 323, and 343 K, indicating that the phenomena was spontaneous and endothermic. The chemical analyses and surface morphology of the adsorbent were analyzed using SEM (scanning electron microscopy), EDS (energy dispersive spectroscopy), FTIR (Fourier transform infra-red), XRD (X-ray diffraction), and ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma optical-emission spectroscopy) techniques. The results showed that Sambucus nigra L. has a significant removal efficiency of Cr(VI) in the contaminated solutions, establishing adsorbent as a low cost, readily available, and environmentally friendly and ensuring its potential for industrial usage.

Antioxidant properties and antibacterial activity of water extracts from Sambucus nigra L. under different conditions.

INTRODUCTION: In folk medicine, dried white flowers of Sambucus nigra L. are used to make infusions, decoctions, and juices. AIM: The present article aims to study and compare the antioxidant activity of aqueous solutions of leaves and flowers of Sambucus nigra L obtained at different exposure times and assess the antibacterial activity of these solutions against Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Salmonella NCTC 6017, Listeria monocytogenes NCTC 11994, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25093. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied the physicochemical properties of aqueous extracts of leaves (fresh) and flowers (fresh and dry) of Sambucus nigra L collected from the Rhodope region of Bulgaria. The samples from Sambucus nigra L were analyzed to determine their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The diameters (in millimeters) of the growth inhibition zones of four pathogens were measured, and a comparative assessment of their antibacterial activity was made. RESULTS: The infusions of fresh blossoms and fresh leaves of Sambucus nigra L had the highest antioxidant activity at the total contact time of 30 minutes (82.7 mmol TE/100 ml) and 35 minutes (36.5 mmol TE/100 ml), respectively. The phenol-richest infusions were those made from dried flowers of Sambucus nigra L after a 30-minute contact time (86.7 mg GAE/ml). Of the four pathogens we studied, we found that the extracts affected partially only the pathogenic bacteria of Salmonella. CONCLUSIONS: The highest content of bioactive components was obtained from dried blossoms of Sambucus nigra L. for infusions with a total contact time of 30 minutes and for decoctions at a contact time of 45 minutes.

Could elderberry fruits processed by modern and conventional drying and extraction technology be considered a valuable source of health-promoting compounds?

The influence of drying and extraction processes on the phytochemical composition and biopotential of elderberry is challenging for the food industry. For this reason in this research two drying techniques (lyophilization and natural convection) and three extraction techniques (ultrasound (UAE), microwave (MAE), and conventional (maceration (MAC)) was applied using two"green" solvents (water and 50 % ethanol). Results of the research showed that lyophilization was a better way of drying than natural convection, while MAE extraction was the most efficient technique for the isolation of secondary metabolites. The most abundant phenolic compounds established by LC-MS/MS analysis, were chlorogenic acid and rutin, identified in extracts of lyophilized elderberries. Elderberry extracts achieved great antioxidant (CUPRAC: 2.30-5.13 mg TE/mL) and enzyme inhibitor potential (α-amylase: 0.51-8.34 mg ACAE/mL). The results suggest that elderberry is a rich natural source of bioactive compounds and could be used for the future development of dietary supplements and functional foods.

Elderberry Lipophilic and Hydrophilic Bioactive Compounds: Characterization and Extract Encapsulation.

There are few studies on the use of elderberry in the food industry, and its form of application differs between the different studies. Therefore, the objective of this study is to describe a procedure for obtaining a stabilized product with a high content of hydrophilic bioactive compounds (encapsulated elderberry extract). Moreover, the solid residue resulting from the extraction of the polyphenols was characterized, and the lipophilic compounds retained in this residue were analyzed. The results show an important antioxidant activity of the extracts obtained, mainly linked to the high content of anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonols. The lipophilic bioactive compounds were characterized by a high content of essential fatty acids and high proportions of tocopherols. The information and results of the present study provide novel information about both lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds for the integral valorization of elderberries to promote a circular economy strategy.

Sambucus nigra L. leaves inhibit TNF-α secretion by LPS-stimulated human neutrophils and strongly scavenge reactive oxygen species.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Sambucus nigra (elderberry) leaves were used in folk medicine to treat skin inflammations, ulcers, burns or boils, as well as to treat wounds, including infected and chronic ones. For centuries, elderberry leaves have been used mainly in eastern and southern Europe, as well as in western Asia. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of four different extracts, such as aqueous and ethanolic prepared at room temperature and the solvent's boiling point, from the leaves of elderberry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of extracts both on the secretion of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-8) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) by neutrophils stimulated with bacteria-derived products was investigated. The cytotoxicity of extracts was analyzed by staining with propidium iodide measured by flow cytometry. The anti-inflammatory activity of extracts was also investigated through their influence on lipoxygenase activity. The antioxidant properties, including scavenging superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical were investigated in cell-free systems. The total content of phenolic compounds was tested using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The qualitative and quantitative determination of the content of individual phenolic acids and flavonoids was performed by HPLC-DAD-MSn and HPLC-DAD method, respectively. RESULTS: Elderberry leaves extracts turned out to affect the inflammatory response of neutrophils by inhibiting the secretion of TNF-α and ROS. The ethanolic and aqueous extracts at a concentration of 50 µg × mL-1 reduce the secretion of TNF-α by approximately 40% and 10%, respectively. ROS secretion was decreased by around 50% for all extracts at concentration of 5 µg × mL-1. All the extracts were able to inhibit the activity of lipoxygenase. The ethanolic extracts were characterized by a higher content of phenolic compounds and a higher antioxidant activity, especially against nitric oxide, compared to the aqueous extracts. CONCLUSIONS: Our research has confirmed that elderberry leaves are a plant material with anti-inflammatory activity, especially against reactive oxygen species, and a potentially rich source of antioxidants. Preliminary analyses performed in this study could be the first step in confirming the traditional use of elderberry leaves in relieving inflammation.