Polyphenol Profile of Flowers, Fruits and Food Supplements of Sambucus Nigra

Tsanova-Savova, Silvia; Paneva-Dimitrova, Slaveyka; Simeonova, Liyana; Lulcheva, Ivelina; Koleva, Petya

doi:10.2478/acpro-2025-0013

Abstract

Currently, a wide variety of food supplements derived from Sambucus nigra is available on the market, claiming to have powerful antioxidant effects, due to their high level of polyphenols. However, quantitative data for their polyphenolic content is sporadic and inconsistent. In the present study, water and methanol extracts of Sambucus nigra flower and fruits, as well as food supplements containing them, were analyzed for their Total Phenols and Total Flavonoid content, along with HPLC analysis for the levels of individual flavonoids (+)-Catechin, (-)-Epicatechin, and Rutin. The results show that the Total Phenols and Total Flavonoids are highest in infusions from the plant's flowers. Of the individual flavonoids, significant amounts were only found for Rutin. Conclusion: Sambucus nigra is a significant source of antioxidant polyphenolic compounds, with levels in its flowers exceeding those in its fruits. At the same time, the polyphenol levels in various Black Elderberry based food supplements can vary significantly, primarily depending on whether standardized extracts are used in the formulations.

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Polyphenol Profile of Flowers, Fruits and Food Supplements of Sambucus Nigra

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