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

Abstract

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 S. boulardii with a growth index (GI) of 141.02%, 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%).

Polyphenols and Cardiometabolic Health: Knowledge and Concern among Romanian People

“…A more recently studied aspect is the prebiotic potential of phenolic compounds. Intestinal dysbiosis is associated with the development and progression several non-communicable diseases, including CVDs, diabetes, and obesity [ 107 , 108 , 109 ]. In vitro and in vivo studies highlighted the bidirectional relationship between polyphenols and the intestinal microbiota.…”

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

“…In the Middle Ages, among the ancient Germans, the elderberry was considered a holy plant, also being used in traditional medicine [ 12 ]. In popular tradition, the elderberry, a species of plants in the group of shrubs in the Adoxaceae family ( Figure 2 ), is considered the number one antiviral medicine [ 13 , 14 ]. The hermaphrodite flowers are fragrant, while the leaves have an unpleasant odor when rubbed in the hands.…”

“…The specialized literature also talks about three autochthonous varieties: Ina, Nora, and Brădet. Being a humidity-loving species, in the spontaneous flora, the elderberry grows on land with groundwater on the surface (on terraces of flowing waters) or on the edge of forests, generally in more shaded areas [ 12 , 13 , 14 ].…”

“…Various studies have shown that walnuts and elderberries, which are popular all over the world, are two medicinal plants that, thanks to their phytochemical compounds (proteins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals), have beneficial properties for the human body (antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, etc.) and also possess phytosanitary properties (antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticidal) with benefits on other plants [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ].…”

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

“…They contain a variety of bioactive substances, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, which determine their health-promoting activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anticancer, antiviral, antimicrobial, etc. [ 16 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ]. European elderberry extracts, juices, or syrups have become increasingly popular in the EU and US as remedies for cold and flu symptoms [ 26 , 28 ].…”