Effects of Short-term Heating on Total Polyphenols, Anthocyanins, Antioxidant Activity and Lectins of Different Parts of Dwarf Elder (Sambucus ebulus L.)

Abstract

Dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus L.) berries are rich in health-promoting phytochemicals such as polyphenols and anthocyanins, and display a significant antioxidant activity. They are also rich in two lectins (ebulin f and SELfd) that share amino acid sequence homology with the elderberry allergen Sam n1 present in Sambucus nigra pollen and fruits. Ebulin f displays toxicity by oral ingestion. This study was aimed at eliminating the toxicity of these lectins whilst having little or no effect on the antioxidant properties of dwarf elder berries. We thus investigated the potential effects of incubation in a boiling water bath of extracts from several parts of the plant on total polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, total anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-glycoside content, and the sensitivity of purified dwarf elder fruit lectins to a simulated gastric fluid. The study shows that five minutes of said heat treatment fully sensitized both lectins to pepsin digestion, whilst minimally reducing phenol and antioxidant as well as free radical scavenging activities to below 13%. It proved possible to eliminate the potential risks derived from the presence of lectins in dwarf elder juices without any significant reduction in the content of the antioxidant compounds. Dwarf elder berries may thus be a valuable nutritional source.

Relationship Between Metabolites Composition and Biological Activities of Phyllanthus niruri Extracts Prepared by Different Drying Methods and Solvents Extraction

“…In contrast, as shown by the lower TPC in AD and OD samples, could well be due to the activity of the enzymes, such as polyphenols oxidases, since the methods are not effective at deactivating these enzymes during the drying processes [5]. In the case of OD, the additional effect of heat on the heat sensitive phenolic constituents could also be another important contributing factor to the lower TPC levels [15]. Among the different solvents used, absolute methanol was the most efficient extracting solvent followed by water; this might be due to greater phenolic extractability in absolute solvents compared to mixture, such as aqueous methanol, aqueous ethanol or water [1,3].…”

The higher the better? Differences in phenolics and cyanogenic glycosides in Sambucus nigra leaves, flowers and berries from different altitudes

“…Black elder contains substantial amounts of sambunigrin, a cyanogenic glycoside (CGG), which is considered life‐threatening due to its decomposition into chemically reactive hydrogen cyanide . Ingestion of elderberry parts in larger doses may cause gastrointestinal disorders, such as nausea, vomiting, weakness and dizziness . The presence of CGG in elder seeds may inhibit their microbial decay, prolonging their survival in adverse conditions …”

“…13 Ingestion of elderberry parts in larger doses may cause gastrointestinal disorders, such as nausea, vomiting, weakness and dizziness. 14 The presence of CGG in elder seeds may inhibit their microbial decay, prolonging their survival in adverse conditions. 15 The aim of this study was to identify and quantify phenolics and cyanogenic glycosides in elder leaves, flowers and berries collected at different altitudes and locations.…”

A new source for developing multi‐functional products: biological and chemical perspectives on subcritical water extracts of Sambucus ebulus L.

“…On the other hand, berries of this plant contain lectins which may be anti‐nutrients and toxic , . However, no scientifically sound data are available on elder toxicity …”

“…10,11 However, no scientifically sound data are available on elder toxicity. 12 Due to this richness in biological active compounds, it is essential to prepare extracts with high concentration of such compounds and with low amounts of interfering substances. For this purposes different extraction approaches could be applied.…”