Quality parameters change during ripening in leaves and fruits of wild growing and cultivated elderberry (Sambucus nigra) genotypes

The Physicochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Sambucus nigra L. and Sambucus nigra Haschberg during Growth Phases: From Buds to Ripening

“…The anthocyanin content in ripe elderberries was higher in the cultivated variety (5235.606 ± 0.002 µg/mL H7FrN) compared to the wild variety (3545.226 ± 0.008 µg/mL N7FrN) and 17 times higher than in the green fruit phenophase (in the cultivated elderberry H5FrV). Anthocyanin abundance in ripe elderberries is also mentioned by Kiprovski et al [2] and Mikulic-Petkovsek et al [19].…”

“…Chlorogenic acid was also detected in high amounts until close to the red fruit phase, when it showed a decline (884.757 ± 0.002 µg/mL H6FrR). Similarly to the analysis of unripe elderberry fruit of Ljubostinja species, regarding chlorogenic acid, Kiprovski et al also detect significant values [2]. The preparations of different elderberry products at 100 • C for a moderate length of time (less than 30 min) showed an extreme chlorogenic acid decrease [37].…”

“…Sambucus nigra Haschberg (also known as standard cultivar of elderberry) and Sambucus nigra L. (also called European wild black elder) are some of the most versatile shrubs; native to the northern hemisphere, they belong to the Adoxaceae family in the order of the Dipsacales [1]. The comparison of major bioactive compounds and antioxidative properties of different selected types and wild plants of Sambucus nigra L. presents an interest in many areas, including horticulture [2], food industry [3], pharmaceutical industry [4] and, recently, in SARS-COV-2 antiviral drug research [5].…”

“…The multitude of intermediate growth phases, with insufficient studies (green and red fruits, peduncles) [2] or no studies at all (elder buds), could improve the knowledge about bioactive compounds and minerals.…”

“…To our knowledge, a characterization of the developmental phases from the flower bud to the ripe fruit was not made for the Sambucus nigra genotypes. Only few studies [2,11] were focused on pre-harvest fruit or elderberry leaves. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the dynamics of total phenolic content and anthocyanins accumulation, and to assess the antioxidant activity during the growth and development of flowers and fruits from wild growing elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) and cultivated elderberry (Sambucus nigra Haschberg L.) genotypes.…”