A wild plant as rich source of biologically active components and potential supplements to food products

Abstract

Sambucus nigra L., commonly known as elderberry, is wild growing plant from Capriofoliaceae botanical family. This plant is widely recognized for its extraordinary biologically active components and beneficial effect on human health. Therefore, elderberry is one of the medicinal plants of particular interest, suitable for pharmaceutical and food purposes [1]. The investigation included collection of plant material and the preparation of extracts, using modern extraction techniques such as, microwave and ultrasound, as well as using two solvents (water and 50% ethanol) in sample to solvent ratio of 1:30. In the prepared extracts, the total content of phenols and flavonoids, antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities were analyzed. Antioxidant potential was analyzed using several different in vitro antioxidant assays: FRAP (Ferric Ion Reducing Antioxidant Power) IC50 = 2.024 ± 0.26 μmol eq Trolox mL-1 extract, NO (nitric oxide radicals) IC50 = 73.55 ± 6.23 μg mL-1 and metal chelating 10.38 ± 0.12 mg EDTAE g-1 extract. Total phenolic and total flavonoid content were determined spectrophotometrically. Enzyme inhibitory effects were tested against lipase (41.01 ± 1.19 mg OE g-1 extract) and tyrosinase (29.83 ± 1.43 mg KAE g-1 extract). Obtained results revealed strong antioxidative and inhibitory enzymatic activity, as well as a high content of total phenols and flavonoids. Thanks to the high biological activity, flower extracts might be used as supplements for various food products. Due to its pharmacological activity, S. nigra flowers are potentially excellent component of functional food.