Fruit Phenolic Composition of Different Elderberry Species and Hybrids

The aim of this study was to investigate a detailed composition and content of phenolic compounds in fruits of 4 elderberry species (Sambucus nigra, S. cerulea, S. ebulus, and S racemosa) and 8 interspecific hybrids. Hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) represented the major share of phenolics in analyzed elderberries; caffeoylquinic and p-coumaroylquinic acids were most abundant. Flavanols (catechin, epicatechin, and different procyanidins) were the second major phenolic group detected in range from 2% to 30% of total analyzed phenolics. From the group of flavonols, 13 different quercetin glycosides, 7 kaempferol glycosides, and 8 isorhamnetin glycosides have been quantified. Rutin was the major flavonol in all studied genotypes. S. ebulus was characterized by the highest level of total HCAs, catechin, epicatechin, and most flavonols. Some elderberry hybrids, for example JA × RAC, CER × NI, and JA × (JA × NI), are perspective for further studies because they have high content of phenolic compounds. The results of research could contribute to breed cultivars, which may prove interesting for food-processing industries.

Different levels of phenolic compounds have been measured in fruit of analyzed elderberry species and interspecific hybrids. Natural evaluation of elderberry genetic resources, the identification of phenolic compounds, and assessment of their properties are of great interest to breeders and directly valid for pharmaceutical and food industry.