From Berries to Capsules: Technological and Quality Aspects of Juneberry Formulations

Background:Amelanchier alnifolia (Juneberry) is a phenolic-rich species with potential for pharmaceutical applications. This study aimed to optimize ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) conditions for producing ethanolic extracts from differently processed Juneberry berries collected in Lithuania and to develop solid oral dosage forms based on the obtained extracts. Methods: Extracts were prepared using varying ethanol concentrations, temperatures, and extraction times from dried, frozen, and freeze-dried berries. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were determined spectrophotometrically. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and ABTS assays. Phenolic profiles were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), identifying five major compounds. Extracts were converted into powders using lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, or magnesium aluminum metasilicate as carriers. Hard capsules were manufactured and evaluated according to European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) requirements, including mass uniformity, moisture content, and disintegration time. Results: Freeze-dried berries yielded the highest TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity across all extraction conditions. The most efficient extraction parameters for freeze-dried berries were identified as 50% ethanol, 50-55 °C, and 30 min. HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids, rutin, hyperoside, and isoquercitrin. Among the powdered systems, lactose monohydrate demonstrated favorable flowability and moisture characteristics. Conclusions: Freeze-dried Juneberry berries are a suitable raw material for producing phenolic-rich extracts with strong antioxidant activity. Lactose-based powder blends showed the best technological performance and were successfully formulated into hard capsules. These findings support the potential of Juneberry extracts for incorporation into standardized pharmaceutical dosage forms and provide a basis for future formulation and bioavailability studies.