Available online 5 August 2014
Advanced research on the antioxidant and health benefit of elderberry (Sambucus nigra) in food – a review
Choose an option to locate/access this article:
Check if you have access through your login credentials or your institution
Check access
Highlights
- •
- Elderberry bioactive compounds provide therapy for a number of diseases.
- •
- Elderberry medicinal properties are associated with counteracting oxidative stress.
- •
- Elderberry helps to prevent incidence of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
- •
- Possible side effects and contraindications to the elderberry consumption are found.
- •
- Elderberry component stability and application in complex systems needs research.
Abstract
Elderberry plant (Sambucus nigra)
is a good source of protein, free and conjugated forms of amino acids,
unsaturated fatty acids, fibre fractions, vitamins, antioxidants and
minerals. Analysis of elderberry showed that it contains high biological
activity components, primarily polyphenols, mostly anthocyanins,
flavonols, phenolic acids and proanthocyanidins, as well as terpenes and
lectins. In folk medicine, elderberry has been used in the treatment of
many diseases and ailments. Elderberry has medicinal properties
associated with the presence of polyphenols, which are compounds with
potential antioxidant properties. They can greatly affect the course of
disease processes by counteracting oxidative stress, exerting beneficial
effects on blood pressure, glycaemia reduction, immune system
stimulation, antitumour potential, increase in the activity of
antioxidant enzymes in the blood plasma, including also glutathione, and
the reduction of uric acid levels.
Keywords
- Elderberry;
- Sambucus nigra;
- Health value;
- Polyphenols;
- Antioxidants
- Corresponding author. Tel.:
+48 61 8487331; fax: +48 61 8487430.
Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
