Berry Lipophilic Constituents from Three Important Sambucus nigra Cultivars Grown in Portugal - Preliminary Results

Abstract

Lipophilic constituents (triterpenoids, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and sterols) from the berries of the three major Sambucus nigra L. cultivars grown in Portugal ('Sabugueira', 'Sabugueiro', and 'Bastardeira') were characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Triterpenoids were the most abundant constituents, accounting for up to 92% of the lipophilic extract in all studied cultivars. Our preliminary results indicated that ursolic and oleanolic acid were the major triterpenoids identified, accounting for 1403 to 2080 mg/kg dry weight for the cultivars 'Sabugueiro' and 'Sabugueira', respectively. All cultivars under study presented a similar lipophilic profile, however significant differences (p<0.05) on the overall constituents content were noticed. This information is likely to be useful for the growers and processing industries interested in the formulation of foods and/or nutraceuticals, and can help increase the value and efficacy of elderberry-based natural products.