Search Results (194)

American elderberry (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis) is an emerging specialty crop with increasing demand for value-added products; however, postharvest cleaning, separation, and weighing remain highly labor-intensive. This study developed and preliminarily evaluated a prototype of a water-assisted cleaning and weighing system designed to assist post-destemming handling during preliminary prototype testing. The prototype consisted of a stainless-steel, water-based separation tank; a sieve-type funnel guide; a screw conveyor; a motor and coupling assembly; an electronic control unit; a touchscreen interface; and a digital weighing scale. Manually destemmed elderberries were introduced into the water-filled tank, where mature berries settled, and the floating debris was removed. The submerged berries were then transferred by screw conveyor to the weighing unit. Conveyor speed was evaluated from 300 to 650 revolutions per minute (rpm) with three replications per treatment. Machine throughput increased significantly with conveyor speed, from 40.50 ± 27.09 kg h⁻¹ at 300 rpm to 368.18 ± 19.44 kg h⁻¹ at 650 rpm. Visible external berry damage after processing decreased from 50.00 ± 2.50% at 300 rpm to 18.50 ± 2.20% at 650 rpm. However, because pre-processing damage, berry loss, quantitative cleaning efficiency, weighing accuracy, and labor savings were not measured, these results should be interpreted as a preliminary prototype evaluation rather than a complete commercial validation. Within the tested speed range, 650 rpm was the best tested endpoint, producing the highest measured throughput and the lowest visible post-process damage. Further work is needed to quantify cleaning efficiency, recovery yield, berry loss, sanitation performance, weighing-control accuracy, and comparison with conventional manual processing. Full article

Rising drug resistance undermines current anti-influenza virus therapies. Although targeting the hemagglutinin (HA)–sialic acid receptor interaction is a promising strategy, progress is impeded by the lack of subtype-independent screening models. Herein, we established a fluorescence-based cell high-throughput model using fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated Sambucus Nigra Lectin (FITC-SNA) as a stable HA surrogate and α-2,6-sialyltransferase (ST6GAL1)-overexpressing MDCK cells to mimic the HA–receptor interface. This platform was designed to serve as an efficient primary screening tool to rapidly filter large compound libraries for potential binders to the receptor-binding interface. Screening 10,000 compounds identified Obatoclax Mesylate and Ethylparaben as primary hits. Both exhibited broad-spectrum HA inhibition activity, validating the model’s capability to identify compounds interfering with viral attachment. Further cellular antiviral assays revealed cytotoxicity for both compounds, resulting in low selectivity indexes (SIs), indicating that while these molecules effectively target the interaction site, they require substantial structural optimization for therapeutic use. Molecular docking confirmed their binding to type A H1N1, H3N2, and B/Victoria HA proteins, while ADMET predictions highlighted specific structural optimization needs to mitigate toxicity. In conclusion, this subtype-independent, highly specific high-throughput screening (HTS) model provides an efficient and reliable platform for early-stage influenza drug discovery and lead compound development. Full article

The development of functional frozen dairy products enriched with natural bioactive ingredients has attracted increasing interest. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) is an anthocyanin-rich fruit with potential as a natural functional and coloring ingredient in dairy products. This study investigated the effects of incorporating 3%, 6%, and 9% elderberry pulp into kefir ice cream on its physicochemical, antioxidant, thermal, microstructural, volatile, and sensory properties. The study provides an integrated evaluation of elderberry-enriched kefir ice cream by combining physicochemical and antioxidant characterization with DSC, SEM, HS-SPME-GC/MS, and sensory analyses. Elderberry supplementation significantly decreased pH, increased redness, and enhanced total phenolic content and ferric reducing antioxidant power, which reached 694.16 mg GAE/100 g DM and 49.70 µmol TE/100 g DM, respectively, in EP9 (p < 0.05). Formulations containing elderberry pulp also showed significant differences in overrun, density, melting behaviour, and thermal properties (p < 0.05). Differential scanning calorimetry indicated lower melting enthalpy values in the elderberry-containing formulations, while scanning electron microscopy revealed modifications in porous microstructure. HS-SPME-GC/MS analysis tentatively identified 25 volatile compounds, with ketones representing the predominant volatile group and elderberry supplementation modifying the relative abundance of selected volatile compounds. Sensory evaluation showed improved appearance, flavor, texture, and overall acceptability compared with the kefir control (p < 0.05). Overall, formulations containing 6% and 9% elderberry pulp provided a favorable balance between technological quality, functional potential, and sensory acceptability, suggesting a practical formulation range for the development of naturally colored, functional kefir-based frozen dairy products. Full article

Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is one of the most widely used techniques for gene expression analysis in molecular biology. However, the accuracy of relative gene expression quantification largely depends on the stability of the reference genes used for normalization. Sambucus nigra L. (elderberry) is a valuable medicinal and edible plant rich in anthocyanins and other bioactive compounds. Despite its increasing research and application value, no reference genes have been validated for this species. In this study, we applied RT-qPCR alongside four algorithms (GeNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder) to assess the expression stability of nine candidate reference genes across ten samples representing five tissue types (including stems, flowers, leaves, roots, fruits) at different developmental stages. The results showed that VAMP and Pol were the most suitable reference gene combination for normalization across different tissues of S. nigra. For studies involving only vegetative tissues (leaves and stems), our results recommend that RPB2 and RPB5 are the most stable and suitable reference genes. This study provides reliable reference genes for accurate RT-qPCR-based gene expression analysis in S. nigra and establishes a useful methodological basis for future functional genomics and molecular breeding studies in this species. Full article

This research focused on the formulation of a health-oriented, clean-label food product fortified with encapsulated bioactive compounds from Sambucus nigra, Aronia melanocarpa, and Echinacea purpurea. To evaluate the protection of these sensitive compounds during production and storage, a comprehensive characterization was performed. This included basic physicochemical analyses, phenolic profiling, antioxidant activity tests, as well as rheological and textural measurements. Furthermore, sensory analysis, consumer evaluation, and microbiological stability during storage were assessed. Results from Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses confirmed the structural integrity of the capsules post-processing. Additionally, the application of a starch–psyllium carrier ensured that the textural and rheological properties remained fully comparable to the control sample, preventing undesirable matrix alterations. Specifically, product hardness (1.17–1.23 N) and adhesiveness (8.17–8.94 N·s) were maintained at stable levels, while color alterations were minor and likely noticeable only to trained observers (ΔE* < 3.2). Microbiological evaluation demonstrated that the application of different formulated products effectively inhibited the growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, with inhibition rates increasing from 3.4 to 39.7%. Collectively, the experimental data demonstrate that encapsulation is a highly effective strategy for fortifying fruit-based systems with sensitive extracts, successfully maximizing bioactivity retention while maintaining high product quality and sensory appeal. Full article

Sambucus nigra L. (European elderberry) is distinguished among medicinal and edible plants by its exceptionally high cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) content, which markedly exceeds that of common berries. This unique phytochemical profile establishes C3G as the principal bioactive constituent underlying the antitumor activity of S. nigra. While numerous reviews on elderberry have been published, none has systematically integrated C3G biosynthesis, transcriptional regulation, in vivo metabolism, and anti-tumor mechanisms specifically in S. nigra—a critical research gap that this review fills for the first time. Herein, we systematically examine the chemical structure and content distribution of C3G in S. nigra, elucidate the phenylpropanoid–flavonoid biosynthetic pathway and the regulatory patterns of the MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) transcriptional complex, and highlight the current research gap regarding the cloning and functional characterization of core MBW factors in this species. We further reveal the absorption and distribution characteristics of C3G in the human body, the gut microbiota-mediated biotransformation process, and the synergistic antitumor effects of its primary metabolite, protocatechuic acid. The molecular mechanisms through which C3G exerts antitumor activity, including the induction of tumor cell apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and modulation of key signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and JNK, are systematically elaborated. This is the first review to construct a comprehensive “biosynthetic regulation–in vivo metabolism–antitumor function” framework for C3G in S. nigra, thereby addressing critical research gaps and providing a theoretical foundation for the germplasm breeding of high-C3G cultivars, functional product development, and clinical adjuvant cancer therapy. Full article

The reconstruction of the Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof railway junction, known as Stuttgart 21, is a very large and long-term infrastructure project. The gradual extension of the project implementation creates a specific time period during which atypical vegetation management in the trackbeds takes place. The vegetation of the trackbeds of the current station includes a total of 68 plant taxa, with Erigeron bonariensis L., Geum urbanum L. and Senecio inaequidens DC being significantly represented, for example. The limited level of disturbance within this “time window” creates favorable conditions in particular for the development of woody plants and lianas, such as Acer campestre L., Acer pseudoplatanus L., Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, Clematis vitalba L., Ficus carica L., Hedera helix L. and Sambucus nigra L. The detected spectrum of plant taxa also indicates the formation of a diverse mosaic of microhabitats, which allows the coexistence of species with different ecological requirements. The assessed railway lines also provide space for the occurrence of non-native species, many of which are capable of effective wind dispersal and can subsequently colonize surrounding urban areas. Habitats with a time window of limited vegetation management may represent a poorly described factor influencing the spread of some taxa in the technosphere. The knowledge gained may contribute to a better understanding of the population dynamics of individual taxa and their potential for further spread. Full article

Background: The use of plant-derived agents is a common approach in integrative care for respiratory conditions. However, the evidence of clinical trials has not yet been comprehensively presented. Aim: To summarize the antibacterial, antiviral, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and expectorant properties of Echinacea spp., Pelargonium sidoides, Hedera helix, Thymus vulgaris, Althaea officinalis, Sambucus nigra, Zingiber officinale, and Curcuma longa, and to evaluate the evidence level from clinical trials (CTs) involving these agents in patients with respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Methods: We conducted a literature search using the PubMed database focusing on clinical studies of plant-derived agents in upper and lower RTIs. PRISMA-based reporting elements were used only as a guiding tool for comprehensibility of the literature search (Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines). Results: A summary and structured overview of the properties of these most-cited plant-derived agents in the literature, in the context of RTIs, was provided. A total of 94 reports met the eligibility criteria and were included in our review. Of these, 66 reported randomized and placebo-controlled trials investigating the efficacy and tolerability of these adjuncts in patients with RTIs. The non-randomized and uncontrolled trials were 22. Sufficient evidence to be regarded as an appropriate treatment to reduce the severity and duration of RTIs was found for all discussed plant-derived agents. Robust evidence available was found for Echinacea spp., Pelargonium sidoides, Sambucus nigra, Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale. Conclusions: Regarding other plant-derived agents reported in the traditional medicine for the treatment of RTIs, further research is needed to clarify the evidence gaps. Full article

Background/Objectives: Seasonal waves of respiratory viruses—including SARS-CoV-2, influenza A virus (IAV), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)—continue to pose a global health burden and highlight the need for antiviral agents that are effective, safe, broadly active, affordable, and widely accessible. Current interventions are limited by the need for their early administration, the risk of resistance, their costs, and the restricted availability in large parts of the world. For certain natural products, such as European black elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) fruit extract (ElderCraft^®; EC) and the seaweed-derived sulfated polymer iota-carrageenan (IC), antiviral activities against respiratory viruses, particularly IAV and SARS-CoV-2, have previously been shown. Here, we assessed the antiviral activity of IC and an anthocyanin-standardized EC extract against SARS-CoV-2, IAV, and RSV, either as monotherapy or in multiple-dose combinations. Methods: MDCKII cells were infected with IAV_PR8, human Calu-3 lung epithelial cells with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, and HEp-2 cells with RSV (A2 strain). Inhibitors were administered either by pre-incubation of cell-free virions prior to infection or, in separate time-of-addition experiments, during or post-infection. Viral replication was quantified by qRT-PCR or intracellular immunostaining. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using a neutral red uptake assay. Results: Most intriguingly, both EC and IC are able to neutralize virions derived from SARS-CoV-2, IAV, or RSV extracellularly in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, EC and IC alone exhibited strong anti-RSV activity, which was not reported previously. Most importantly, combined treatment with IC and EC caused a pronounced synergistic antiviral effect against the tested viruses, as confirmed by the Bliss independence model, without any detectable impact on cell viability. Finally, solutions prepared from matrix-standardized mono- or combi-lozenges, containing IC and/or EC in high or low doses, reproduced the antiviral and synergistic combination effects observed with the pure compounds. Conclusions: In summary, these findings support further development of EC and IC as a topically accessible, virion-neutralizing combination (e.g., lozenges) to provide additional protection against major respiratory viruses and potentially strengthen pandemic preparedness. Full article

Wild-growing plant species are sustainable, cost-effective and underexploited sources for bioactive compounds with great nutraceutical potential. In this work, we analysed the fruits of several wild plant species: Sambucus nigra L., Rubia tinctorum L., Phytolacca americana L. and Sambucus ebulus L. Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry revealed diverse concentrations of phenolic acids, with the highest values observed for rutoside (22.183 µg mL⁻¹) and isoquercitrin (11.663 µg mL⁻¹) in S. nigra L., chlorogenic acid (7.422 µg mL⁻¹) in R. tinctorum L., caftaric acid (4.942 µg mL⁻¹) in P. americana L., and quercitrin (1.380 µg mL⁻¹) and 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid (1.196 µg mL⁻¹) in S. ebulus L. The spectrophotometric analysis showed that S. nigra L. had the highest concentration of total phenols (14.21 mg GAE g⁻¹ FW) and the highest flavonoid content (8.07 mg QE g⁻¹ FW). The lowest values were recorded for R. tinctorum L. (total phenols) and P. americana L. (flavonoids). The antioxidant activity was generally high, with the lowest value of 76.08% for S. nigra L. and over 90% for all other species, peaking at 93.25% for P. americana L. The Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) assay showed a similar pattern. S. ebulus L. and R. tinctorum L. exhibited the highest carbohydrate content and protein solubility, respectively. P. americana L. fruits had the highest ascorbic acid concentration, 0.136 mg g⁻¹ FW. These results highlight the remarkable nutraceutical potential of certain wild fruits, identifying them as rich and cost-effective sources of bioactive compounds, particularly antioxidants, with promising perspectives for future studies on their therapeutic potential. Full article

Extracts from the flowers and fruits of Sambucus nigra L. have various applications as colorants and adjuvants in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. It is therefore necessary to establish optimal conditions for the production of these extracts. The objective of this study was to compare different extraction conditions that allow the recovery of polyphenols and flavonoids with antioxidant activity from the aerial parts of S. nigra. For this purpose, the following extraction conditions were analyzed: maceration (M) and ultrasound-assisted (U), as well as extractant mixtures with five different proportions of ethanol and water; TPC and TFC were determined using spectroscopic methods, a preliminary analysis was performed by HPLC-DAD, and the content of chlorogenic acid and rutin was quantified. Similarly, the extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant capacity in ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. Finally, PCA was performed to comprehensively analyze the relationship between the results obtained. The results showed that the extraction conditions determine the recovery of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and antioxidant activity, with the highest yields obtained with 4M and 5M, and the extracts with the highest TPC and TFC being 5U and 1M, respectively. Likewise, the highest concentrations of chlorogenic acid and rutin were found in condition 2M, and the best antioxidant capacity was observed under extraction conditions 3U. This was confirmed by PCA, which indicated that extraction conditions influence yield, recovery of phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity. Therefore, these results indicate that there is no single condition that achieves the best parameters for this species, but rather that specific conditions must be applied depending on the metabolite groups and antioxidant activity. Full article

Background: Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are common in children and represent one of the main reasons for pediatric consultations. Although generally benign, pediatric RTIs can lead to medical complications and significant socioeconomic burden. The objective of this trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a food supplement intended to support the immune system in reducing the rate and severity of pediatric RTIs. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of a food supplement based on vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL1505 (Pegaso^® Immuno Junior). A daily dose was administered for approximately 60 days within a three-month period to children aged 3–10 years with at least four RTI episodes in the previous year. RTI frequency, illness days, days with fever, cough, and rhinitis, and antipyretic and antibiotic use per episode were recorded over four months. Results: A total of 110 children completed the study. Compared with the placebo, the active supplement significantly reduced the mean number of RTI episodes per child (2.41 ± 0.84 vs. 4.13 ± 1.66; RR = 0.745, 95% CI 0.583–0.953) as well as the number of illness days, days with fever, cough, and rhinitis, and days with antipyretic or antibiotic use. The supplement was well-tolerated. Conclusions: The patented supplementation based on vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL1505 (Pegaso^® Immuno Junior), taken over a three-month period, may reduce the frequency and severity of RTIs in children aged 3–10 years. Full article

This work presents a method to encapsulate plant extracts within a binary polysaccharide carrier and to characterize the physicochemical and rheological performance of the resulting biocomposites in the context of food use. Using a starch/psyllium matrix, extracts from Sambucus nigra (SN), Aronia melanocarpa (AM), and Echinacea purpurea (EP) were effectively protected and incorporated through a stepwise workflow encompassing matrix preparation, encapsulation, structural verification, and functional assessment. SEM revealed a porous network containing uniformly distributed, extract-loaded spherical structures (~800–1500 nm), while FTIR supported the presence of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions that contributed to system stability. The prepared nanoemulsions showed shear-thinning (pseudoplastic) behavior, indicating favorable processing characteristics, whereas most physicochemical and bioactivity measurements were performed on lyophilized composites. The dried materials preserved extract-specific color signatures (ΔE > 5) and exhibited distinct thermal responses: AM produced a pronounced plasticizing effect (Tg reduced by >20 °C), while the incorporation of extracts generally delayed thermal degradation, consistent with polyphenol–starch interactions. Phase-transition behavior was also altered, with melting peaks suppressed for SN and AM and melting temperatures lowered for EP. Surface analysis indicated increased hydrophobicity and a reduced polar component of surface free energy, suggesting improved moisture barrier potential. Antioxidant capacity closely tracked total phenolic content (r > 0.94), with caffeic acid contributing strongly, particularly in EP-based systems. Antimicrobial activity depended on extract type (broad-spectrum for EP, selective for SN, minimal for AM), and the comparatively higher sensitivity of Gram-negative bacteria points to improved phenolic availability and membrane interactions upon encapsulation. Collectively, these results highlight the starch/psyllium matrix as a flexible platform for stabilizing plant extracts while enabling tunable functional attributes for functional food applications. Full article

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are among the most widely used type of nanoparticles due to their antimicrobial properties. While their application in disease treatment is well established, less is known about their ecological effects after they are released into ecosystems, where they may affect microorganisms and disrupt ecological balance. A green synthesis using Sambucus nigra fruit extract was applied to prepare AgNPs of two sizes, and their interactions with Brevundimonas vesicularis USM1, Pseudarthrobacter oxydans USM2, Pseudomonas putida USM4, Escherichia coli ATCC 10536, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 were examined. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Vis, TEM, and DLS, and microbial growth was assessed using microplate assays and colony enumeration. No significant inhibition of E. coli ATCC 10536, S. aureus ATCC 25923, or P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 was observed in the presence of small (22 nm) or large (66 nm) AgNPs. Growth inhibition occurred in P. oxydans USM2 and P. putida USM4 exposed to small AgNPs, and in B. vesicularis USM1, P. oxydans USM2, and P. putida USM4 exposed to large AgNPs. The strain-specific responses indicate a size-dependent impact on bacteria, suggesting potential effects on microbiome structure and function. This study provides insights supporting environmental risk evaluation and safer-by-design development of AgNP-based materials. Full article

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) and linden (Tilia cordata Mill.) flower extracts are known for their pro-healthy properties. Various extraction methods, both conventional (Soxhlet) and advanced (ultrasound assisted extraction, UAE, accelerated solvent extraction, ASE, and matrix solid phase dispersion, MSPD), were applied to obtain ethanol–water extracts from the plants. The biological profiles, the total polyphenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) in the extracts were determined spectrophotometrically. Almost 40 compounds were identified in extracts by means of HPLC-MS/MS. The contents of the chosen phenolic acids (chlorogenic, p-coumaric, protocatechuic, and gallic) and flavonoids (rutin, catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin, and naringenin) were determined by HPLC-DAD. It was observed that the elderflower extracts contained higher levels of the compounds investigated than did the linden extracts. Chlorogenic acid was the main phenolic acid in the majority of extracts form the elderberry flower, whereas in the linden extracts, it was protocatechuic acid. Nevertheless, rutin was the main component of both plant extracts. The cytotoxicity of the elderberry and linden flower extracts against VERO, FaDu, H1HeLa, and RKO cell lines were subsequently examined. The elderflower extracts exerted no cytotoxicity, whereas linden extracts showed selective cytotoxicity against FaDu and RKO cells with CC₅₀ of 54.35 and 46.27 µg/mL, respectively. The antiviral potential of the extracts against HHV-1, CVB3, and HRV14 were also examined. The results demonstrate antiviral activity against HHV-1, particularly for linden flower extract in concentration of 62.5 µg/mL. Full article