Search Results (104)

Black elder (Sambucus nigra L.) is a temperate shrub with flowers and fruits that are edible after processing. This species is not yet widely known in the global agricultural sector, but its adaptability and drought tolerance may generate more interest in this crop. Our study aimed to find suitable micropropagation techniques for the black elder ‘Albida’ and compare suitable statistical methods for evaluating multiplication and rooting. For micropropagation, we tested the Murashige and Skoog (MS) growth medium with selected auxins and cytokinins. Five proliferation MS media containing 1, 2, and 4 mg/L BAP or 0.5 and 1 mg/L TDZ were tested. To induce root formation, three types of auxins were tested at a concentration of 1 mg/L in a 50% MS medium: IBA, IAA, and NAA. Data analysis was performed using different parametric and nonparametric tests to robustly capture the effects of treatments across varying distributional scenarios in developing explants subjected to the interactions of internal native and externally added plant growth regulators. The average multiplication rate ranged from 1.6 to 2.0 shoots per explant. High multiplication was recorded on the MS medium with 1 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine. The root number per rooted explant was highly variable, ranging from 3.0 to 12.0 roots per explant. The highest average root number result was observed when 1 mg/L α-naphthalenacetic acid was used. All rooted plants were successfully acclimated to normal growing conditions. This in vitro propagation protocol allows for the production of hundreds to thousands of rooted plants from one initial explant within one year, enabling faster introduction to the agronomic sector. Full article

Plant-derived foods have gained recognition for their health-promoting values, which are largely attributed to bioactive compounds such as phytosterols and triterpenoids. This study aimed to analyze the content of these compounds in the fruit of black elder (elderberry) Sambucus nigra L. and in commercially available food products, including jam, juice, syrup and wine. An additional objective was to compare the phytosterol and triterpenoid profiles of fruits and fruit cuticular waxes from wild and cultivated elderberry (cultivar Haschberg), ornamental elderberry (S. nigra f. porphyrophylla cultivar Black lace “Eva”), and red elderberry (S. racemosa). Qualitative and quantitative determinations were performed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). This study provides a detailed characterization of triterpenoids in black and red elderberries, revealing a complex composition of oleanane-, 18-oleanane-, ursane-, lupane- and taraxastane-type compounds. Elderberry fruits were found to be rich sources of phytosterols (ranging from 0.54 mg/g d.w. in cultivated elderberry cv. Haschberg to 0.96 mg/g in ornamental elderberry) and triterpenoids (from 1.41 mg/g d.w. in S. racemosa to 13.81 mg/g in ornamental elderberry). Among the processed products, jam contained the highest concentration of these compounds (a total of 340 µg/g) and wine contained the lowest (0.87 µg/mL). Furthermore, the results suggest that certain features of the triterpenoid profile in S. nigra and S. racemosa may hold chemotaxonomic significance for the Sambucus genus. Full article

This study aimed to optimize the extraction of phytocompounds intended for wound care applications from three plant species, Sambucus nigra L. flowers and Epilobium hirsutum L. and Lythrum salicaria L. aerial parts, by using a Quality by Design approach. The effects of different extraction methods (ultra-turrax and ultrasonic-assisted extraction), ethanol concentrations (30%, 50%, 70%), and extraction times (3, 5, 10 min) were studied, and during the optimization step, the polyphenol and flavonoid contents were maximized. The phytochemical profiles of the optimized HEs (herbal extracts) were assessed using LC-MS/MS methods. The antioxidant capacity of the optimized HEs was determined using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity) TEAC (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity), and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays, while the antibacterial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and MSSA—methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA—methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Cell viability and antioxidant and wound healing potential were assessed on keratinocytes and fibroblasts. The anti-inflammatory effect was assessed on fibroblasts by measuring levels of interleukins IL-6 and IL-8 and the production of nitric oxide from RAW 264.7 cells. The major compounds of the optimized HEs were rutin and chlorogenic acid. The Lythrum salicaria optimized HE showed the strongest antibacterial activity, while the Sambucus nigra optimized HE demonstrated high cell viability. Lythrum salicaria and Epilobium hirsutum optimized HEs showed increased antioxidant capacities. All extracts displayed anti-inflammatory effects, and the Epilobium hirsutum optimized HE exhibited the best in vitro wound-healing effect. Full article

Background/Objectives: The persistent threat of emerging respiratory RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A virus (IAV) necessitates the continuous development of effective, safe, broadly acting, and generally accessible antiviral agents. Current treatments often face limitations such as early administration requirements, resistance development, and limited global access. Natural products, like European black elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.; S. nigra) fruit extract and quinine, have been used historically against viral infections. In this study, we investigated the antiviral efficacy of a standardized black elderberry fruit extract containing 3.2% anthocyanins (EC 3.2) and, as a second natural antiviral product, quinine, against IAV and SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Methods: Madin–Darby Canine Kidney II (MDCKII) cells were infected with IAV PR-8, while human Calu-3 lung epithelial cells were infected with Wuhan-type SARS-CoV-2. Cells were treated with varying concentrations of EC 3.2 and quinine either as mono- or combinational therapy. Viral replication was assessed using quantitative RT-PCR, and cell viability was evaluated using WST-1 assays. Results: Our results demonstrate, for the first time, that both EC 3.2 and quinine individually inhibited IAV replication in a dose-dependent manner, with IC₅₀ values of approximately 1:400 for EC 3.2 and 250 nM for quinine. Most importantly, the combinational treatment exhibited a strong synergistic antiviral effect, as confirmed by the Bliss independence model (synergy scores of 14.7 for IAV, and 27.8 for SARS-CoV-2), without affecting cell viability. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the combined use of black elderberry extract and quinine might serve as an effective antiviral strategy against IAV and SARS-CoV-2, particularly since the synergistic effect allows for lower doses of each product while retaining therapeutic efficacy. In summary, this combinational in vitro approach, when expanded to other respiratory RNA viruses and confirmed in clinical studies, has the potential to open a promising avenue for pandemic preparedness. Full article

Oxidative stress is considered a common underlying mechanism in many retinal degenerative diseases and is often associated with inflammation. The use of dietary supplements containing Saffron has beneficial effects in ocular diseases, though the molecular mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we investigated how Saffron can exert protective effects against oxidative damage in retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) and whether its combination with Elderberry and Melilotus may have additive beneficial effects. ARPE-19 cells were pretreated with Saffron alone or in a mix containing Saffron, Elderberry and Melilotus, then exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) for 3 h. Afterwards, we evaluated cell viability, oxidative stress and inflammatory status. Our results showed that H₂O₂ reduced cell viability and total glutathione levels, while increasing caspase-3, caspase-1 and LDH activity. Moreover, H₂O₂ triggered ROS production, glutathione oxidation and IL-1β secretion. Pretreatments with Saffron alone or with the mix counteract these damaging effects by improving cell viability, reducing oxidative stress and enhancing SOD2 expression. Pretreatment with the mix activated the NRF2 pathway and was more effective than Saffron alone in preventing caspase-1 activation. These findings suggest that the combination of Saffron, Elderberry and Melilotus could have therapeutic potential in the prevention and treatment of retinal degenerative diseases. Full article

Sustainable agricultural practices increasingly focus on natural bioactive agents for managing phytopathogens. This study investigates the antifungal and phytotoxic properties of methanolic bioextracts derived from Plantago major leaves (MBPm) and Sambucus nigra roots (MBSn) to explore their potential applications. Bioextracts were prepared through methanolic maceration, with yields of 6.02% (P. major) and 6.42% (S. nigra). Antifungal assays evaluated inhibitory effects on Fusarium oxysporum, Corynespora cassiicola, and Penicillium oxalicum, while phytotoxicity assays assessed concentration-dependent impacts on Solanum lycopersicum seed germination. A qualitative evaluation of major polyphenolic compounds was conducted using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with a Photodiode Array Detector and Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-PDA-ESI-MS) to identify bioactive compounds known for their significant biological activity. P. major bioextracts demonstrated significant inhibition of F. oxysporum (90.06%) and C. cassiicola (83.19%), while S. nigra bioextracts achieved 89.65% and 92.16% inhibition, respectively. Both bioextracts showed minimal impact on P. oxalicum, with effects observed only at 50 mg/mL. Low concentrations of S. nigra bioextract enhanced seed germination, whereas higher doses inhibited it. Identified bioactive compounds included acteoside, isoacteoside, chlorogenic acid, and dicaffeoylquinic acid isomers. The findings highlight the potential of these bioextracts as biocontrol agents and modulators of seed germination processes, contributing to sustainable agricultural strategies. While this study was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, these results provide a strong foundation for future evaluations in field settings to explore their broader agricultural applications. Full article

The present study investigates the antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of an essential oil extracted from Sambucus nigra L. flowers. Using hydrodistillation, the volatile compounds were profiled through GC–MS analysis for the fatty acid profile and volatile compounds. The fatty acid profile demonstrated a balanced composition of saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, with oleic, palmitic, and linolenic acids as key contributors. The volatile profile revealed the dominance of nonanal, cis-rose oxide, trans-rose oxide, and 2-Pentadecanone, 6,10,14-trimethyl-. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the 1,1-Diphenyl-2-Picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay, showing significant inhibition, with an IC₅₀ value of 2.52 mg/mL. Antimicrobial efficacy was determined against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and fungal strains, highlighting moderate inhibitory activity for Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The S. nigra essential oil exhibited more activity against fungal strains, especially C. albicans, compared to the bacterial strains, which might be attributed to differences in the composition and permeability of the cell wall between fungi and bacteria. Among the bacteria, E. coli was the most susceptible, while P. aeruginosa showed moderate resistance, in agreement with its known stronger membrane structure and efflux mechanisms. Molecular docking analysis was conducted to evaluate the potential inhibitory effects of the oil on microbial proteins to corroborate the observed in vitro outcome. The results indicated that nonanal, cis-rose oxide, trans-rose oxide, and 2-pentadecanone, 6,10,14-trimethyl- displayed interesting hydrophilic and hydrophobic binding interactions with the putative microbial proteins. These findings elucidate the bioactive role of Sambucus nigra essential oils, suggesting their potential as therapeutic agents in managing oxidative stress and microbial infections. Full article

Background: Gentamicin (GM) administration is associated with decreased metabolism, increased oxidative stress, and induction of nephrotoxicity. Sambucus nigra L., containing flavonoids, anthocyanins, and phytosterols, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the nephroprotective and anti-inflammatory potential of lyophilized Sambucus nigra fruit extract (S. nigra extract) to reduce acute oxidative stress and residual toxicity of GM in a 7-day experimental model in Balb/c rodents. Methods: The S. nigra extract was lyophilized (300 rpm; 10 min; −45 °C) to improve pharmacological properties. Balb/c mice were divided into four (n = 6) groups: controls; S. nigra extract per os (120 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹ bw); GM (200 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹ bw) (4); and GM + S. nigra therapy. The activities of antioxidant and renal enzymes, cytokines, and levels of oxidative stress biomarkers—Hydroxiproline, CysC, GST, KIM-1, PGC-1α, MDA, GSPx—were analyzed by ELISA tests. The ROS and RNS levels, as well as 5-MSL-protein oxidation, were measured by EPR spectroscopy. Results: The antioxidant-protective effect of S. nigra extract (120 mg kg⁻¹) was demonstrated by reduced MDA, ROS, and RNS and increased activation of endogenous enzymes. Furthermore, S. nigra extract significantly reduced the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and KIM-1 and regulated collagen/protein (PGC-1α and albumin) deposition in renal tissues. Conclusions: Histological evaluation confirmed that S. nigra (120 mg kg⁻¹) attenuated renal dysfunction and structural damage by modulating oxidative stress and acute inflammation and could be used as an anti-fibrotic alternative in GM nephrotoxicity. Full article

Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) flowers are rich in polyphenolic compounds, including chlorogenic acid and quercetin derivatives, which are known for their health benefits, particularly their antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. This study aimed to optimize the extraction conditions using the Box–Behnken model to maximize polyphenol yields from different elderberry flower cultivars and to evaluate their potential for antidiabetic action. The extracts were analyzed for their phytochemical content and assessed for enzyme inhibition, specifically targeting enzymes critical in carbohydrate digestion and glucose regulation. The anti-inflammatory activity was also assessed. Results indicated that the Black Beauty, Obelisk, and Haschberg cultivars demonstrated significant inhibition of α-glucosidase, with a high inhibitory potential against α-amylase enzymes for the Obelisk cultivar. Additionally, high chlorogenic acid content was strongly correlated with enzyme inhibition and antioxidant activity, suggesting its substantial role in glucose regulation. This study underscores the potential of elderberry flower extracts, particularly those rich in chlorogenic acid, as natural agents for managing blood glucose levels, warranting further exploration of their use in antidiabetic applications. Full article

Background/Objectives. Men experience Leydig cell and mitochondrial dysfunction due to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species during aging, leading to hormonal imbalances in the body. This results in symptoms of testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) as testosterone levels decline. Consequently, there is a growing need for alternative therapies, such as phytotherapy, to regulate testosterone secretion. Methods. In this study, we evaluated the potential of elderberry extract powder (KSB191) as a functional ingredient for improving TDS by analyzing its mechanism in regulating testosterone imbalance. The major compounds of KSB191 were rutin and fructose–leucine, and the efficacy of KSB191 was confirmed by observing increases in total testosterone, free testosterone, and sperm motility in an aged rat model with decreased testosterone levels. Additionally, we assessed safety by analyzing levels of prostate-specific antigen, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatinine. Results. To confirm the effectiveness of KSB191 in increasing testosterone synthesis and inhibiting its breakdown, we analyzed the expression levels of genes related to testosterone synthesis and degradation in the testis tissue. KSB191 not only increases the expression levels of enzymes (3β-HSD, CYP17A1, and 17β-HSD) that catalyze testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells, but also reduces the expression of enzymes (5α-reductase and CYP19A1) that degrade testosterone, thereby enhancing testosterone production in the body. Conclusions. KSB191 is predicted to be a novel functional ingredient that acts on Leydig cells and increases testosterone synthesis (particularly, the increase in free testosterone), ultimately alleviating the symptoms of TDS. Full article

Black elder, Sambucus nigra, is a non-native but now partly naturalized shrub in Sweden; it has been cultivated here at least since the Middle Ages. Previously, this plant was associated with a supernatural being to whom sacrifices were made, and its fruits were used in folk medicine and wood for fuel and crafts. Traditional economic uses vanished with industrialization and urbanization and black elder was mostly planted as an ornamental shrub in urban parks. At the end of the 1970s, however, it made a sudden comeback: city dwellers started to gather flowers to make a refreshing non-alcoholic cordial. This diachronic study of Sambucus nigra spanning over a millennium reflects various attitudes and uses within the context of a changing human society. In addition to the simple but popular cordial, side dishes and desserts made of its fragrant flowers are becoming increasingly popular in modern Swedish cuisine. Globally it has also been (re)discovered and the utilization of this plant is growing: its flowers are used to add flavor to soft drinks, salads, desserts and various dishes; berries are used for medicine and in cooking, especially with meats, and its future uses seem to be limited only by human imagination. Full article

Folate receptor alpha (FRα) is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) membrane-anchored protein containing three N-glycosylated residues at the N47, N139, and N179 termini. These glycosylation sites have been reported to be crucial for the receptor’s structural integrity and its ability to bind and internalize FA. Here, we investigated the role of FRα glycosylation in the binding and internalization efficacy of FA–DABA–SMA in pancreatic PANC-1 cancer cells. There is a strong association of the FA copolymer with FRα with a Pearson coefficient R-value of 0.7179. PANC-1 cancer cells were pretreated with maackia amurensis lectin II (MAL-2), sambucus Nigra lectin (SNA-1), peanut agglutinin (PNA), and wheat germ agglutinin lectin (WGA) at different doses followed by 20 kDa and 350 kDa FA–DABA–SMA loaded with coumarin 153 (C153). Increasing the dosage of MAL2, SNA-1, PNA, and WGA concomitantly and significantly increased the internalization of C153-loaded FA–DABA–SMA in the cells. The half maximal effective lectin concentrations (EC50) to induce cellular internalization into the cytoplasm of the lectins for MAL-2 were 35.88 µg/mL, 3.051 µg/mL for SNA-1, 7.883 µg/mL for PNA, and 0.898 µg/mL for WGA. Live cell imaging of the internalization of 20 kDa and 350 kDa FA copolymers indicated an aggregation of 350 kDa copolymer with FRα in the cytoplasm. In contrast, the 20 kDa FA copolymer remained in the membrane. The data indicate for the first time that the mobile positions of the glycosyl radical groups and the receptor tilt in generating steric hindrance impacted the individual FRα receptors in the binding and internalization of 350 kDa FA–DABA–SMA in cancer cells. Full article

The current research attempted to address the suitability of bioactive Sambucus nigra extract entrapped in albumin-decorated nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) as a promising “adjuvant” in improving tumour penetration for multiple antitumour therapy. The new hybrid albumin-decorated NLCs were characterised based on, e.g., the particle size, zeta electrokinetic potential, SambucusN entrapment efficiency, and fluorescence spectroscopy and tested for different formulation parameters. The antioxidant activity of NLC-SambucusN was significantly enhanced by a bovine serum albumin (BSA) polymer coating. According to the real-time cell analysis (RTCA) results, NLC-I–SambucusN–BSA behaved similarly to the chemotherapeutic drug, cisplatin, with cell viability for LoVo tumour cells of 21.81 ± 1.18%. The new albumin–NLC–SambucusN arrested cancer cells in G1 and G2 cycles and intensified the apoptosis process in both early and late phases. An advanced induction, over 50% apoptosis in LoVo colon cells, was registered for 50 μg/mL of NLC-II-SambucusN-BSA, a fourfold increase compared to that of untreated cells. RTCA and flow cytometry results showed that concentrations of the hybrid NLC–SambucusN up to 50 μg/mL do not affect the proliferation of normal HUVEC cells. This approach provides insightful information regarding the involvement of phytochemicals in future therapeutic strategies. Albumin-decorated NLCs can be considered a noteworthy strategy to be connected to antitumour therapeutic protocols. Full article

Disease’s severity, mortality rates, and common failures to achieve clinical improvement during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic exposed the emergency need for new antiviral therapeutics with higher efficacy and fewer adverse effects. This study explores the potential to encapsulate multi-component plant extracts in liposomes as optimized delivery systems and to verify if they exert inhibitory effects against human seasonal betacoronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) in vitro. The selection of Sambucus nigra, Potentilla reptans, Allium sativum, Aesculus hippocastanum, and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. plant extracts was based on their established pharmacological and antiviral properties. The physicochemical characterization of extract-loaded liposomes was conducted by DLS and electrokinetics. Encapsulated amounts of the extract were evaluated based on the total flavonoid content (TFC) and total polyphenol content (TPC) by colorimetric methods. The BALB 3T3 neutral red uptake (NRU) phototoxicity/cytotoxicity assay was used to estimate compounds’ safety. Photo irritation factors (PIFs) of the liposomes containing extracts were <2 which assigned them as non-phototoxic substances. The antiviral capacities of liposomes containing medicinal plant extracts against HCoV-OC43 were measured by the cytopathic effect inhibition test in susceptible HCT-8 cells. The antiviral activity increased by several times compared to “naked” extracts’ activity reported previously. A. hippocastanum extract showed 16 times higher inhibitory properties reaching a selectivity index (SI) of 58.96. Virucidal and virus-adsorption effects were investigated using the endpoint dilution method and ∆lgs comparison with infected and untreated controls. The results confirmed that nanoparticles do not directly affect the viral surface or cell membrane, but only serve as carriers of the active substances and the observed protection is due solely to the intracellular action of the extracts. Full article

Polymer-based dressings deriving from natural biomaterials have advantages such as nontoxicity, biocompatibility, and mechanical stability, which are essential for efficient wound healing and microbial infection diagnostics. Here, we designed a prototype of an intelligent hydrogel dressing on the base of bacterial cellulose (BC) for monitoring wound microbial infection due to the uploaded natural pH dye-sensor, anthocyanins (ANC) of elderberry fruit (Sambucus nigra L.). The highest sensor responses to bacterial metabolites for ANC immobilized to BC were observed at pH 5.0 and 6.0. The detection limit of the sensor signals was 3.45 A.U., as it was evaluated with a smartphone-installed application. The FTIR spectral analysis of the hybrid BC/ANC hydrogel films has proved the presence of anthocyanins within the BC matrix. Hybrid films differed from the control ones by thicker microfibrils and larger pores, as detected with scanning electron microscopy. Halochromic BC/ANC films exhibited antimicrobial activities mainly against gram-positive bacteria and yeast. They showed no cytotoxicity for the in vitro human cell lines and mouse fibroblasts within a selected range of anthocyanin concentrations released from the BC/ANC film/dressing prototype. Compared to the control, the in vitro healing test showed overgrowth of primary mouse fibroblasts after applying 0.024–2.4 µg/mL ANC. Full article