Detection of anthocyanins from elderberry juice in human urine

Abstract Anthocyanins are not only known because of their colouring properties but also for their strong antioxidative capacity. This study shows that anthocyanins from elderberry ( Sambucus nigra ) are excreted in human urine in low but detectable amounts. The total excreted amount after oral uptake of 500 mg of anthocyanins was between 5 and 14 µg when spray‐dried elderberry juice was ingested without any other nutrients except water. Additionally, within the small group of seven persons studied, two subgroups could be identified that showed significant differences in the excretion kinetics of the cyanidin derivatives. Within 1 h the first anthocyanins were excreted, with a maximum after 3–4 h and a decrease thereafter. The results indicate that anthocyanins from elderberry are incorporated and excreted in urine in their intact glycosidic forms. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry