Investigation of Anthocyanin Profile of Four Elderberry Species and Interspecific Hybrids

A total of 19 different anthocyanins have been detected in four elderberry species and eight hybrids and quantified with the use of HPLC-MS(n). The profile and content levels of anthocyanins varied considerably among the analyzed elderberry species and hybrids. Cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside were the most abundant anthocyanins in Sambucus nigra fruits. On the other hand, the prevalent anthocyanin in S. javanica hybrids was identified as cyanidin-3-(E)-p-coumaroyl-sambubioside-5-glucoside. The highest content of total analyzed anthocyanins (TAA) was determined in berries of the interspecific hybrid S. javanica × S. racemosa, followed by S. nigra, (S. javanica × S. nigra) × cv. Black Beauty, and (S. javanica × S. nigra) × S. cerulea. Berries of S. nigra var. viridis contained significantly lower levels of TAA. Our results provide novel information for nutritional research in addition to breeding programs, which strive to create new hybrids or cultivars with enhanced levels of bioactive components.