Some biochemical characteristics of fruit samples of Sambucus nigra genotypes from Northeastern Turkey

Abstract

There are numerous wild edible fruit species in the world and they are important components of dietary utilization, local pharmacopoeia, cultural and religious practices of indigenous people. In this study, some important berry characteristics of seven seed propagated black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) genotypes sampled from Rize province, Turkey, were assessed. The genotypes exhibited a great diversity on most of the biochemical characteristics. Berries of genotypes showed moderate Vitamin C content ranged from 26 to 38 mg per 100 g fresh weight. Total phenolic and total anthocyanin content in fruits of the S. nigra genotypes has also high value ranged from 360 to 447 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per 100 g fresh weight and 307 to 412 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent per 100 g fresh berry, respectively. Antioxidant activity was found between 5.28 and 7.11 mmol trolox equivalent per 100 g fresh weight basis. Citric acid and fructose determined as major organic acid and sugar for all genotypes. For its high vitamin C, total anthocyanin and total phenolic content and high antioxidant activity of fruits of wild grown S. nigra may have provide many health benefits and can be domesticated to establish orchards in Turkey.