Elderflowers (Sambuci flos L.): A Potential Source of Health-Promoting Components

Elderflowers are used for both culinary and health purposes. Their composition and, therefore, their properties depend on the variety from which they were obtained. The aim of this study was to compare six cultivated varieties with the wild form. The research included determining the basic chemical composition, bioactive ingredients and antioxidant activity. This research confirms that elderberry flowers are rich in bioactive ingredients. The wild form turned out to be the most rich in bioactive ingredients, while among the tested varieties it was 'Weihenstephan'; both of these forms were characterized by a high content of polyphenols (394.36 and 377.75 mg/100 g dm, respectively) and antioxidant activity. The PCA analysis showed general differences in the chemical composition of elderberry flowers, depending on the variety, in relation to 23 variables, as well as showing their mutual correlations and the strength of their influence on the PCA model.