Phytochemical stability and bioavailability of black mulberry, chokeberry, and elderberry during gastrointestinal digestion and their implications for human nutrition

Understanding the fate of bioactive compounds during human digestion is crucial for translating berry consumption into actual health benefits. In this study, we investigated the effects of different digestion methods and gastrointestinal environments on the phytochemical content and antioxidant capacity of the black mulberry (BMF), chokeberry (CF), and Elderberry (EF) fruit and leaf samples. Pre-digest and digest methods were applied to evaluate changes in phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity under simulated oral, gastric, and intestinal conditions. Based on our findings, elderberry demonstrated the highest total phenolic content in the intestinal phase (44.0 mg GAE/g), while chokeberry showed the highest antioxidant capacity, with cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) values of 134.3 mg TE/g and 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline 6-sulfonate) (ABTS) of 104.8 mg TE/g. Anthocyanin stability analysis revealed severe degradation of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside during digestion, with reductions of 68.9%, 70.4%, and 82.7% in oral, gastric, and intestinal phases respectively from initial concentrations of 2106.12 mg/100g. Notably, quercetin content increased dramatically from 0.8-0.9 mg/100g to 16.8 mg/100g in BMF during intestinal digestion, while catechin showed substantial reduction from 1151.4 mg/100g in elderberry samples. This research elucidates the complex dynamics of phytochemical stability and bioavailability during gastrointestinal digestion, providing valuable insights for understanding the potential health benefits of these berries in human nutrition and suggesting opportunities for developing targeted delivery systems to enhance the stability of beneficial compounds throughout the digestive process.