# From Elderflower to Bioactive Extracts: Phytochemical Characterization and Anti-Inflammatory Activity

## TL;DR

This study identifies the best method to extract anti-inflammatory compounds from elderflowers, showing that solvent choice strongly affects the results.

## Contribution

The study introduces an optimized extraction method for elderflower bioactives and links naringenin to anti-inflammatory effects.

## Key findings

- UAE with ethanol–water mixture (1:1, v/v) for 20 min yielded the highest rutin and chlorogenic acid recovery.
- Anhydrous ethanolic extracts significantly inhibited NF-κB pathway activation in keratinocytes.
- Naringenin was identified as a key contributor to the anti-inflammatory activity via PLS-DA analysis.

## Abstract

This study provides a phytochemical characterization of Sambucus nigra L. (elderflower) and correlates its chemical profile with anti-inflammatory bioactivity, establishing an optimized extraction methodology. A comparative analysis of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), and shaking maceration was conducted using solvents of varying polarity (ethanol, ethanol–water mixture (1:1, v/v), and water). High-resolution fingerprinting via HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS confirmed a rich polyphenolic profile, dominated by flavonoids such as rutin, naringenin, and phenolic acids, notably chlorogenic acid. Quantitative analysis revealed that UAE with ethanol–water mixture (1:1, v/v) for 20 min yielded the highest recovery of rutin (4.87%) and chlorogenic acid (8.22%). The anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated in TNFα-stimulated HaCaT NF-κB Luc reporter keratinocytes. Anhydrous ethanolic extracts demonstrated superior efficacy, significantly inhibiting NF-κB pathway activation at non-cytotoxic concentrations. Chemometric analysis, specifically PLS-DA, identified naringenin as a principal contributor to this observed anti-inflammatory effect. These findings underscore the critical role of solvent selection in modulating the phytochemical composition and resultant bioefficacy of elderflower extracts. The potent, naringenin-driven inhibition of NF-κB in keratinocytes highlights the significant therapeutic potential of optimized S. nigra extracts for applications in dermatological and cosmetic formulations aimed at managing inflammatory skin disorders.