Chemical profiling and UHPLC-QToF analysis for the simultaneous determination of anthocyanins and flavonoids in Sambucus berries and authentication and detection of adulteration in elderberry dietary supplements using UHPLC-PDA-MS

This work was initiated to develop a simple, quick, and reliable UHPLC-PDA-MS method identify chemical markers for authentication compare fruit samples of four elder species, Sambucus nigra, S. ebulus, canadensis, cerulea. The UHPLC showed an adequate separation 11 compounds including anthocyanins, phenolic acids, flavonoids in berries the species. Quantification, detection limits, precision, accuracy as well robustness were determined. analysis 55 different species distinct phytochemical fingerprints. Thirty-one dietary supplements claiming contain nigra extract analyzed determine authenticity. Ten (32%) 31 products complied with label contained only elderberry. application UHPLC-QToF provided useful information characterize seventy-three that can be used distinguish among also help presence adulterants. Extracts black rice (Oryza sativa) identified main adulterants supplements, although other undeclared ingredients such extracts purple carrot (Daucus carota ssp. sativus var. atrorubens) flowers found instead berry two products. In addition adulterated based on comparison profiles anthocyanin flavonoids, developed methods quality assessment both bulk raw material supplements.