Phenolic compounds in floral infusions of various Sambucus species and their interspecific hybrids

The main purpose of the present study was to evaluate the diversity and content of various phenolic compounds in floral infusions of 14 elderberry genotypes (3 species and 9 interspecific hybrids). Detailed phenolic analysis was performed using HPLC-MS. Hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) were the major phenolic group identified and 3-, 4-, and 5-caffeoylquinic acids were detected in infusions prepared from all analyzed species and interspecific hybrids. Several flavonols were identified in elderberry floral infusions: 8 isorhamnetin derivatives, 6 quercetin derivatives, 2 flavanones, and 6 kaempferol derivatives. The main flavonols detected in all samples were isorhamnetin-3-rutinoside, isorhamnetin dihexoside, quercetin-3-rutinoside, kaempferol-3-rutinoside, and kaempferol dihexoside. The highest levels of flavonols and hydroxycinnamic acids were measured in interspecific hybrid infusions of Sambucus javanica x S. cerulea, (S. javanica x S. nigra) x S. nigra cv. Black Beauty, (S. javanica x S. nigra) x S. nigra, and S. javanica x S. racemosa.