Phenolic compounds from elderberries (Sambucus nigra L.) have attracted attention due
to their potential health benefits. This paper examines different extraction methods used to obtain
phenolic compounds from these fruits and the stability of the extracts. Several extraction techniques
(extraction with continuous agitation, ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction,
maceration, and enzyme-assisted extraction) were tested and compared to evaluate the yield and
the quality of the extracts. The stability of the extracts with various storage parameters (time and
temperature) and processing conditions (concentration and lyophilization) was also investigated.
The results showed that ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) provided the highest yield of total
phenolic compounds (74.89 mg GAE/g), of which 71.23% were represented by total anthocyanins
and 62.50% by monomeric anthocyanins, with total flavonoids of 8.11–9.41 mg RUE/g. The analysis
of individual phenolic compounds reconfirms the efficiency of UAE, obtaining 0.42–0.09 mg/g gallic
acid, 0.59–0.01 mg/g chlorogenic acid, 0.17–0.03 mg/g 4-coumaric acid, and 2.43–0.01 mg/g rutin.
The optimization of the extraction conditions led to the conclusion that the best solvent is 45% ethanol
(v/v), and the optimal parameters are 40 ◦C for 40 min. It was also found that the stability of the
extracts can be high during long periods of time (even after 180 days). These findings contribute
to the understanding of the optimization of extraction processes and storage conditions to obtain
extracts rich in phenolic compounds from elderberries, with potential uses in pharmaceutical and
food applications.
