Analysis of Sambucus ebulus L. (dwarf elder) fruit extracts for their chemical composition and antioxidant potential, as well as their antibacterial activity against Trichophyton rubrum (Castell.) Sabour and other microorganisms

Abstract

Purpose and Background: Sambucus ebulus L. has a long history of use in Anatolian traditional medicine. Based on
traditional use, this research aims to explore the phytochemical composition, antibacterial activities, and antioxidant
activities of S. ebulus fruit extracts, as well as their antifungal capabilities against Trichophyton rubrum (Castell.)
Sabour.
The fruits of S. ebulus were used to make two different extracts. We used LC-MS/MS to determine the phytochemical
makeup of the fruit extracts of S. ebulus. We used the broth microdilution technique to test the antibacterial activity
against a panel of microorganisms. Furthermore, the disc diffusion technique was used to assess the antifungal activity
of S. ebulus extracts against three yeasts and T. rubrum in vitro.
The main components found in the dried fruit methanol extract (DFM) were identified as hederagenin (5.38±0.4949
μg/g) and fumaric acid (3.06±0.0275 μg/g). The most prevalent ingredient in the fresh fruit juice (FFJ) was found to
be fumaric acid, with a concentration of 3.97±0.0357μg/g. The extracts included hitherto unseen compounds including
acacetin, chrysin, eupatilin, hederagenin, isosakuranetin, myricitrin, and rhamnocitrin. Both E. coli and Candida
tropicalis were moderately inhibited by DFM, with MIC values of 625 mg/L and 312.5 mg/L, respectively. Both
extracts were ineffective against Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis, with MIC values of 1250 mg/L;
however, T. rubrum proved to be resistant to both extracts. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was measured
using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical cleaning technique. With an IC50 value of 5.941±0.236
µg/mL and 7.893±0.939 µg/mL, respectively, DFM and FFJ demonstrated potent antioxidant activity against DPPH
radicals.
In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that S. ebulus fruits could not be used in antifungal topical formulations,
despite the fact that locals use them to cure nail fungus (onychomycosis). Furthermore, the antibacterial activity
outcome is consistent with previous research in this area.