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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Booneville, Arkansas » Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #395346
Research Project: Sustainable Small Farm and Organic Grass and Forage Production Systems for Livestock and Agroforestry

Location: Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center

Title: Cyanogenic glycoside analysis in American elderberry

Author
item APPENTENG, M - University Of Missouri
item KRUEGER, R - University Of Missouri
item JOHNSON, M - University Of Missouri
item INGOLD, H - University Of Missouri
item BELL, R - Truman State University
item THOMAS, A - University Of Missouri
item GREENLIEF, C - University Of Missouri

Submitted to: Molecules
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/1/2021
Publication Date: 3/4/2021
Citation: Appenteng, M.K., Krueger, R., Johnson, M.C., Ingold, H., Bell, R., Thomas, A.L., Greenlief, C.M. 2021. Cyanogenic glycoside analysis in American elderberry. Molecules. 26:1384. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26051384.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26051384

Interpretive Summary: Cyanogenic glycosides are naturally occurring plant molecules that have the potential to release a chemical that is toxic to humans when consumed. It is unclear the extent to which this substance might be present in American elderberry (an edible fruit) because the proper methods for analysis had not previously been developed. This study reports on the development of a reproducible and robust method to determine the potential for toxic levels of these substances in American elderberry. Concentration levels in stems, seeds, and berries were found to be generally low and at a level that poses no threat to consumers.

Technical Abstract: Cyanogenic glycosides (CNGs) are naturally occurring plant molecules (nitrogenous plant secondary metabolites) which consist of an aglycone and a sugar moiety. Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is released from these compounds following enzymatic hydrolysis causing potential toxicity issues. The presence of CNGs in American elderberry (AE) fruit, Sambucus nigra (subsp. anadensis), is uncertain. A sensitive, reproducible and robust LC-MS/MS method was developed and optimized for accurate identification and quantification of the intact glycoside. A complimentary picrate paper test method was modified to determine the total cyanogenic potential (TCP). TCP analysis was performed using a camera-phone and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. A method validation was conducted and the developed methods were successfully applied to the assessment of TCP and quantification of intact CNGs in different tissues of AE samples. Results showed no quantifiable trace of CNGs in commercial AE juice. Levels of CNGs found in various fruit tissues of AE cultivars studied ranged from between 0.12 and 6.38 g/g. In pressed juice samples, the concentration range measured was 0.29–2.36 g/mL and in seeds the levels were 0.12–2.38 g/g. TCP was highest in the stems and green berries. Concentration levels in all tissues were generally low and at a level that poses no threat to consumers of fresh and processed AE products.