Botanical and Morphological Characterization of Elderberry (Sambucus ebulus L.) Distributed in the Adjara–Guria Ecosystems and Comparative Analysis of the Phytochemical and Pharmacological Potential of Its Leaves
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52340/ijch.2026.03.06Keywords:
Sambucus ebulus L., phytochemical analysis, morphology, pharmacological potential, qualityAbstract
The aim of the study was to investigate the botanical and morphological characteristics, phytochemical profile, and multi-element composition of the leaves of dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus L.) distributed in the Adjara–Guria ecosystems, and to comparatively assess their functional and pharmacological potential. The research materials consisted of elder leaves collected from the villages of Charnali, Tkhilnari, and Dzimiti.
The study included the determination of extractive substances, tannins, catechins, total acidity, vitamin C, pectic substances, and total ash content. In addition, the contents of macroelements, microelements, and toxic elements were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES).
According to the research results, samples collected from Tkhilnari were distinguished by high contents of extractive substances and soluble pectin, while the Charnali samples showed elevated levels of catechins and total pectin. The Dzimiti samples were characterized by high concentrations of tannins, mineral substances, iron, calcium, and magnesium. The concentrations of toxic elements were low in all samples and did not exceed permissible limits, indicating the ecological safety of the plant material.
The findings demonstrated that the ecological, soil, and climatic conditions of different locations significantly influence the chemical composition and biological activity of Sambucus ebulus L. leaves. Elder leaves represent an important source of biologically active compounds and a promising raw material for the production of functional foods, phytopharmaceuticals, and therapeutic-preventive products. Among the studied samples, those collected from Dzimiti exhibited the highest functional and pharmacological value due to their richness in both mineral constituents and pharmacologically active compounds.
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