Berry Lipophilic Constituents from Three Important Sambucus nigra Cultivars Grown in Portugal - Preliminary Results

Lipophilic constituents (triterpenoids, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and sterols) from the berries of the three major Sambucus nigra L. cultivars grown in Portugal ('Sabugueira', 'Sabugueiro', and 'Bastardeira') were characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Triterpenoids were the most abundant constituents, accounting for up to 92% of the lipophilic extract in all studied cultivars. Our preliminary results indicated that ursolic and oleanolic acid were the major triterpenoids identified, accounting for 1403 to 2080 mg/kg dry weight for the cultivars 'Sabugueiro' and 'Sabugueira', respectively. All cultivars under study presented a similar lipophilic profile, however significant differences (p