Phytochemical Profiling and Antiviral Potential of Elderberry (Sambucus Nigra) Extract against Herpes Simplex Virus and Human Papillomavirus: A Nutraceutical Approach

Karamot O. Oyediran; Peace-Ofonabasi Bassey; Deborah A.  Ogundemuren; Chukwuemeka P. Azubuike; Margaret.O. Ilomuanya

doi:10.35516/jjps.v19i1.3360

Authors

Karamot O. Oyediran Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, PMB 12003, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
Peace-Ofonabasi Bassey Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, PMB 12003, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
Deborah A. Ogundemuren Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, PMB 12003, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
Chukwuemeka P. Azubuike Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, PMB 12003, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
Margaret.O. Ilomuanya 1 Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, PMB 12003, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria 2 MEDAFRICA GMP Laboratory Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, PMB 12003, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35516/jjps.v19i1.3360

Keywords:

Elderberry Extract, Phytochemicals, GC-MC analysis, antiviral potential, Herpes simplex virus

Abstract

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, including viral infections. However, the scientific evidence for its antiviral activity herpes simplex virus (HSV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) is scarce and inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of elderberry extract against HSV and HPV from a nutraceutical stand point by analyzing its phytochemical constituents. The volatile components of sambucol® was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, the phytochemicals were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the proximate properties were measured. The GC-MS analysis of the black elderberry fruit extract revealed 58 unique compounds, the most abundant compound was 2-furanmethanol. The extract contained high amounts of vitamin C, B1, B6, B3, A and D3 vitamins, and phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. The extract also exhibited good nutritional value, with high levels of protein, fiber, and minerals. Black elderberry extract has robust chemical components with efficacy against viral infections and high potential for use in herpes simplex and human papillova virus management. However, further exploration of the activity of active chemical moieties identified should be carried out using in vivo and in vitro methods to elucidate this effect, mechanism and safety.

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