Fractioned High Pressure Extraction of Anthocyanins from Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) Pomace

Fractionated high pressure extractions from dry and in natura elderberry pomace were performed in order to obtain anthocyanin rich extracts. Experiments were carried out using CO(2) supercritical fluid extraction followed by enhanced solvent extraction (ESE) with CO(2)/EtOH-H(2)O mixtures (1-100%, v/v), to obtain anthocyanin rich fractions in the second step, at 313 K and similar to 20 MPa. Higher extract yields, anthocyanin contents and antioxidant activities occurred by the presence of water, both in the raw material and in the solvent mixture. The CO(2) dissolved in the ESE solvent mixture favored either anthocyanin contents or antioxidant activities, which were not directly related. Comparing to the literature data for elderberries and grapes, these fractions had higher anthocyanins contents. From these results, an added economical value to this agroindustrial residue is proposed, using solvents and techniques "generally regarded as safe" in the food and pharmaceutical industries.