Research Article

Matrix-Dependent Antimicrobial Effects of Elderberry Extract and Juice in Protein-Rich Foods

Volume: 15 Number: 2 June 30, 2026

Matrix-Dependent Antimicrobial Effects of Elderberry Extract and Juice in Protein-Rich Foods

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: Microbial spoilage is often controlled with synthetic preservatives in protein-rich foods. Although elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.), rich in phenolics and anthocyanins, has strong antimicrobial potential, its effects in different food matrices have not yet been adequately investigated. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the antimicrobial activity of elderberry ethanol extract (EE) and elderberry juice (EJ) in yoghurt, curd cheese, and fish cutlets. Materials and Methods: EE and EJ were prepared from dried elderberries and tested at 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.75%, and 1% in yogurt, curd cheese, and fish cutlets stored at 4 °C for 14 days. Microbial loads were measured on days 1, 7, and 14 using plate counts, expressed as log CFU/g. Data were analyzed with Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis H tests. Results: EE had a higher °Brix value (39.8 °Bx) than EJ (10.2 °Bx), indicating more soluble solids. EE and EJ produced matrix-dependent antimicrobial effects. EE showed stronger inhibition in curd cheese and fish cutlets, especially at higher doses, while EJ was more effective in reducing mold-yeast load in yogurt. Meaningful reductions appeared mainly at ≥0.75%. Conclusion: Elderberry juice and ethanol extract demonstrated matrix-dependent antimicrobial effects, indicating their potential as natural preservatives in protein-rich foods. Keywords: Sambucus, Plant extract, Food microbiology, Food preservatives

Keywords

Supporting Institution

The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) – 2209-A University Students Research Projects Support Program

Ethical Statement

As the study did not involve human subjects, human samples, personal data, or animals, ethical committee approval was not required.

Thanks

This study was supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) under the 2209-A University Students Research Projects Support Program.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Nutrition and Dietetics (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

June 30, 2026

Submission Date

March 10, 2026

Acceptance Date

June 5, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 15 Number: 2

APA
Akduman, G., Korkmaz, İ., Albayrak, R., Turan, Ş., Karaduman, Ş., Taşkın, T., & Güneş, F. E. (2026). Matrix-Dependent Antimicrobial Effects of Elderberry Extract and Juice in Protein-Rich Foods. Balıkesir Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, 15(2), 302-310. https://doi.org/10.53424/balikesirsbd.1905979
AMA
1.Akduman G, Korkmaz İ, Albayrak R, et al. Matrix-Dependent Antimicrobial Effects of Elderberry Extract and Juice in Protein-Rich Foods. BAUN Health Sci J. 2026;15(2):302-310. doi:10.53424/balikesirsbd.1905979
Chicago
Akduman, Gul, İrem Korkmaz, Rumeysa Albayrak, et al. 2026. “Matrix-Dependent Antimicrobial Effects of Elderberry Extract and Juice in Protein-Rich Foods”. Balıkesir Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 15 (2): 302-10. https://doi.org/10.53424/balikesirsbd.1905979.
EndNote
Akduman G, Korkmaz İ, Albayrak R, Turan Ş, Karaduman Ş, Taşkın T, Güneş FE (June 1, 2026) Matrix-Dependent Antimicrobial Effects of Elderberry Extract and Juice in Protein-Rich Foods. Balıkesir Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 15 2 302–310.
IEEE
[1]G. Akduman et al., “Matrix-Dependent Antimicrobial Effects of Elderberry Extract and Juice in Protein-Rich Foods”, BAUN Health Sci J, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 302–310, June 2026, doi: 10.53424/balikesirsbd.1905979.
ISNAD
Akduman, Gul - Korkmaz, İrem - Albayrak, Rumeysa - Turan, Şeyda - Karaduman, Şükran - Taşkın, Turgut - Güneş, Fatma Esra. “Matrix-Dependent Antimicrobial Effects of Elderberry Extract and Juice in Protein-Rich Foods”. Balıkesir Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 15/2 (June 1, 2026): 302-310. https://doi.org/10.53424/balikesirsbd.1905979.
JAMA
1.Akduman G, Korkmaz İ, Albayrak R, Turan Ş, Karaduman Ş, Taşkın T, Güneş FE. Matrix-Dependent Antimicrobial Effects of Elderberry Extract and Juice in Protein-Rich Foods. BAUN Health Sci J. 2026;15:302–310.
MLA
Akduman, Gul, et al. “Matrix-Dependent Antimicrobial Effects of Elderberry Extract and Juice in Protein-Rich Foods”. Balıkesir Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, vol. 15, no. 2, June 2026, pp. 302-10, doi:10.53424/balikesirsbd.1905979.
Vancouver
1.Gul Akduman, İrem Korkmaz, Rumeysa Albayrak, Şeyda Turan, Şükran Karaduman, Turgut Taşkın, Fatma Esra Güneş. Matrix-Dependent Antimicrobial Effects of Elderberry Extract and Juice in Protein-Rich Foods. BAUN Health Sci J. 2026 Jun. 1;15(2):302-10. doi:10.53424/balikesirsbd.1905979

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