The objective of this study was simultaneous extraction and encapsulation of cornelian cherry active principles. As an encapsulating agent, beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) was used to enhance the ultrasound-assisted extraction of cornelian cherry polyphenols and iridoids. Lyophilized cornelian cherry fruit was extracted by four different solvents: pure water, 50% aqueous ethanol (conventional system), 1.5% beta-CD water solution and 1.5% beta-CD aqueous ethanol solution. The highest enhancement of the extraction efficiency was observed for flavonoids and anthocyanins, especially for cyaniding 3-galactoside and pelargonidin 3-galactoside. Water-ethanolic extract was used to form inclusion complexes between beta-CD and cornelian cherry bioactives in the solid form. The encapsulation efficiency of cornelian cherry polyphenols in beta-CD was 65.62%. Due to the polyphenol encapsulation within beta-CD, the extract showed better solubility in water, higher antioxidant power (for 40.61%), and the release of anthocyanins from the dried powder was prolonged for 50% in the first 2 h making it suitable for diverse applications in food and pharmaceutical industries.
