## 1 Introduction  
The genus _Elaengus_ includes 98 species belonging to the Elaeagnaceae family [1]. This family includes shrubs and small trees that produce fruits with a nutritional and ornamental value. Japanese silverberry (_Elaengus umbellata_ Thunb), also known as autumn olive or goumi, is a deciduous small tree widely used along highways, as the hedges provide a protective screen against wind, and to prevent soil erosion [2]. Due to its ornamental value, drought tolerance, adaptability to different environments, and compact structure, it is grown in urban areas as a hedge [3]. Locally, it is employed for making artefacts such as fencing, fodder, and baskets and as a fuel wood [4]. Originally from Southern Europe, Central and Meridional Asia, it grows wild in its native range as a shrub, where the topographic features of the area limit the cultivation of extensive crops [5]. The autumn olive produces almost spherical fruits called pseudodrupes: 7 mm long and deep-red at fully ripening stage, highly attractive to birds, and locally used for human consumption. The fruit is astringent until ripe, when it acquires a sweet-tart flavor. Pseudodrupes can be consumed fresh or processed for preserves, juices, fruit rolls, and conditions [6]. They are composed of 69.4% moisture, 14.5% total soluble solids, 8.34% total sugars, and 1.51% acids. The content of ash, expression of the total mineral content, is 1.045% [7]. The berries are rich in oil, 7.43-8.11 g/100 g and 5.84-6.11 g/100 g, respectively, in pulp and seed. The composition of these oils contains vitamin E (tocopherol) and phytosterols, which could have significant values in medicine [4]. In the native range of the species, relevant medical value is attributed to the berries. Inhabitants used to eat them, either raw or cooked, as a remedy to reduce blood pressure, against coughs, and for pulmonary infections [7]. Recent studies have shown the antibacterial activity of aqueous extracts from fruits of _E. umbellata_ in inhibiting the growth of _Staphylococcus aureus_ and _Escherichia coli_[8]. In some areas of China, Japan, and Korea the fruits of _E. umbellata_ are incorporated into the local diet, due to their putative health benefits [9]. Little information is available regarding the cultivation of _E. umbellata_. It is considered an invasive exotic species in multiple American states [3]. Until the early 1990s, there were only four recognized cultivars in the US, that mainly differed due to their adaptations to different climatic regions [10]. In the last few years, new cultivars were selected based on the color of the berries. In Italy, this species is mainly used for ornamental purposes, as it can easily grow over 2 m, has little white flowers with intense scent, and does not require specific plant care. Indeed, autumn olive is a very rustic tree, resistant to cold temperatures and drought, and highly tolerant to pruning. Cultivation areas also include coastal zones, since autumn olive can grow at high soil salt concentrations [11]. The berries are consumed fresh, a tradition derived from tropical and temperate Asia, the native area of the species [12]. Few cultivars are available on the market, mainly selected and registered in North European regions over the last years, which underlines the marginal role of the cultivation of _E. umbellata_. Thus far, few studies have explored the antioxidant and bioactive compounds of autumn olive. Berries are a valuable source of carotenoids such as lycopene, \(\alpha\)-cryptoxanthin, \(\beta\)-cryptoxanthin, \(\beta\)-carotene, lutein, phytoene, and phytofluene. Regarding lycopene (15-54 mg/100 g), the concentration is rather higher than in fresh tomato fruits [13]. Scientific research has reported on the anticancer efficacy of lycopene, represented by a high singlet oxygen quenching ability, twice that of \(\beta\)-carotene and 10 times that of \(\alpha\)-tocopherol [5].