Aronia melanocarpa phenolics and their antioxidant activity

Comparative Evaluation of Conventional and Emerging Maceration Techniques for Enhancing Bioactive Compounds in Aronia Juice

Ultrasound and microwave maceration techniques have been utilised to lower production costs and reduce processing time, while also preventing the degradation of nutrients like phenolics and vitamin C and preserving physical properties such as colour and viscosity. In this study, the effects of several traditional (cold, enzymatic, and thermal) and innovative (ultrasonic and microwave) maceration methods on some quality parameters of aronia juice were investigated. Microwave maceration significantly impacted the soluble solids content of the analysed juices and resulted in noticeably darker juice samples compared to the controls, with lower L*/lightness (20.1) and b*/blue-yellowness (-3.2) values and an increased a*/redness value (1.7). Different maceration methods also significantly impacted the rheological properties of the treated juices, among which MW treatment consistently showed a higher viscosity. Sorbitol and fructose were the main sugars identified, while malic acid and quinic acid accounted for 85% of the total acid content. Significant increases in the total sugar and acid concentrations were obtained in the juice samples from ultrasonic, microwave, and enzymatic maceration, while thermomaceration had no significant effect. The concentration of total phenolics ranged from 6.45 g/L in the thermomaceration samples to 9.86 and 14.07 g/L in the ultrasonic and microwave samples, respectively. The obtained results suggest that ultrasonic and microwave technologies were superior in terms of colour improvement and the extraction of sugars, acids, and phenolic compounds compared to traditional maceration methods. Ultrasound and microwave technologies present possible approaches to the improvement of aronia juice production in comparison to traditional methods.

Biodiversity in nutrients and biological activities of 14 highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) cultivars

The present study aimed to identify nutrients (UPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS, HPLC-RI method) and biological activities (antioxidant activity to reduce Fe3+ and ABTS·+, pancreatic lipase inhibitory effect, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase, anti-bacterial) of 14 highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) cultivars (Northern type) as well as a principal component analysis (PCA) to assess the variation of these properties in the context of biodiversity. Most of the cultivars in this research have been first presented in this paper. Phytochemical profiling of the tested highbush blueberry fruit revealed 75 bioactive compounds, including 5 macroelements, 7 microelements, 7 monophosphate nucleotides, 15 anthocyanins, 1 phenolic acid, 14 flavonols, 11 essential amino acids, 8 non-essential amino acids, 2 sugars, 7 organic acids. The PCA showed that the profile and contents of the analyzed compounds as well as their anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity potentials depended significantly on the tested cultivars. Thus, the study provides comprehensive data on cultivar-specific biodiversity and correlations that can be used to design novel extracts rich in polyphenolic, amino acids, and/or minerals extracts from the selected cultivars of highbush blueberry as natural and alternative sources to fulfill the growing industry demand for supplements, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceutical products.

Quality control and evaluation of Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) by three-wavelength fusion fingerprinting and electrochemical fingerprinting combined with antioxidant activity analysis

In this study, Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) was used as an example to provide reference for improving the safety, efficacy and quality consistency of homologous foods. In this study, two quality markers (Q-markers) of 27 batches of Black chokeberry were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and there were some differences among the 27 samples. Origin B samples had the highest levels of Q-markers for S15, and origin C had lower than average levels overall. Samples were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively by Systematic Quantitative Fingerprinting (SQFM). Subsequently, a three-wavelength fusion analysis (TWFP) was established on the chromatographic data to compensate for the lack of a single wavelength. Fourteen batches of TWFP samples were rated at Level 5 or above in the SQFM assessment, indicating that there is some variation in the content of samples from different origins. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to observe the differences in chemical composition and content of TWFP samples. Subsequently, electrochemical fingerprinting (ECFP) was established and nine characteristic parameters were recorded, showing that the samples were suppressed for all electrochemical Belousov-Zhabotinsky oscillation systems (B-Z oscillation systems). Finally, antioxidant tests were performed using DPPH. The antioxidant capacity was predicted using Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis with R2Y = 0.84, Q2 = 0.77, a good model fit and accurate prediction. The fingerprint-potency relationship between IC50-peak area showed that 17 of the 19 shared peaks were negatively correlated, indicating that 17 peaks contributed significantly to the antioxidant. The methods established in this study for the determination of TWFP and ECFP, as well as the spectral relationships with peak area and IC50, can be used for the quality inspection and antioxidant capacity test of Black chokeberry, which provides a new research direction for improving the quality standard of medicinal and foodstuffs.

Development of Functional Foods: A Comparative Study on the Polyphenols and Anthocyanins Content in Chokeberry and Blueberry Pomace Extracts and Their Antitumor Properties

Developing of functional foods is a promising strategy to reduce the increasing burden of colorectal cancer worldwide. Fruit pomace, particularly polyphenol and anthocyanin-rich chokeberry and blueberry, is a valuable ingredient for functional foods and nutraceuticals. Our study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects of chokeberry and blueberry pomace extracts on C2BBe1 colorectal carcinoma cells and explore the underlying signaling pathways. We analyzed both pomace extracts for total polyphenols and anthocyanins using Folin-Ciocalteu method and ultra-performance liquid chromatography, while antioxidative activity was assessed via the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging method. We evaluated the in vitro anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects using trypan blue exclusion, MTT and LDH assays, and assessed protein levels of p-Erk1/2, Akt-1, STAT1, STAT3, occludin, oxidized proteins, and MDA-protein adducts through western blotting, as well as analysis of a 37-plex panel of inflammatory markers. Chokeberry extracts exhibited higher total polyphenol content, anthocyanin levels, and antioxidative activity compared to blueberry extracts, however, blueberry extracts effects on cell viability and proliferation in C2BBe1 cells were stronger. Both fruit pomaces induced non-inflammatory cell death characterized by membrane integrity loss, beneficial in cancer therapy. Our data suggests chokeberry's cytotoxicity may be mediated by Erk signaling and Akt-1 inhibition, while blueberry uniquely decreased occludin levels. These berries pomaces' potential to mitigate cancer risks and enhance treatment efficacy is promising, warranting further investigation for functional foods development.

Preparation and Study of the Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Nano/Micromicellar Structures Containing Chokeberry Fruit Pomace Extracts Using Egg White and Egg Yolk

There is currently a growing interest in health-promoting foods. The beneficial effects of food on human health are actively promoted by health professionals and nutritionists. This growing awareness is influencing the increasing range of functional foods and the pursuit of more innovative solutions. Recent research indicates that spherical nanoparticles have the potential to be used as functional biomaterials in the food industry, particularly for encapsulating hydrophobic natural phytochemicals. Techniques and systems based on micro- and nano-encapsulation are of great importance in the food and pharmaceutical industries. It is of paramount importance that encapsulation materials are safe for use in food. The aim of this study was to obtain micelles containing extracts from chokeberry fruit pomace using egg yolk powder (EYP) for emulsification (as a source of lecithin) and egg white powder (EWP) for stabilisation. The structural properties of the micelles in the resulting powders were characterised using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed the presence of spherical micellar structures between 500 and 1000 nm in size. The water activity and water content of the obtained powders were determined, and the thermal (DSC) and antioxidant properties were investigated. The results indicated that the powder with the micellar structures had a higher stability compared to the powder obtained by simple mixing without the use of encapsulation techniques.

Agro-Industrial By-Products of Plant Origin: Therapeutic Uses as well as Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity

The importance of bioactive compounds in agro-industrial by-products of plant origin lies in their direct impacts on human health. These compounds have been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, contributing to disease prevention and strengthening the immune system. In particular, the antimicrobial action of these compounds emerges as an important tool in food preservation, providing natural alternatives to synthetic preservatives and contributing to combating antimicrobial resistance. Using agro-industrial by-products of plant origin not only addresses the need to reduce waste and promote sustainability but also inaugurates a new era in the formulation of functional foods. From fruit peels to pulps and seeds, these by-products are emerging as essential ingredients in the creation of products that can promote health. Continued research in this area will unveil new applications and properties of these by-products and open doors to a food paradigm in which health and sustainability converge, paving the way to a healthier and more equitable future. The present review presents an overview of our knowledge of agro-industrial by-products and some of their more relevant health-promoting bioactivities.

Comparative Analysis of Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) Fruit, Leaves, and Pomace for Their Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant Potential, and Polyphenol Bioaccessibility

The study aims to compare the nutrient composition, antioxidant potential, and polyphenol bioaccessibility of the fruit, leaves, and pomace of black chokeberry. Phytochemical characterization, antioxidant activity, and the effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the individual phenolic compounds of fruit, leaves, and pomace of black chokeberry were assessed. Results showed that leaves had a higher content of polyphenols (61.06 mg GAE/g dw), flavonoids (8.47 mg QE/g), and tocopherols (1172.20 mg/kg) than fruit (27.99 mg GAE/g dw polyphenols, 5.23 mg QE/g flavonoids, 38.48 mg/kg tocopherols) and pomace (22.94 mg GAE/g dw polyphenols, 1.89 mg QE/g flavonoids and 157.19 mg/kg tocopherols), with superior in vitro antioxidant activity. Chlorogenic acids were the dominant phenolic compounds in black chokeberry undigested samples (2.713 mg/g in fruit, 17.954 mg/g in leaves, and 1.415 mg/g in pomace) but are poorly absorbed (bioaccessibility index in intestinal phase of 28.84% for fruit, 8.81% for leaves, and 31.90% for pomace). Hydroxybenzoic acids were highly stable in leaves and fruit during simulated digestion and had high bioaccessibility. In conclusion, residues from black chokeberry processing are also valuable sources of bioactive compounds, but the pomace had higher polyphenol bioaccessibility than leaves and might be a promising supplement for the food industry.

Profile of Bioactive Components and Antioxidant Activity of Aronia melanocarpa Fruits at Various Stages of Their Growth, Using Chemometric Methods

Aronia (chokeberry, Aronia melanocarpa) is a valuable fruit that combines the health benefits of green tea and red wine and is gaining popularity worldwide. Aronia has a unique chemical composition with strong antioxidant properties, including anthocyanins and chlorogenic acids (CGAs). However, it remains unclear which specific compounds or groups are primarily responsible for the antioxidant properties of chokeberry. Therefore, an analysis of the antioxidant properties of aronia berries based on geographical region and their variability during ripening (from green to frostbitten fruit) was conducted. The fruits were collected from three locations for two years. The aim of our work was to identify the compounds responsible for the antioxidant properties of aronia berry extracts by using chemometric methods. The analyses of anthocyanins and CGAs were performed using HPLC-DAD, and the antioxidant capacity was assessed by FRAP and DPPH methods. The PCA analysis also considered variations in temperature and precipitation. The chemometric analysis revealed a strong correlation between radical-scavenging properties and the content levels of chlorogenic acids. The results obtained in this study show that unripe green chokeberry fruits exhibit the highest antioxidant properties, which can be attributed to the high content of CGAs at this stage.

Anti-Atherosclerotic Properties of Aronia melanocarpa Extracts Influenced by Their Chemical Composition Associated with the Ripening Stage of the Berries

The high content of bioactive compounds in Aronia melanocarpa fruit offers health benefits. In this study, the anti-atherosclerotic effect of Aronia extracts was assessed. The impact on the level of adhesion molecules and the inflammatory response of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was shown in relation to the chemical composition and the stage of ripening of the fruits. Samples were collected between May (green, unripe) and October (red, overripe) on two farms in Poland, which differed in climate. The content of chlorogenic acids, anthocyanins, and carbohydrates in the extracts was determined using HPLC-DAD/RI. The surface expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in HUVECs was determined by flow cytometry. The mRNA levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, IL-6, and MCP-1 were assessed using the quantitative real-time PCR method. The farms' geographical location was associated with the quantity of active compounds in berries and their anti-atherosclerotic properties. Confirmed activity for green fruits was linked to their high chlorogenic acid content.

Antioxidant Capacity, Sugar Content, and Tandem HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS Profiling of Phenolic Compounds from Aronia melanocarpa Fruits and Leaves (Nero and Viking Cultivars)

This study examined the phenolic profile, sugar composition, and antioxidant capacities of chokeberry fruits and leaves obtained from four different Turkiye provinces. A total of 21 phenolics including phenolic acid and its derivatives, flavanols, anthocyanins, and flavonols were determined in the fruits, while the leaves had 19 phenolics, including phenolic acid and its derivatives, flavanols, and flavonols. The total amount of phenolic compounds was the highest in both fruits and leaves in the samples from the Bursa province. Cis 5-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid and secoxyloganin were quantified for the first time in both fruits and leaves. In summary, it was found that different geographical locations significantly affected the phenolics, sugar contents, and antioxidant activities of the fruits and leaves.

The performance of hypochlorous acid modified Ag nanoparticle-based assay in the determination of total antioxidant capacity of Boswellia Serrata and Aronia

In this study, the SNPAC method was developed by using hypochlorous (ClO-) at pH 9.3. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was used as a stabilizer. The existence of HOCl enables to formation stronger and more stable yellow emission which gives sensitivity. As a result, lower LOD and LOQ values were achieved by the AgNP-HOCl method. The obtaining lower values was attributed to the reoxidation of silver atoms with ClO- ions in the presence of PVP. The newly modified method was applied to the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) measurement of Boswellia Serrata, Aronia Melanocarpa tea, and juice. The results were compared with the results obtained by application of CUPRAC (Cupric ion Reducing Antioxidant Capacity) and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) assays. The TAC values of Boswellia Serrata, Aronia Melanocarpa tea, and juice were found as 6.18, 137.98, and 12.08 mmol TEAC/kg, respectively.

Chokeberry reduces inflammation in human preadipocytes

Chokeberry, Aronia melanocarpa, is an indigenous fruit from North America used as food and to prevent chronic disease by Indigenous Peoples. The objective of this study was to test anti-inflammatory effects of anthocyanin on palmitic acid (PA)-induced IL-6 gene expression, IL-6 DNA methylation, and histone (H3) acetylation. Additionally, we examined effects of anthocyanins Cyanidin-3-O-galactoside (C3Gal) and Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) on IL-6 gene expression. Human primary pre-adipocytes were treated with chokeberry juice extract (CBE), C3Gal or C3G in the presence or absence of PA or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). CBE inhibited LPS- and PA-induced IL-6 mRNA expression (p < 0.0001), while C3G and C3Gal had smaller effects. Human IL-6 promoter DNA methylation was increased (p = 0.0256) in CBE treated cells compared to control. Histone H3 acetylations were not affected by CBE or PA treatment. These data indicate that CBE epigenetically reduced PA-induced inflammation by regulating IL-6 DNA methylation without affecting histone modifications in human preadipocyte cells.

The Efficiency of Selected Green Solvents and Parameters for Polyphenol Extraction from Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa (Michx)) Pomace

Chokeberry pomace is a potential source of natural colourants, antimicrobial agents, and anti-senescence compounds due to its high polyphenols content. Therefore, this study assessed the efficiency of green solvents (50% ethanol, 50% glycerol, and 100% distilled water, all acidified with 1% citric acid or 1% formic acid) for anthocyanin and total phenolic content (TPC) extraction from lyophilised chokeberry pomace. Extraction was performed in a water bath at 40, 50, and 60 °C for 60 and 120 min, followed by ultrasonic treatment for 15 and 30 min. Based on the results, 50% ethanol + 1% citric acid yielded significantly higher total anthocyanin content in the case of both spectrometric and HPLC measurements (1783 ± 153 mg CGE/100 g DW and 879.5 mg/100 g DW) at 50 °C for 60 min. Citric acids seem more effective compared to formic acid. The highest values of TPC were obtained with 50% glycerol + 1% formic acid at 50 °C for 60 min (12,309 ± 759 mg GAE/100 g DW). This study provides evidence that a substantial quantity of polyphenols, which can potentially be used as a natural food additive, can be efficiently extracted with 50% ethanol + 1% citric acid or 50% glycerol at 50 °C for 60 min from chokeberry pomace.

Aronia in the Type 2 Diabetes Treatment Regimen

Aronia melanocarpa berries are rich in antioxidants and possess a high antioxidant capacity. Aronia berries have shown potential in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treatment, and previous studies indicate improvements in glycemia after supplementation. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of aronia berries is limited by the low bioavailability of aronia, which fermentation could potentially overcome. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of fermented or non-fermented aronia pulp with placebo in subjects with T2DM. This study was a triple-blinded, triple-crossover study with eight-week intervention periods with fermented aronia extract (FAE), non-fermented aronia extract (AE), and placebo. Extracts were incorporated in snack bars with 37% aronia (FAE or AE) or wheat bran (placebo) and 63% raisins and coconut oil. Pre- and post-treatment period, we did fasting blood samples, including hemoglobin A1c, fructosamine, insulin, glucose, glucagon-like peptide-1, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and glucagon, oral glucose tolerance tests, and anthropometric measurements. Of 36 randomized participants, 23 completed the trial. Aside from a higher increase in GIP after FAE supplementation compared to after placebo supplementation, aronia extracts had no effect. The increase in GIP levels after FAE supplementation may hold potential benefits, but the overall clinical impact remains unclear.

Aronia melanocarpa Flavonol Extract-Antiradical and Immunomodulating Activities Analysis

The study of Aronia melanocarpa's (A. melanocarpa) biological activity is focused on obtaining the crude extract and separation of the flavonol compounds. The extraction and fractionation of A. melanocarpa fruits, followed by quantitative analysis, were accomplished using high-performance liquid chromatography and Darco G-60 filtering. This approach enabled the quantification of flavonoids within each fraction. The antioxidative, immunomodulating activities and cytotoxicity with respect to the lymphoblast cell line RPMI-1788 were studied. The flavonol extract of A. melanocarpa has been shown to have a high capacity to neutralize free DPPH and AAPH radicals in vitro. It also caused an accelerated 'respiratory burst' formation of neutrophils and an increase in the metabolic reserves of cells in rats exposed to cyclophosphamide. The reference solution (an equivalent quercetin-rutin blend) contributed to a decrease in lipid peroxidation, intensifying phagocytosis processes. The studied compounds demonstrated their low influence on the leukocyte blood profile in animals.

Comprehensive HRMS Chemical Characterization of Pomegranate-Based Antioxidant Drinks via a Newly Developed Suspect and Target Screening Workflow

Antioxidants play a significant role in human health, protecting against a variety of diseases. Therefore, the development of products with antioxidant activity is becoming increasingly prominent in the human lifestyle. New antioxidant drinks containing different percentages of pomegranate, blackberries, red grapes, and aronia have been designed, developed, and manufactured by a local industry. The comprehensive characterization of the drinks' constituents has been deemed necessary to evaluate their bioactivity. Thus, LC-qTOFMS has been selected, due to its sensitivity and structure identification capability. Both data-dependent and -independent acquisition modes have been utilized. The data have been treated according to a novel, newly designed workflow based on MS-DIAL and MZmine for suspect, as well as target screening. The classical MS-DIAL workflow has been modified to perform suspect and target screening in an automatic way. Furthermore, a novel methodology based on a compiled bioactivity-driven suspect list was developed and expanded with combinatorial enumeration to include metabolism products of the highlighted metabolites. Compounds belonging to ontologies with possible antioxidant capacity have been identified, such as flavonoids, amino acids, and fatty acids, which could be beneficial to human health, revealing the importance of the produced drinks as well as the efficacy of the new in-house developed workflow.

The antioxidant effect of Aronia melanocarpa extract in rats oxidative stress induced by cisplatin administration

BACKGROUND

The reactive oxygen species generated by numerous xenobiotic substances has as consequences the impairment of different organs normal function. Many plants pose antioxidant activity to counteract oxidative stress, among them being the chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa). The purpose of present study was to determine if the use of A. melanocarpa extract can counteract the oxidative stress induced by cisplatin administration in rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was made on forty Wistar rats divided in four groups as follows: C (control): receiving i.p. 1 mL of saline solution; E1: receiving cisplatin 20 mg/kg bw, i.p.; E2: receiving cisplatin 20 mg/kg bw, i.p and A. melanocarpa berry 6 % aqueous extract as drinking water, and CB (control blank): i.p 1 mL saline solution and A. melanocarpa 6 % aqueous extract for four weeks.

RESULTS

Administration of Cisplatin was followed by the increase of serum superoxide dismutase (+21.18 %, P < 0.05), catalase (+25.44 %, P < 0.001), glutathione peroxidase (+17.88 %, P < 0.05) and thiobarbituric reactive substances (+28.17 %, P < 0.01) but significantly decreased glutathione reductase (-22.35 %, P < 0.001) level comparative to control, pointing out that administration of cisplatin induced oxidative stress in rats. In groups that received A. melanocarpa extract as drinking water, we noted that the levels of the oxidative stress biomarkers tended to be restored almost to normal levels, which could be a possible good antioxidant used in condition to cisplatin use. Also, we noted a significant (P < 0.001) decrease of total antioxidant capacity in liver and kidney of rats exposed to cisplatin, recovered in those that received chokeberry. Studied trace elements important for the stress oxidative enzymes (Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn) were decreased in cisplatin exposed groups compared to control and mainly all were almost to normal level in groups receiving A. melanocarpa.

CONCLUSION

A. melanocarpa extract due to its antioxidants content could offer protection against free radicals produced as a consequence of cisplatin use.

Sambucus ebulus (Elderberry) Fruits Modulate Inflammation and Complement System Activity in Humans

Sambucus ebulus (SE) fruits are used for immune stimulation and amelioration of gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions. Currently, there is no scientific evidence of their effects on various aspects of the immune response mechanisms in humans. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory potential of SE fruit infusion intake in healthy humans. Anthocyanin content was determined with UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Fifty-three volunteers enrolled in a 4-week SE infusion intake intervention. Blood count, serum total protein, Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNFα), High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), C3, and C4 levels were measured on automatic analyzers, and Interleukin 8 (IL-8) was measured manually with an ELISA kit. Cyanidin-3-O-galactoside (48.15 mg/g DW), followed by cyaniding-3-sambubioside (43.41 ± 1.07 mg/g DW), were the most abundant anthocyanins in SE samples. A significant decrease in total protein (2.82%), IL-6 (20.15%), TNFα (5.38%), IL-8 (5.50%), C3 (4.16%), and C4 (14.29%) was established in the whole group. Total protein, IL-8, TNFα, and C4 decreased in women (3.11%, 4.76%, 5.09%, and 11.11%), and IL-6 decreased (40.61%) in men. Hb (1.20%) and hematocrit (1.55%) levels decreased in the whole group and in the women group (1.61% and 2.20%). SE fruits exert immune-modulatory activity as revealed by decreased pro-inflammatory status and complement activity markers in healthy volunteers after a 4-week intervention.

Health Benefits of Antioxidant Bioactive Compounds in the Fruits and Leaves of Lonicera caerulea L. and Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliot

Lonicera caerulaea L. and Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliot fruits are frequently used for their health benefits as they are rich in bioactive compounds. They are recognized as a source of natural and valuable phytonutrients, which makes them a superfood. L. caerulea presents antioxidant activity three to five times higher than other berries which are more commonly consumed, such as blackberries or strawberries. In addition, their ascorbic acid level is the highest among fruits. The species A. melanocarpa is considered one of the richest known sources of antioxidants, surpassing currants, cranberries, blueberries, elderberries, and gooseberries, and contains one of the highest amounts of sorbitol. The non-edible leaves of genus Aronia became more extensively analyzed as a byproduct or waste material due to their high polyphenol, flavonoid, and phenolic acid content, along with a small amount of anthocyanins, which are used as ingredients in nutraceuticals, herbal teas, bio-cosmetics, cosmeceuticals, food and by the pharmaceutical industry. These plants are a rich source of vitamins, tocopherols, folic acid, and carotenoids. However, they remain outside of mainstream fruit consumption, being well known only to a small audience. This review aims to shed light on L. caerulaea and A. melanocarpa and their bioactive compounds as healthy superfoods with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antimicrobial, and anti-diabetic effects, and hepato-, cardio-, and neuro-protective potential. In this view, we hope to promote their cultivation and processing, increase their commercial availability, and also highlight the ability of these species to be used as potential nutraceutical sources, helpful for human health.

Effect of Cultural Management and Plant Age on the Yield, °Brix, and Antioxidant Content of Aronia mitschurinii Grown in Maryland

Aronia mitschurinii is a fruiting plant that has the potential of becoming the next-generation superfood. The fruit contains high concentrations of flavonoids, polyphenols, and anthocyanins, which are known to be powerful antioxidants. The fruit is regarded for its potential to treat oxidative stress diseases like cancer. Recent studies have proven that this fruit contains significantly more antioxidants than the açai berry and even 40 times more than tomatoes. Here, we report results for developing and optimizing the horticultural management program for growing aronia on Maryland small farms to produce the crop with the highest possible antioxidant capacity, based on observations since 2009. This was achieved by analyzing how plant age, fertilizers, mineral soil amendments, and other factors like disease and pest pressure affect the antioxidant content. This data can help in improving sustainability of local farm businesses by providing them with new alternative and highly profitable crops to grow and process. Analysis and comparison of the fruit yield, soluble sugar content (°Brix), pH, total polyphenols, total anthocyanins, and total flavonoids of aronia based on two treatment levels of nitrogen fertilizer (3 g N plant^-1 year^-1 vs 14 g plant^-1 year^-1) and conventional and organic-based nitrogen are presented. Plants were fertilized with either 127 g (rows A and C) or 27 g (rows B and D) of Bartlett's Boost Natural at the base of each plant. This equated to 14 and 3 g of N, respectively. Average yields of plants given 14 g of organic N were only significantly higher than those given only 3 g of conventional N but not organic N. The yield in all plants increased year by year from 2009 and until 2019 and slightly decreased in 2020. Even though an increase in the anthocyanin content was noted for a lower N rate, the higher N rate would have produced more fruit and hence more anthocyanin per hectare. A higher nitrogen (N) rate positively affected the yield, but not always the phytochemical content. Organic N did not have a positive effect on the phytochemical content. Additionally, we report the cyanide content of aronia fruit in comparison to other fruits.

A Case Study for the Extraction, Purification, and Co-Pigmentation of Anthocyanins from Aronia melanocarpa Juice Pomace

Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) pomace is a by-product from the juice industry very rich in anthocyanins and other bioactive components. Recovery and purification of anthocyanins from the pomace is a viable valorization strategy that can be implemented to produce high-value natural food colorants with antioxidant properties. In this study, chokeberry pomace was subjected to enzyme-assisted extraction using commercial pectinases. The extracts were further purified by adsorption-desorption using an acrylic resin and stabilized by co-pigmentation with ferulic acid. The anthocyanin concentration and antioxidant activity of the extracts were unaffected by the enzymatic treatment at the conditions tested. The total phenolic content of the extracts suffered minor variations depending on the enzyme formulation used, whereas the dissolved solid content increased in all cases. The adsorption-desorption strategy allowed a 96% recovery of the anthocyanins initially present in the extract, whereas the co-pigmentation treatment magnified the intensity of the color in terms of absorbance, and improved the stability during storage up to one month.

Antioxidative and Immunomodulating Properties of Aronia melanocarpa Extract Rich in Anthocyanins

The fruits of Aronia melanocarpa are well known due to their high anthocyanin content that may be effective in preventing certain health disorders arising from oxidative stress. Various polyphenolic compounds such as anthocyanins and flavonoids are responsible for the multiple effects of chokeberry. The aim of this study was to determine in vitro how active the black chokeberry anthocyanins are in scavenging radicals and to evaluate in vivo their immunomodulating capacity. Using the method of column chromatography, we extracted the anthocyanins of black chokeberries, i.e., cyanidin-3-O-galactoside with a purity of over 93.7%. Using HPLC and spectrophotometric analysis, the flavonoid content was determined. Following the analysis of the tests with AAPH and DPPH, the chokeberry cyanidin-3-O-galactoside was found much better than individual anthocyanins in regard to antioxidant capacity. The range of concentrations was revealed, showing the protective effect of anthocyanins on the RPMI-1788 cell culture against cyclophosphamide, as well as against osmotic and peroxide hemolysis. An immunomodulating effect on the functional activity of phagocytes was revealed in vivo as a result of oral administration of chokeberry cyanidin-3-O-galactoside and a mixture composed of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and cyanidin-3-O-galactoside standards. Consequently, anthocyanins, in particular cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, play an important role, demonstrating immunomodulating effects when chokeberries are consumed.

The Effect of Different Growth Stages of Black Chokeberry Fruits on Phytonutrients, Anti-Lipase Activity, and Antioxidant Capacity

The present study investigated the nutrients, biologically-active compounds, as well as antioxidant and anti-lipase activities of chokeberry fruits across four different stages of development, from the unripe green to mature black forms. The highest content of total phenolics (12.30% dry weight (DW)), including proanthocyanidins (6.83% DW), phenolic acids (6.57% DW), flavanols (0.56% DW), flavonols (0.62% DW), and flavanones (0.10% DW), was observed in unripe fruits. The unripe green fruits were also characterized by the highest content of protein (2.02% DW), ash (4.05% DW), total fiber (39.43% DW), and chlorophylls (75.48 mg/100 g DW). Ripe black fruits were the richest source of total carotenoids (8.53 mg/100 g DW), total anthocyanins (2.64 g/100 g DW), and total sugars (33.84% DW). The phenolic compounds of green fruits were dominated by phenolic acids (above 83% of the total content), the semi-mature fruits by both phenolic acids and anthocyanins (90%), while the mature berries were dominated by anthocyanins (64%). Unripe fruits were the most effective inhibitor of pancreatic lipase in triolein emulsion, scavenger of 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation, and reducer of ferric ion. Biological activities were mainly correlated with total proanthocyanidins and total phenolics. Considering their strong anti-lipase and antioxidant activities, unripe chokeberry fruits may have potential applications in nutraceuticals and functional foods.

Preventive Effect and Mechanism of Anthocyanins from Aronia Melanocarpa Elliot on Hepatic Fibrosis Through TGF-β/Smad Signaling Pathway

In order to explore the effect and mechanism of Aornia mealnocarpa Elliot anthocyanins (AMA) at the cellular level on hepatic fibrosis (HF), molecular docking, RT-PCR and Western Blotting were used to explore the molecular mechanism and the effects of different doses AMA on HSC-T6 cells by TGF-β1 induction. The results showed that the binding energy of anthocyanins on TGF-β1 (PDB ID: 3KFD) was in the range of -9.5 to 8.6 kcal/mol, with good low energy parameters and binding positions. AMA could effectively inhibit the expressions of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total serum bilirubin (TSB), and improved the expressions of total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB). RT-PCR and Western bloting results showed that AMA could inhibited the secretion of inflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α and COX-2, and inhibit the expression of TGF-β1, P-Smad2, α-SMA and Collagen I in TGF-β /Smad signaling pathway. This study revealed the AMA's inhibition effects and mechanism of malignant biological behavior of HSC-T6 cells, in order to provide theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of HF by Aronia melanocarpa Elliot.

Optimization of the ultrasound-assisted extraction of polyphenols from Aronia and grapes

The extraction of phenolics and tannins from cold-hardy grapes is not maximized with the current methods, which lead to unbalanced wines. This study aims to investigate high-power sonication to improve polyphenolic content in cold-hardy grape juice in comparison with chokeberry juice. Three solid to solvent ratios and times were applied on chokeberry and 'Marquette' grape berries using 50% ethanol or 13% acidified ethanol and compared to a conventional extraction technique. Iron-reactive phenolic compounds, tannins content, and color were analyzed during the extractions using UV-Visible spectrophotometry, and anthocyanin content was analyzed using HPLC-DAD. At the 1:2 solid to solvent ratio, the color intensity, phenolics, and tannins content were improved using the ultrasound-assisted extraction on chokeberries. However, the tannin content of 'Marquette' berries remained the same with both techniques and solvents, suggesting that the plant cell wall structure may have a strong impact on the retention of tannins from cold-hardy grapes.

Cellular Antioxidant Effect of an Aronia Extract and Its Polyphenolic Fractions Enriched in Proanthocyanidins, Phenolic Acids, and Anthocyanins

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation contribute to some chronic diseases. Aronia berries are rich in polyphenols. The aim of the present study was to characterize the cellular antioxidant effect of an aronia extract to reflect the potential physiological in vivo effect. Cellular in vitro assays in three cell lines (Caco-2, HepG2, and SH-SY5Y) were used to measure the antioxidant effect of AE, in three enriched polyphenolic fractions (A1: anthocyanins and phenolic acids; A2: oligomeric proanthocyanidins; A3: polymeric proanthocyanidins), pure polyphenols and microbial metabolites. Both direct (intracellular and membrane radical scavenging, catalase-like effect) and indirect (NRF2/ARE) antioxidant effects were assessed. AE exerted an intracellular free radical scavenging activity in the three cell lines, and A2 and A3 fractions showed a higher effect in HepG2 and Caco-2 cells. AE also exhibited a catalase-like activity, with the A3 fraction having a significant higher activity. Only A1 fraction activated the NRF2/ARE pathway. Quercetin and caffeic acid are the most potent antioxidant polyphenols, whereas cyanidin and 5-(3',4'-dihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone showed the highest antioxidant effect among polyphenol metabolites. AE rich in polyphenols possesses broad cellular antioxidant effects, and proanthocyanidins are major contributors. Polyphenol metabolites may contribute to the overall antioxidant effect of such extract in vivo.

Quality Characteristics, Anthocyanin Stability and Antioxidant Activity of Apple (Malus domestica) and Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) Juice Blends

Black chokeberries are a valuable source of anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds, but they are underutilized due to their unpalatable astringent taste. The aim of this study was to determine the potential of using black chokeberry juice as a health-promoting ingredient in apple juice with a view to develop a new functional food product and to increase the dietary consumption of bioactive compounds. Mixed juices were prepared from apple (A) juice and black chokeberry (BC) juice at 95:5 (ABC5), 90:10 (ABC10), 85:15 (ABC15), and 80:20 (ABC20) volumetric ratios. Comparative studies on the effect of heat treatment (90 °C, 10 min) and storage (four months, 20 °C) on the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of apple, black chokeberry, and mixed juices were carried out. The soluble solids content, titratable acidity, total phenolic, total anthocyanin and ascorbic acid content, and antioxidant activity increased while the total soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio decreased with increasing addition levels of BC juice. Mixing A juice with BC juice at 95:5 and 90:10 volumetric ratios improved the color and enhanced the palatability and general acceptability of the juice. The percentage losses of anthocyanins and polyphenols registered after heat treatment and storage increased with increasing addition levels of BC juice.

Selected Properties of Juices from Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) Fruits Preserved Using the PEF Method

Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) fruit and processed berries have very high biological value because they are a rich source of bioactive compounds. The method of black chokeberry juice preservation is of key importance. One of the more recent ways in which semiliquid and liquid products can be preserved is the pulsed electric field (PEF) method. The aim of our study was to compare chosen physical and chemical properties of fresh and PEF-preserved chokeberry fruit juices derived from farms located in the vicinity of Cracow (Kraków). The analysis focused on the physical properties and chemical composition of black chokeberry juices, their bioactive compound content, and antioxidant activity. After using the PEF method, there was an increase in dry weight, sugars, and polyphenols, which could be caused by the slight evaporation of water during the process. During this process, antioxidant activity decreased, and ultra-weak luminescence slightly increased. The process of preserving juices using the PEF method is a good way to preserve the bioactive properties of the obtained aronia juices.

Aronia Melanocarpa: Identification and Exploitation of Its Phenolic Components

The phenolic components of Aronia melanocarpa were quantitatively recovered by three successive extractions with methanol. They comprise anthocyanins (mainly cyanidin glycosides) phenolic acids (chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids) and flavonols (quercetin glycosides). Approximately 30% of the total phenolic compounds are located in the peel and the rest in the flesh and seeds. Peels contain the major part of anthocyanins (73%), while the flesh contains the major part of phenolic acids (78%). Aronia juice, rich in polyphenols, was obtained by mashing and centrifugation, while the pomace residue was dried and subjected to acidified water extraction in a fixed bed column for the recovery of residual phenolics. A yield of 22.5 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry pomace was obtained; however, drying caused anthocyanins losses. Thus, their recovery could be increased by applying extraction on the wet pomace. The extract was encapsulated in maltodextrin and gum arabic by spray drying, with a high (>88%) encapsulation yield and efficiency for both total phenols and anthocyanins. Overall, fresh aronia fruits are a good source for the production of polyphenol-rich juice, while the residual pomace can be exploited, through water extraction and spray drying encapsulation for the production of a powder containing anthocyanins that can be used as a food or cosmetics additive.

Comparative Phytochemical Analysis of Aronia melanocarpa L. Fruit Juices on Bulgarian Market

Aronia melanocarpa L. (black chokeberry), belonging to the Rosaceae family, contains high amounts of polyphenolics and therefore exhibits one of the highest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities among berry fruits. Chokeberries are used in the food industry for juice, nectar, and wine production and as colorants. We aimed to compare the phytochemical composition of three chokeberry juices commercially available in the local market as sources of beneficial phytochemicals. Using GC–MS and LC–MS/MS, we performed the identification and quantitation of polar compounds and polyphenolics. The concentrations of 13 amino acids, including 6 essential amino acids, 10 organic acids, 20 sugar alcohols and derivatives, 14 saccharides, 12 fatty acids and esters, and 38 polyphenols, were estimated. One of the analyzed juices had the highest polyphenolic content (5273.87 ± 63.16 µg/mL), possibly due to 2.9 times higher anthocyanin concentration compared to anthocyanins in other tested juices. This study provides new data concerning phytochemical composition in terms of amino acids, organic acids, sugar acids, fatty acids and their esters, and polyphenols as phytocomponents of commercially available chokeberry juices. Results show that after all processing techniques and possibly different plant growth conditions, chokeberry juices are a valuable source of health-promoting phytochemicals such as phenolic acids, pro-anthocyanins, and anthocyanins, thus considering them as functional foods. We demonstrated a diversity of the active substances in bioactive foods marketed as “same”; therefore, the standardized therapeutic effect could be expected only by the utilization of food supplements with guaranteed constant content.

Chokeberry Pomace as a Component Shaping the Content of Bioactive Compounds and Nutritional, Health-Promoting (Anti-Diabetic and Antioxidant) and Sensory Properties of Shortcrust Pastries Sweetened with Sucrose and Erythritol

In this study, an attempt was made to develop shortcrust pastries containing different amounts of chokeberry pomace (0%, 10%, 30%, 50%), modulating their degree of sweetness via the application of sucrose or erythritol. The obtained products were assessed for their nutritional value (energy value, protein, fats, dietary fibre, sugars, minerals). Bioactive compounds, as well as antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties in an in vitro model and sensory attributes, were also analysed. Increasing the proportion of chokeberry pomace in shortcrust pastries improved their nutritional value, especially their energy value (reduction of nearly 30% for shortcrust pastries with 50% pomace sweetened with erythritol), nutritional fibre content (10-fold higher in shortcrust pastries with the highest proportion of pomace) and potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron content. Chokeberry pomace was also a carrier of 14 bioactive compounds. The most beneficial antioxidant and anti-diabetic effect was shown for shortcrust pastries containing 50% chokeberry pomace. In addition, it was shown that the use of erythritol as a sweetener has a beneficial effect on the perception of sensory attributes. Finally, it was shown that the developed products could be excellent alternatives to traditional shortcrust pastries and, at the same time, be a good way to utilize waste from the fruit industry.

Impacts of Commonly Used Edible Plants on the Modulation of Platelet Function

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a primary cause of deaths worldwide. Thrombotic diseases, specifically stroke and coronary heart diseases, account for around 85% of CVDs-induced deaths. Platelets (small circulating blood cells) are responsible for the prevention of excessive bleeding upon vascular injury, through blood clotting (haemostasis). However, unnecessary activation of platelets under pathological conditions, such as upon the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques, results in thrombus formation (thrombosis), which can cause life threatening conditions such as stroke or heart attack. Therefore, antiplatelet medications are usually prescribed for people who are at a high risk of thrombotic diseases. The currently used antiplatelet drugs are associated with major side effects such as excessive bleeding, and some patients are resistant to these drugs. Therefore, numerous studies have been conducted to develop new antiplatelet agents and notably, to establish the relationship between edible plants, specifically fruits, vegetables and spices, and cardiovascular health. Indeed, healthy and balanced diets have proven to be effective for the prevention of CVDs in diverse settings. A high intake of fruits and vegetables in regular diet is associated with lower risks for stroke and coronary heart diseases because of their plethora of phytochemical constituents. In this review, we discuss the impacts of commonly used selected edible plants (specifically vegetables, fruits and spices) and/or their isolated compounds on the modulation of platelet function, haemostasis and thrombosis.

Structural identification and <i>in vitro</i> antioxidant activities of anthocyanins in black chokeberry (<i>Aronia melanocarpa</i> Elliot)

Anthocyanins is a natural edible pigment with many health benefits. The aim of this work was the identification of anthocyanins present in <i>Aronia melanocarpa</i> using mass spectrometric features. The anthocyanins of the <i>A. melanocarpa</i> were analyzed by UV-Vis, HPLC-DAD and LC-EIS/MS methods. The four important anthocyanins were identified as follows: cyanidin-3-galactoside (68.68%), cyanidin-3-arabinoside (25.62%), cyanidin-3-glucoside (5.28%) and cyanidin-3-xyloside (0.42%). Among the four anthocyanin monomers, three anthocyanins with the highest content of <i>A. melanocarpa</i> were selected, and the antioxidant activity was studied with the total anthocyanins. The antioxidant capacity was cyanidin-3-galactoside > total anthocyanin > cyanidin-3-arabinoside > cyanidin-3-glucoside. The activity of the four anthocyanin samples was greater than ascorbic acid. The methodology described in this study will provide an effective tool for anthocyanins identification. Our results suggested that anthocyanins from <i>A. melanocarpa</i> exhibited effective antioxidant activity. These findings may be crucial in future research concerning chokeberry based functional food products.

Radical Scavenging Actions and Immunomodulatory Activity of Aronia melanocarpa Propylene Glycol Extracts

Researchers are attracted to the wide-ranging, useful components in Aronia melanocarpa berries. They are searching for the most effective ways to extract the active substances that can enhance the body's protective properties. The current study presents detailed information about the extracts from A. melanocarpa fruits frozen and dried under mild conditions and their chemical composition. In Wistar rats with induced immunosuppression, the effect of chokeberry fruit extracts on the leukocyte formula, phagocytic activity, and cytokine system was studied. It was shown that the A. melanocarpa frozen fruit extract contains more anthocyanins, sugars, and ascorbic acid, and has a more pronounced antioxidant activity determined by the ability to bind APPH-radicals. Moreover, the extract showed membrane-protective and cytoprotective properties against RPMI-1788 cell line. The extract from dried raw material shows a higher antioxidant activity due to the ability to bind DPPH-radicals. It was revealed that extracts from A. melanocarpa fruits promote rapid immune system recovery in rats, normalize the leukocyte count, and improve monocyte and neutrophil phagocytic indicators. Research on the cytokine profile revealed that the anti-inflammatory properties in A. melanocarpa extracts were more pronounced in dried extracts. For several cytokines, a normalization of quantity was noted.

Characterization of Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin-Enriched Fractions from Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott via High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry and Investigations on Their Inhibitory Potential on Human Topoisomerases

Aronia melanocarpa (MICHX.) ELLIOTT, which belongs to the Rosaceae family, has increasingly come into focus of research due to the high content of polyphenols. In addition to antioxidative properties, further health-promoting effects of these polyphenols are still of interest. Especially, the proanthocyanidins offer thereby huge opportunities due to their high structural heterogeneity. Therefore, the present study focuses on the topoisomerase inhibiting effects of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (PACs), which are potentially depended on their degree of polymerization. The investigated PACs isolated from Aronia berries were characterized by chromatographic techniques and liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry. Four PAC enriched fractions were obtained from Aronia pomace containing 47 PACs with a degree of polymerization from three to six. Due to the low yield of hexamers, the potential inhibiting effects against human topoisomerase were investigated for the trimer to pentamer fractions. The relaxation and decatenation assays were performed to examine the inhibiting effect on topoisomerases under cell-free conditions. Moreover, rapid isolation of topoisomerase cleavage complexes in human colon carcinoma HT29 cells was performed to evaluate the effect on topoisomerases in a cell-based system. The fractions demonstrated inhibitory potential on topoisomerases I and II. In sum, an increasing effect strength depending on the degree of polymerization was shown.

Effect of Addition of Chokeberry Juice Concentrate and Foaming Agent on the Physical Properties of Agar Gel

This study aimed to determine the effect of the addition of chokeberry juice concentrate (CJC) and foaming agent (egg albumin) with different percentages on the selected physical properties of agar gel. The agar gels with the addition of 5, 10, and 20% concentrations of chokeberry juice concentrate and with fructose addition were prepared. In addition, the foamed gels with different concentrations of egg albumin (in the range 0.5–2.0%) and CJC were produced. The water content, colour, density, hold-up and some mechanical and TPA (Texture Profile Analysis) descriptors as well some structural and acoustic emission parameters of non-aerated and foamed gels were analysed. The addition of CJC changed the colour of agar gel with fructose, the attractive appearance of the aerated gel was also linked with the addition of concentrate. The addition of 20% of CJC and foaming agent created samples with very low hardness, cohesiveness, and gumminess, and the structure of the aerated samples was characterised by the larger bubble diameter and the wider distribution of their size. The more promising texture and structure properties were obtained for samples with aerated gels with 5 and 10% addition of chokeberry juice concentrate.

The Types of Polysaccharide Coatings and Their Mixtures as a Factor Affecting the Stability of Bioactive Compounds and Health-Promoting Properties Expressed as the Ability to Inhibitthe α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase of Chokeberry Extracts in the Microencapsulation Process

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of microencapsulating chokeberry extract by extrusion, and assess the effects of the selected carrier substance on the contents of polyphenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, color of microspheres, and ability of microspheres to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase, after 14 and 28 days of storage. The results showed that appropriate selection of the polysaccharide coating is of great importance for the proper course of the microencapsulation process, the polyphenolic content of chokeberry capsules, and their antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. The addition of guar gum to a sodium alginate solution significantly increased the stability of polyphenolic compounds in microspheres during storage, whereas the addition of chitosan had a significantly negative effect on the stability of polyphenols. The coating variant composed of sodium alginate and guar gum was also found to be the most favorable for the preservation of the antioxidant activity of the capsules. On the other hand, capsules composed of sodium alginate, guar gum, and chitosan showed the best antidiabetic properties, which is related to these tricomponent microspheres having the best α-glucosidase inhibition.

Aronia melanocarpa Products and By-Products for Health and Nutrition: A Review

Due to factors such as cultivar, fertilization, maturation or climate conditions, as well as the date of their harvest, chokeberries (Aronia melanocarpa) differ in their content of minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, amino acids, organic acids, fats, aroma compounds and especially polyphenols, substances exerting a beneficial impact on health. The total content of the most important ingredients, polyphenolic compounds, influence many proven chokeberry activities like antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, antiviral, anticancer, antiplatelet, antidiabetic and antiatherosclerotic, respectively. Polyphenolic compounds such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, procyanidins and phenolic acids in different rates and amounts are responsible for all mentioned activities. In the human body, they undergo different biotransformative processes strengthening their bioactivity inside and outside cells. The popularity of chokeberry has been significant lately because of its effects on human health and not just because of its nutritional value. The main interest in this review has been refocused on the chokeberry benefits to human health, nutritional contribution of its components, particularly polyphenolic compounds, and its physiological effects.

The Efficacy of Black Chokeberry Fruits against Cardiovascular Diseases

Epidemiological studies have emphasized the association between a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and a lower frequency of occurrence of inflammatory-related disorders. Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) is a valuable source of biologically active compounds that have been widely investigated for their role in health promotion and cardiovascular disease prevention. Many in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that consumption of these fruits is associated with significant improvements in hypertension, LDL oxidation, lipid peroxidation, total plasma antioxidant capacity and dyslipidemia. The mechanisms for these beneficial effects include upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, decreased oxidative stress, and inhibition of inflammatory gene expression. Collected findings support the recommendation of such berries as an essential fruit group in a heart-healthy diet. The aim of this review was to summarize the reports on the impact of black chokeberry fruits and extracts against several cardiovascular diseases, e.g., hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, as well as to provide an analysis of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of these fruits in the abovementioned disorders.

Effects of antioxidant supplementation on oxidative stress balance in young footballers- a randomized double-blind trial

BACKGROUND

Intensive physical exercise that competitive sports athletes participate in can negatively affect their pro-oxidative-antioxidant balance. Compounds with high antioxidant potential, such as those present in chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), can prevent these adverse changes. We here investigated the effect of antioxidant supplementation on oxidative stress balance in young footballers.

METHODS

The study was designed as a double-blind randomized trial. Diet of a group of young football players (male; n = 20; mean age, 15.8 years-old) was supplemented with 200 ml of chokeberry juice per day, for 7 weeks. The players were randomly assigned to the experimental (supplemented, FP-S; n = 12) and control (placebo, FB-C; n = 8) groups. Before and after the supplementation period, the participants performed a beep test. Venous blood was sampled for serum analysis before, immediately after, 3 h, and 24 h after the beep test. Serum levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive products, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, total antioxidant capacity, iron, hepcidin, ferritin, myoglobin, and albumin, and morphological blood parameters (red blood cells, (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB), haematocrit (HCT) mean corpuscular volume (MCV) mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and lactic acid) were determined.

RESULTS

Chokeberry juice supplementation did not significantly affect the outcome of the beep test. The supplementation did not significantly affect any of the morphological, biochemical, or performance parameters analysed.

CONCLUSIONS

Chokeberry juice supplementation did not affect the measured parameters in the studied population, which may indicate insufficient antioxidant capacity of the juice.

Anthocyanin Structure and pH Dependent Extraction Characteristics from Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) and Chokeberries (Aronia melanocarpa) in Subcritical Water State

This study determines the optimal extraction conditions for the subcritical-water extraction (SWE) of anthocyanin from blueberries and chokeberries and compares the performance using conventional extraction methods. SWE is carried out under different conditions of extraction temperature (110 °C, 130 °C, 150 °C, 170 °C, 190 °C, and 200 °C), extraction time (1, 3, 5, and 10 min), and solvent pH (water and 1% citric acid). The solubility and stability of anthocyanin from blueberries and chokeberries influences the optimal condition for SWE. The presence of more methoxy and hydroxyl functional groups in the basic skeleton of anthocyanin will result in a lower solubility at a high temperature. Water at a higher temperature exhibits a better dissociation reaction, and a solvent has a lower pH at a higher temperature. One percent citric acid is used to reduce the pH of the solvent, which increases the extraction efficiency of anthocyanin in a subcritical water state.