The Efficacy of Black Chokeberry Fruits against Cardiovascular Diseases

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.

Potential Role of Dietary Phenolic Compounds in the Prevention and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Current Reports

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex illness with both hereditary and environmental components. Globally, in 2019, 18 million people had RA. RA is characterized by persistent inflammation of the synovial membrane that lines the joints, cartilage loss, and bone erosion. Phenolic molecules are the most prevalent secondary metabolites in plants, with a diverse spectrum of biological actions that benefit functional meals and nutraceuticals. These compounds have received a lot of attention recently because they have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-rheumatoid activity by modulating tumor necrosis factor, mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, and c-Jun N-terminal kinases, as well as other preventative properties. This article discusses dietary polyphenols, their pharmacological properties, and innovative delivery technologies for the treatment of RA, with a focus on their possible biological activities. Nonetheless, commercialization of polyphenols may be achievable only after confirming their safety profile and completing successful clinical trials.

Interindividual differences in aronia juice tolerability linked to gut microbiome and metabolome changes-secondary analysis of a randomized placebo-controlled parallel intervention trial

BACKGROUND

Aronia melanocarpa is a berry rich in polyphenols known for health benefits. However, the bioavailability of polyphenols has been questioned, and the individual taste acceptance of the fruit with its specific flavor varies. We recently observed substantial differences in the tolerability of aronia juice among healthy females, with half of the individuals tolerating aronia juice without complaints. Given the importance of the gut microbiome in food digestion, we investigated in this secondary analysis of the randomized placebo-controlled parallel intervention study (ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT05432362) if aronia juice tolerability was associated with changes in intestinal microbiota and bacterial metabolites, seeking for potential mechanistic insights into the impact on aronia polyphenol tolerance and metabolic outcomes.

RESULTS

Forty females were enrolled for this 6-week trial, receiving either 100 ml natural aronia juice (verum, V) twice daily or a polyphenol-free placebo (P) with a similar nutritional profile, followed by a 6-week washout. Within V, individuals were categorized into those who tolerated the juice well (Vt) or reported complaints (Vc). The gut microbiome diversity, as analyzed by 16S rRNA gene-based next-generation sequencing, remained unaltered in Vc but changed significantly in Vt. A MICOM-based flux balance analysis revealed pronounced differences in the 40 most predictive metabolites post-intervention. In Vc carbon-dioxide, ammonium and nine O-glycans were predicted due to a shift in microbial composition, while in Vt six bile acids were the most likely microbiota-derived metabolites. NMR metabolomics of plasma confirmed increased lipoprotein subclasses (LDL, VLDL) post-intervention, reverting after wash out. Stool samples maintained a stable metabolic profile.

CONCLUSION

In linking aronia polyphenol tolerance to gut microbiota-derived metabolites, our study explores adaptive processes affecting lipoprotein profiles during high polyphenol ingestion in Vt and examines effects on mucosal gut health in response to intolerance to high polyphenol intake in Vc. Our results underpin the importance of individualized hormetic dosing for beneficial polyphenol effects, demonstrate dynamic gut microbiome responses to aronia juice, and emphasize personalized responses in polyphenol interventions.

Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott 1821 Extract Has Moderate Ameliorative Influence on Biochemical and Hematological Parameters in Gentamicin-Induced Nephropathy in Wistar Rats

Gentamicin (GM) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. Nephrotoxicity refers to the impairments of the kidneys caused by the use of GM and can result in decreased kidney function and in severe cases, kidney failure. Aronia melanocarpa extract (AME), also known as the black chokeberry, has been used for its protective effects on the kidneys. AME concentration of 3.38 mg/kg (max antioxidant activity in vitro) was used to determine its effectiveness against induced nephropathy during 30 days. GM treatment caused significant hypoalbuminemia and high values of globulins, creatinine, and urea compared to the control group. GM application lead to hemolysis occurrence, echinocytosis, and platelets aggregation. Significantly high values of segmented neutrophils and low values of non-segmented neutrophils were recorded in the blood of rats treated with chokeberry extract (AME). In the pre-treatment (AME + GM), severe hypochromic anemia and a significant improvement in hematological parameters, as well as a reduction of anemia in the post-treatment (GM + AME), were noted. Post-treatment AME also significantly regulates urea and creatinine values. Statistically significantly low hemoglobin values were found in all groups treated with AME. Current study suggests that compounds in the AME have a moderate beneficial effect against renal injury and anti-inflammatory properties that may help protect the kidneys from injury caused by GM.

Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) polyphenols attenuate obesity-induced colonic inflammation by regulating gut microbiota and the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in high fat diet-fed rats

This study investigated the potential benefits of black chokeberry polyphenol (BCP) supplementation on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated inflammatory response in RAW264.7 cells and obesity-induced colonic inflammation in a high fat diet (HFD)-fed rat model. Our findings demonstrated that BCP treatment effectively reduced the production of nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MCP-1) in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells and concurrently mitigated oxidative stress by modulating the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, BCP supplementation significantly ameliorated HFD-induced obesity, improved glucose tolerance, and reduced systemic inflammation in HFD-fed rats. Notably, BCP treatment suppressed the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and alleviated intestinal barrier dysfunction by regulating the mRNA and protein expression of key tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1), thereby inhibiting colonic inflammation caused by the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Additionally, BCP treatment altered the composition and function of the gut microbiota, leading to an increase in the total content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly acetic acid, propionic acid, isobutyric acid, and butyric acid. Collectively, our results highlighted the potential of BCP supplementation as a promising prebiotic strategy for treating obesity-induced colonic inflammation.

Fresh Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) Fruits as Valuable Additive in Extruded Snack Pellets: Selected Nutritional and Physiochemical Properties

In this paper, the nutritional value and (selected) physiochemical properties of extruded snack pellets enriched with fresh chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) fruits were analyzed from the perspective of being a new product for the functional food sector. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the addition of fresh chokeberry and variation in content and screw speed on extruded snack pellet basic compositions, fatty acid profiles, antioxidant activity, as well as water absorption and solubility indexes, fat absorption and color profiles. The obtained results revealed a significant increase in antioxidant activity for all samples (above 90% of free radical scavenging) in comparison to potato-based control samples (just over 20% of free radical scavenging). The total phenolic content assay revealed the most valuable results for samples enriched with 30% chokeberry, while Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) analysis allowed the determination of the most important phenolic acids. Of interest, chokeberry addition decreased the fat absorption index (FAI) after expansion by frying. Moreover, the highest values of crude protein and crude ash were observed in snack pellets supplemented by the application of 30% chokeberry. In such samples, the crude protein content was at the level of 4.75-4.87 g 100 g-1 and crude ash content at 4.88-5.07 g 100 g-1. Moreover, saturated fatty acids (SFA) content was lower in snack pellets with chokeberry addition, and increasing the amount of chokeberry additive from 10% to 30% in extruded snack pellet recipes resulted in more than double an increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) proportion in the total fatty acids.

Plant Polyphenols and Human Health: Novel Findings for Future Therapeutic Developments

Polyphenols are a large class of plant secondary metabolites that are biosynthetically derived from the shikimate pathway and characterized by aromatic rings with one or more hydroxyl groups [...].

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.

Effects of Chokeberries (Aronia spp.) on Cytoprotective and Cardiometabolic Markers and Semen Quality in 109 Mildly Hypercholesterolemic Danish Men: A Prospective, Double-Blinded, Randomized, Crossover Trial

Background: Chokeberries (Aronia spp.) are known to exhibit both direct and indirect antioxidant properties and have been associated with beneficial effects on human health, including cardiovascular risk factors (inflammation, serum lipids, sugars, blood pressure), oxidative stress, and semen quality. This prospective, double-blinded, randomized, crossover clinical trial was conducted to elucidate the effects of Aronia supplementation on these health targets in mildly hypercholesterolemic men. Methods: The standardized Aronia supplementation comprised three wild Aronia spp. (A. arbutifolia, A prunifolia and A. melanocarpa) and the Aronia hybrid × Sorbaronia mitschurinii (standardized to 150 mg anthocyanins daily). Participants (n = 109) were healthy men with respect to all outcome targets except for the total cholesterol level (5.0−7.0 mM). Participants were randomized to supplementation with either Aronia or placebo for 90 days, followed by a wash-out period and lastly the complementary supplementation. Effects on the health parameters were compared among both the whole group of men and in subgroups according to age, body mass index (BMI), lifestyle, dietary habits, and serum glutathione levels at baseline. The study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov.: NCT03405753. Results: Glutathione levels were significantly improved after 90 days intake of Aronia supplementation compared to placebo in the subgroup of men with a low level of glutathione at baseline (p = 0.038) and a high coffee intake (p = 0.045). A significant decrease in levels of sperm DNA fragmentation and an increase in the percentage of motile sperm were observed in men aged >40 and in men with BMI > 25. Further, these parameters were significantly improved in the dietary subgroup defined by a high level of coffee intake. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels decreased significantly in men <40 years after Aronia supplementation. No statistically significant effects were observed regarding blood pressure, markers of blood sugar regulation, hemoglobin A1c, superoxide dismutase, catalase, isoprostane levels, high sensitivity C reactive protein, or other semen parameters. Conclusions: This study demonstrated a significant increase in glutathione levels and improvement of cytoprotective targets following Aronia supplementation in specific subgroups of men >40 years of age and BMI > 25 but did not demonstrate a significant effect in the overall analysis. The observed concurrent increase in glutathione levels and improvement of cytoprotective targets following Aronia supplementation in subgroups of men, suggests that the endogenous phase II antioxidant glutathione is involved in the modulation of the observed cytoprotective effects. This study is a good foundation for further investigation of these cytoprotective effects in groups with oxidative stress in a dose−response study.

Anthocyanins: Metabolic Digestion, Bioavailability, Therapeutic Effects, Current Pharmaceutical/Industrial Use, and Innovation Potential

In this work, various concepts and features of anthocyanins have been comprehensively reviewed, taking the benefits of the scientific publications released mainly within the last five years. Within the paper, common topics such as anthocyanin chemistry and occurrence, including the biosynthesis of anthocyanins emphasizing the anthocyanin formation pathway, anthocyanin chemistry, and factors influencing the anthocyanins' stability, are covered in detail. By evaluating the recent in vitro and human experimental studies on the absorption and bioavailability of anthocyanins present in typical food and beverages, this review elucidates the significant variations in biokinetic parameters based on the model, anthocyanin source, and dose, allowing us to make basic assumptions about their bioavailability. Additionally, special attention is paid to other topics, such as the therapeutic effects of anthocyanins. Reviewing the recent in vitro, in vivo, and epidemiological studies on the therapeutic potential of anthocyanins against various diseases permits a demonstration of the promising efficacy of different anthocyanin sources at various levels, including the neuroprotective, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, antiobesity, and anticancer effects. Additionally, the studies on using plant-based anthocyanins as coloring food mediums are extensively investigated in this paper, revealing the successful use of anthocyanins in coloring various products, such as dietary and bakery products, mixes, juices, candies, beverages, ice cream, and jams. Lastly, the successful application of anthocyanins as prebiotic ingredients, the innovation potential of anthocyanins in industry, and sustainable sources of anthocyanins, including a quantitative research literature and database analysis, is performed.

Interventions on Gut Microbiota for Healthy Aging

In recent years, the improvement in health and social conditions has led to an increase in the average lifespan. Since aging is the most important risk factor for the majority of chronic human diseases, the development of therapies and intervention to stop, lessen or even reverse various age-related morbidities is an important target to ameliorate the quality of life of the elderly. The gut microbiota, that is, the complex ecosystem of microorganisms living in the gastrointestinal tract, plays an important role, not yet fully understood, in maintaining the host's health and homeostasis, influencing metabolic, oxidative and cognitive status; for this reason, it is also named "the forgotten endocrine organ" or "the second brain". On the other hand, the gut microbiota diversity and richness are affected by unmodifiable factors, such as aging and sex, and modifiable ones, such as diet, pharmacological therapies and lifestyle. In this review, we discuss the changes, mostly disadvantageous, for human health, induced by aging, in microbiota composition and the effects of dietary intervention, of supplementation with probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, psychobiotics and antioxidants and of physical exercise. The development of an integrated strategy to implement microbiota health will help in the goal of healthy aging.

Potential Benefits of Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) Fruits and Their Constituents in Improving Human Health

Aronia berry (black chokeberry) is a shrub native to North America, of which the fresh fruits are used in the food industry to produce different types of dietary products. The fruits of Aronia melanocarpa (Aronia berries) have been found to show multiple bioactivities potentially beneficial to human health, including antidiabetic, anti-infective, antineoplastic, antiobesity, and antioxidant activities, as well as heart-, liver-, and neuroprotective effects. Thus far, phenolic compounds, such as anthocyanins, cyanidins, phenolic acids, proanthocyanidins, triterpenoids, and their analogues have been identified as the major active components of Aronia berries. These natural products possess potent antioxidant activity, which contributes to the majority of the other bioactivities observed for Aronia berries. The chemical components and the potential pharmaceutical or health-promoting effects of Aronia berries have been summarized previously. The present review article focuses on the molecular targets of extracts of Aronia berries and the examples of promising lead compounds isolated from these berries, including cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and ursolic acid. In addition, presented herein are clinical trial investigations for Aronia berries and their major components, including cancer clinical trials for chlorogenic acid and COVID-19 trial studies for quercetin. Additionally, the possible development of Aronia berries and their secondary metabolites as potential therapeutic agents is discussed. It is hoped that this contribution will help stimulate future investigations on Aronia berries for the continual improvement of human health.

Synergistic Hypolipidemic Effects and Mechanisms of Phytochemicals: A Review

Hyperlipidemia, a chronic disorder of abnormal lipid metabolism, can induce obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Increasing evidence indicates that phytochemicals may serve as a promising strategy for the prevention and management of hyperlipidemia and its complications. At the same time, the concept of synergistic hypolipidemic and its application in the food industry is rapidly increasing as a practical approach to preserve and improve the health-promoting effects of functional ingredients. The current review focuses on the effects of single phytochemicals on hyperlipidemia and its mechanisms. Due to the complexity of the lipid metabolism regulatory network, the synergistic regulation of different metabolic pathways or targets may be more effective than single pathways or targets in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. This review summarizes for the first time the synergistic hypolipidemic effects of different combinations of phytochemicals such as combinations of the same category of phytochemicals and combinations of different categories of phytochemicals. In addition, based on the different metabolic pathways or targets involved in synergistic effects, the possible mechanisms of synergistic hypolipidemic effects of the phytochemical combination are illustrated in this review. Hence, this review provides clues to boost more phytochemical synergistic hypolipidemic research and provides a theoretical basis for the development of phytochemicals with synergistic effects on hyperlipidemia and its complications.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Aronia Juice Polyphenols-Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Human Intervention Study and Cell Culture Experiments

Dietary polyphenols, which are present in Aronia melanocarpa, have been associated with various beneficial effects on human health including antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activities. We aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of aronia juice polyphenols in a randomized placebo-controlled human intervention study and cell culture experiments. A total of 40 females were asked to consume either 200 mL of aronia juice or a placebo drink for six weeks and were investigated again after a washout period of another six weeks. We observed that only half of the participants tolerated the aronia juice well (Vt) and the other half reported complaints (Vc). The placebo (P) was generally tolerated with one exception (p = 0.003). Plasma polyphenol levels increased significantly in Vt after the intervention (p = 0.024) but did neither in P nor in Vc. Regulatory T cell (Treg) frequencies remained constant in Vt and P during the intervention, whereas Tregs decreased in Vc (p = 0.018). In cell culture, inhibiting effects of ferulic acid (p = 0.0005) and catechin (p = 0.0393) on the differentiation of Tregs were observed as well as reduced activation of CD4-T cells in ferulic acid (p = 0.0072) and aronia juice (p = 0.0163) treated cells. Interestingly, a CD4+CD25-FoxP3+ cell population emerged in vitro in response to aronia juice, but not when testing individual polyphenols. In conclusion, our data strengthen possible individual hormetic effects, the importance of the food matrix for bioactivity, and the need for further investigations on possible impacts of specific physiological features such as the gut microbiota in the context of personalized nutrition.

Antioxidative Effects of Standardized Aronia melanocarpa Extract on Reproductive and Metabolic Disturbances in a Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) represents the most common endocrinopathy among childbearing-age women, with oxidative stress (OS) underlying its etiopathogenesis. Metformin (MET) represents a frequently used agent in PCOS. However, weak results encourage alternative treatments. We aimed to investigate isolated and synergistic effects of Standardized Aronia melanocarpa extract (SEA) and MET for alleviating reproductive and metabolic PCOS abnormalities. PCOS induction was followed by 28-day treatment with MET, SAE, or MET + SEA. Bodyweight (BW), cyclicity, histological, and ultrasonographical ovarian analyses were performed. Hormonal, glycemic, and lipid profiles were accessed, as well as systemic and ovarian oxidative status; BW, cyclicity, ovarian histomorphology, ovarian volume, testosterone and progesterone levels, as well as LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels were aggravated after PCOS-induction and improved after MET, SEA, and MET + SEA treatment. MET + SEA had the greatest impact on glycoregulation. Alterations in OS parameters (TBARS, O₂⁻, H₂O₂, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione) could be responsible for observed differences; (4) Conclusions: Our findings confirmed that SAE alone or along with MET was capable of ameliorating reproductive and metabolic disturbances in the PCOS rat model, with the restoration of OS parameters. SAE alone did not alter the protective effects of MET in PCOS.

Aronia melanocarpa Fruit Juice Modulates ACE2 Immunoexpression and Diminishes Age-Related Remodeling of Coronary Arteries in Rats

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice (AMJ) supplementation on age-related coronary arteries remodeled in aged rat hearts. Male Wistar rats (n = 24) were divided into three groups: (1) young controls (CY), aged 2 months, without AMJ supplementation; (2) old controls (CO), aged 27 months, without AMJ supplementation; and (3) the AMJ group (A), which used 27-month old animals, supplemented orally with AMJ for 105 days. AMJ supplementation did not influence the wall-to-diameter parameter (Kernohan index) of the coronary arteries of test animals. Aged rats supplemented with AMJ showed a significant decrease in the amount of collagen fibers in their coronary tunica media, as compared with the old controls. The intensity of the immunoreaction for alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) in the coronary tunica media was significantly lower in the supplemented group than in the old controls. The intensity of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) immunoreaction in the coronary tunica media of the supplemented group was significantly higher than the one observed in the old controls. These results indicate the positive effects of AMJ supplementation on the age-dependent remodeling of coronary arteries and support for the preventive potential of antioxidant-rich functional food supplementation in age-related diseases.

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.