Chemical Composition, Nutritional, and Biological Properties of Extracts Obtained with Different Techniques from Aronia melanocarpa Berries.

This study investigates the chemical composition, nutritional, and biological properties of extracts obtained from A. melanocarpa berries using different extraction methods and solvents. Hydrodistillation and supercritical fluid extraction with CO2 allowed us to isolate fruit essential oil (HDEX) and fixed oil (SFEEX), respectively. A phenol-enriched extract was obtained using a mild ultrasound-assisted maceration with methanol (UAMM). The HDEX most abundant component, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), was italicene epoxide (17.2%), followed by hexadecanoic acid (12.4%), khusinol (10.5%), limonene (9.7%), dodecanoic acid (9.7%), and (E)-anethole (6.1%). Linoleic (348.9 mg/g of extract, 70.5%), oleic (88.9 mg/g, 17.9%), and palmitic (40.8 mg/g, 8.2%) acids, followed by α-linolenic and stearic acids, were the main fatty acids in SFEEX determined using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array detector and an evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC-DAD/ELSD). HPLC-DAD analyses of SFEEX identified ß-carotene as the main carotenoid (1.7 mg/g), while HPLC with fluorescence detection (FLU) evidenced α-tocopherol (1.2 mg/g) as the most abundant tocopherol isoform in SFEEX. Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-MS (LC-ESI-MS) analysis of UAMM showed the presence of quercetin-sulfate (15.6%, major component), malvidin 3-O-(6-O-p-coumaroyl) glucoside-4-vinylphenol adduct (pigment B) (9.3%), di-caffeoyl coumaroyl spermidine (7.6%), methyl-epigallocatechin (5.68%), and phloretin (4.1%), while flavonoids (70.5%) and phenolic acids (23.9%) emerged as the most abundant polyphenol classes. UAMM exerted a complete inhibition of the cholesterol oxidative degradation at 140 °C from 75 µg of extract, showing 50% protection at 30.6 µg (IA50). Furthermore, UAMM significantly reduced viability (31-48%) in A375 melanoma cells in the range of 500-2000 µg/mL after 96 h of incubation (MTT assay), with a low toxic effect in normal HaCaT keratinocytes. The results of this research extend the knowledge of the nutritional and biological properties of A. melanocarpa berries, providing useful information on specific extracts for potential food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications.

Exploring the Potential of Ribes nigrum L., Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott, and Sambucus nigra L. Fruit Polyphenol-Rich Composition and Metformin Synergy in Type 2 Diabetes Management.

Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance and impaired glucose homeostasis, is commonly managed through lifestyle interventions and medications such as metformin. Although metformin is generally well-tolerated, it may cause gastrointestinal adverse effects and, in rare cases, precipitate lactic acidosis, necessitating cautious use in individuals with renal dysfunction. Additionally, concerns regarding its impact on hepatic function have led to its discontinuation in cirrhotic patients. This study explores the potential synergistic benefits of a polyphenol-rich blend containing black currant, chokeberry, and black elderberry extracts alongside metformin in managing type 2 diabetes. In vitro results highlighted distinct effects of AMPK pathway modulation, showcasing reductions in cholesterol and triglyceride levels alongside a notable enhancement in glucose uptake. The blend, when combined with metformin, significantly reduced insulin levels and fasting glucose concentrations in an in vivo model. Furthermore, hepatic analyses unveiled a modulation in cellular pathways, suggesting a potential influence on lipid metabolism, attenuation of inflammatory pathways, a decrease in cellular stress response, and antioxidant defense mechanisms, collectively implying a potential reduction in liver fat accumulation. The findings suggest a potential complementary role of polyphenols in enhancing the efficacy of metformin, possibly allowing for reduced metformin dosage and mitigating its side effects. Further clinical studies are warranted to validate these findings and establish the safety and efficacy of this nutraceutical approach in managing type 2 diabetes.

The Influence of a Polyphenol-Rich Red Berry Fruit Juice on Recovery Process and Leg Strength Capacity after Six Days of Intensive Endurance Exercise in Recreational Endurance Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Various nutritional strategies are increasingly used in sports to reduce oxidative stress and promote recovery. Chokeberry is rich in polyphenols and can reduce oxidative stress. Consequently, chokeberry juices and mixed juices with chokeberry content are increasingly used in sports. However, the data are very limited. Therefore, this study investigates the effects of the short-term supplementation of a red fruit juice drink with chokeberry content or a placebo on muscle damage, oxidative status, and leg strength during a six-day intense endurance protocol. METHODS: Eighteen recreational endurance athletes participated in a cross-over high intensity interval training (HIIT) design, receiving either juice or a placebo. Baseline and post-exercise assessments included blood samples, anthropometric data, and leg strength measurements. RESULTS: A significant increase was measured in muscle damage following the endurance protocol in all participants (∆ CK juice: 117.12 ± 191.75 U/L, ∆ CK placebo: 164.35 ± 267.00 U/L; p = 0.001, η2 = 0.17). No group effects were detected in exercise-induced muscle damage (p = 0.371, η2 = 0.010) and oxidative status (p = 0.632, η2 = 0.000). The reduction in strength was stronger in the placebo group, but group effects are missing statistical significance (∆ e1RM juice: 1.34 ± 9.26 kg, ∆ e1RM placebo: -3.33 ± 11.49 kg; p = 0.988, η2 = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Although a reduction in strength can be interpreted for the placebo treatment, no statistically significant influence of chokeberry could be determined. It appears that potential effects may only occur with prolonged application and a higher content of polyphenols, but further research is needed to confirm this.

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.

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.

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.

Influence of lactic acid fermentation on the phenolic profile, antioxidant activities, and volatile compounds of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) juice.

Lactic acid fermentation is an effective method for improving the quality of black chokeberry. This study aimed to investigate the influence of lactic acid bacteria on the phenolic profile, antioxidant activities, and volatiles of black chokeberry juice. Initially, 107  cfu/mL of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus were inoculated into pasteurized black chokeberry juice and fermented for 48 h at 37°C. All these strains enhanced the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, with La. acidophilus showing the highest total phenolic (1683.64 mg/L) and total flavonoid (659.27 mg/L) contents. Phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins were identified using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The prevalent phenolic acid, flavonoid, and anthocyanin in the lactic-acid-fermented black chokeberry juice were cinnamic acid, rutin, and cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, respectively. Furthermore, following fermentation, the DPPH and ABTS scavenging capacity, as well as the reducing power capacity, increased from 59.98% to 92.70%, 83.06% to 94.95%, and 1.24 to 1.82, respectively. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that the transformation of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins probably contributed to enhancing antioxidant activities and color conversation in black chokeberry juice. A total of 40 volatiles were detected in the fermented black chokeberry juice by gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry. The off-flavor odors, such as 1-penten-3-one and propanal in the black chokeberry juice, were weakened after fermentation. The content of 2-pentanone significantly increased in all fermented juice, imparting an ethereal flavor. Hence, lactic acid fermentation can effectively enhance black chokeberry products' flavor and prebiotic value, offering valuable insights into their production. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The application of lactic acid bacteria in black chokeberry juice not only enhances its flavor but also improves its health benefits. This study has expanded the range of black chokeberry products and offers a new perspective for the development of the black chokeberry industry.

Src Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitory and Antioxidant Activity of Black Chokeberry and Bilberry Fruit Extracts Rich in Chlorogenic Acid.

Edible berries such as the fruits of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott) and bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) are considered to be rich in phenolic compounds, which are nowadays attracting great interest due to their promising health benefits. The main objective of our study was to investigate, for the first time, their inhibitory properties on Src tyrosine kinase activity, as this enzyme plays an important role in multiple cellular processes and is activated in both cancer and inflammatory cells. In hydroethanolic fruit extracts, 5.0-5.9% of total polyphenols were determined spectrophotometrically, including high amounts of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. HPLC analysis revealed that the black chokeberry and bilberry extracts contained 2.05 mg/g and 2.54 mg/g of chlorogenic acid, respectively. Using a time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET) assay, the extracts studied were found to have comparable inhibitory effects on Src tyrosine kinase, with IC50 values of 366 µg/mL and 369 µg/mL, respectively. The results also indicated that chlorogenic acid contributes significantly to the observed effect. In addition, both fruit extracts exhibited antioxidant activity by scavenging DPPH and NO radicals with SC50 values of 153-352 µg/mL. Our study suggested that black chokeberry and bilberry fruits may be beneficial in cancer and other inflammation-related diseases.

Antibacterial and anticancer activities of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles using Photinia glabra fruit extract.

Aims: We prepared Photinia glabra (PG) aqueous fruit extract, utilized it to synthesize silver nanoparticles (PG-Ag NPs) and evaluated the antibacterial and anticancer activities of the nanoparticles (NPs). Materials & methods: Silver nitrate aqueous solution was reduced to PG-Ag NPs using aqueous PG fruit extract. NP shape, size, composition and functionalization were determined using transmission electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared and x-ray diffraction. Results & conclusions: PG-Ag NPs were spherical, approximately 39-77 nm-sized, functionalized surfaces with notable antibacterial activity against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with an MIC <30 ug/ml and cytotoxicity toward esophageal cancer cells, with IC50 values less than 20 ug/ml. PG-Ag@rt NPs have been shown to be a potent antibacterial and anticancer agent, and their enriched particle surfaces can be conjugated with other compounds for multibiomedical applications.

The present study reports for the first time the preparation of Photinia glabra (PG) aqueous fruit extract and its use for the synthesis of smaller silver particles (PG-Ag NPs) from bulk aqueous silver nitrate solution (AgNO₃). The preparation followed the reduction ability of PG fruit extract phytochemical under different preparation conditions: at room temperature (PG-Ag@rt), at 70°C (PG-Ag@70) and in the presence of cerium oxide at 70°C (PG-Ag+CeO₂@70). The prepared smaller particles were found using transmission electron microscopy to be spherical in shape with sizes 39, 77 and 44 nm for PG-Ag@rt, PG-Ag@70 and PG-Ag+CeO₂@70, respectively. The NPs contained different functional groups on their surfaces due to the capping ability of PG fruit extract components. Among all, PG-Ag@rt NPs showed strongest antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with MIC 7.0 µg/ml and 28.0 µg/ml, respectively, and commendable anticancer activity toward Eca-109 cancer cells with IC₅₀ less than 20 ug/ml.

The Protective Potential of Aronia melanocarpa L. Berry Extract against Cadmium-Induced Kidney Damage: A Study in an Animal Model of Human Environmental Exposure to This Toxic Element.

The impact of cadmium (Cd) on the function and structure of the kidney and the potential protective effect of an extract from Aronia melanocarpa L. berries were investigated in a rat model of low- and moderate-level environmental exposure to this heavy metal (1 and 5 mg Cd/kg feed for up to 24 months). The sensitive biomarkers of Cd-induced damage to the kidney tubules (N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), ß2-microglobulin (ß2-MG), and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) in the urine), clinically relevant early markers of glomerular damage (albumin in the urine and creatinine clearance), and other markers of the general functional status of this organ (urea, uric acid, and total protein in the serum and/or urine) and Cd concentration in the urine, were evaluated. The morphological structure of the kidney and inflammatory markers (chemerin, macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha (MIP1a), and Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax)) were also estimated. Low-level and moderate exposure to Cd led to damage to the function and structure of the kidney tubules and glomeruli. The co-administration of A. melanocarpa berry extract significantly protected against the injurious impact of this toxic element. In conclusion, even low-level, long-term exposure to Cd poses a risk of kidney damage, whereas an intake of Aronia berry products may effectively protect from this outcome.

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.

Encapsulation of anthocyanin-rich extract from black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) pomace by spray drying using different coating materials.

Anthocyanin-rich extract obtained from black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) pomace was microencapsulated with spray drying by using different wall materials, i.e., maltodextrin with dextrose equivalent 6 (MD6), maltodextrin with dextrose equivalent 20 (MD20) and the combination of MD20 with gum Arabic (MD : GA, 15 : 5 w/w), whey protein isolate (MD : WPI, 19 : 1 w/w), and xanthan gum (MD : XG, 19.5 : 0.5 w/w). Spray drying conditions were chosen as follows: inlet temperature of 150 °C, outlet temperature of 90 °C, 4.5 mL min-1 feed flow rate, 0.357 m3 h-1 air flow rate, and an aspirator capacity of 100%. Physicochemical characteristics of the powders such as moisture content, particle size, capsule morphology, color, spray drying yield, encapsulation efficiency, total anthocyanin content, total and individual phenolic content, and total antioxidant activity were investigated. With all the parameters evaluated, MD : GA wall material provided better results particularly in terms of production yield and encapsulation efficiency. To conclude, black chokeberry by-product can be used as a source of polyphenols to produce value-added colored powders with bioactive properties which might have the potential to be used in food, nutraceutical and cosmetic industries.

Composition and antioxidant activity of anthocyanins from Aronia melanocarpa extracted using an ultrasonic-microwave-assisted natural deep eutectic solvent extraction method.

A time-saving, efficient, and environmentally friendly ultrasonic-microwave-assisted natural deep eutectic solvent (UMAE-NADES) extraction method was developed for the extraction of anthocyanins from Aronia melanocarpa. Eight different natural eutectic solvents were screened initially, and choline chloride-glycerol was selected as the extraction solvent. The extraction conditions were optimized using the response surface methodology, and the extraction rate of anthocyanins was higher than those achieved using the traditional ethanol method, natural deep eutectic solvent extraction method, and ultrasonic-microwave-assisted ethanol method. Six anthocyanins, including cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-arabinoside, cyanidin-3-O-xyloside, cyanidin-3,5-O-dihexoside, and the dimer of cyanidin-hexoside were identified and extracted at a purity of 448.873 mg/g using high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The compounds extracted using UMAE-NADES had higher antioxidant capacities than those extracted by the other three methods. The UMAE-NADES demonstrated significant efficiency toward the extraction of bioactive substances and has potential utility in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Evaluation of phenolic composition, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of aronia melanocarpa leaf extracts.

The objective of this study was to investigate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of aronia leaf crude phenolic-extract (ACE) and purified phenolic-rich extract (APE) on human intestinal cells (CCD 841 CoN) and colon cancer cells (SW-480 and HT-29). UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis confirmed that aronia leaves are rich in structurally diverse polyphenols (25 and 42 compounds for ACE and APE, respectively). Chlorogenic acid and quercetin-3-rutinoside were most abundant in both aronia extracts. The sum of detected polyphenols varied significantly between extracts ranging from 32.8 mg/g (ACE) to 436.3 mg/g (APE). The biological potential of aronia extracts was confirmed by applying in vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic assays. The results of antioxidant activity (ABTS and FRAP) indicate that APE showed 2-fold stronger antioxidant properties compared to ACE. APE revealed a stronger cytotoxic effect on SW-480 and HT-29 cells than ACE (MTT test). After 48 -hours of incubation, APE was found to inhibit SW-480 cell growth by 50% vs. control at 194.35 µg/mL, while for HT-29 cells it was observed at 552.02 µg/mL. In the case of ACE, IC50 has not been reached for SW-480 cells after 48 -hours of treatment, but for HT-29 it was 794.84 µg/mL. Moreover, the viability was significantly decreased in a concentration- and time-dependent manner for both cancer cell lines. Examined extracts showed selective inhibitory potential against colon cancer cells. However, after 72 h incubation with CCD 841 CoN cells, the obtained IC50 values for APE and ACE were 594 µg/mL and 709 µg/mL respectively. This suggests that aronia leaves are valuable natural-based products that may support the treatment as chemopreventive agents in colorectal cancer.

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.

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.

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.

Standardized Aronia melanocarpa extract regulates redox status in patients receiving hemodialysis with anemia.

The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of one-month consumption of polyphenol-rich standardized Aronia melanocarpa extract (SAE) on redox status in anemic hemodialysis patients. The study included 30 patients (Hb < 110 g/l, hemodialysis or hemodiafiltration > 3 months; > 3 times week). Patients were treated with commercially available SAE in a dose of 30 ml/day, for 30 days. After finishing the treatment blood samples were taken to evaluate the effects of SAE on redox status. Several parameters of anemia and inflammation were also followed. After the completion of the treatment, the levels of superoxide anion radical and nitrites significantly dropped, while the antioxidant capacity improved via elevation of catalase and reduced glutathione. Proven antioxidant effect was followed by beneficial effects on anemia parameters (increased hemoglobin and haptoglobin concentration, decreased ferritin and lactate dehydrogenase concentration), but SAE consumption didn't improve inflammatory status, except for minor decrease in C-reactive protein. The consumption of SAE regulates redox status (reduce the productions of pro-oxidative molecules and increase antioxidant defense) and has beneficial effects on anemia parameters. SAE could be considered as supportive therapy in patients receiving hemodialysis which are prone to oxidative stress caused by both chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis procedure. Additionally, it could potentially be a good choice for supplementation of anemic hemodialysis patients. TRN: NCT04208451 December 23, 2019 "retrospectively registered".

Application of Crude Pomace Powder of Chokeberry, Bilberry, and Elderberry as a Coloring Foodstuff.

Berry pomace, rich in polyphenols, especially anthocyanins, accumulates during the production of red juices. Pomace from chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa Michx.), bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), and elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) represent good sources of coloring foodstuffs. Pomace powders (PP) were prepared by milling the seedless fractions of the three dried berry pomaces (50 °C, 8 h). Techno-functional properties of the powders such as particle size distribution, bulk density, sedimentation velocity, and swelling capacity were determined to evaluate the powders for possible food applications. Total anthocyanin content was quantified by UHPLC-DAD before and during a storage experiment to monitor the degradation of anthocyanins in the PP and in a yogurt model application. The high content of phenolic compounds and the still intact cell structure ensured high stability of anthocyanins over 28 days of storage. In the model application, color saturation was stable over the whole storage time of 14 days. Regarding the techno-functional properties, only a few differences between the three PP were observed. The particle size of elderberry PP was larger, resulting in lowest bulk density (0.45 g/mL), high cold-water solubility (16.42%), and a swelling capacity of 10.16 mL/g dw. Sedimentation velocity of the three PP was fast (0.02 mL/min) due to cluster formation of the particles caused by electrostatic and hydrophobic properties. Compared to other high-intensity coloring foodstuffs, the use of PP, showing acceptable color stability with potential health-promoting effects, represents a wide applicability in different food applications and especially in products with a longer shelf-life.

Aronia berry polyphenols have matrix-dependent effects on the gut microbiota.

The objective of this study was to determine the extent that the aronia berry matrix affects gut microbiota composition, fecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and colonic anthocyanins in healthy mice. C57BL/6J mice were fed AIN-93 M control diet (C) or C with whole aronia berry (AB), aronia extract (AE), or polyphenol-depleted AB (D) at the expense of cornstarch. After one week of feeding, AB and D increased fecal anthocyanins more than AE. Diets differentially affected SCFA and microbiota. AB fecal SCFA was associated with increased metabolism of succinate and pyruvate to butyrate. D increased acetic acid production, was associated with increased abundance of predicted genes for fermentation of carbohydrates to acetyl-coA. AB and D also increased predicted abundance of microbial catechol metabolism pathway I relative to C, which was attributed to enrichment of Lachnospiraceae. Therefore, the berry matrix impacts how aronia polyphenols interact with the gut microbiota in healthy mice.