Effect of Flavonols of Aronia melanocarpa Fruits on Morphofunctional State of Immunocompetent Organs of Rats under Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression.

Aronia melanocarpa berries contain many compounds with potential benefits for human health. The food flavonoids quercetin and rutin, found in significant amounts in the fruits of A. melanocarpa, are known to have favourable effects on animal and human organisms. However, data on the effect of flavonols isolated from black chokeberry on immune functions during immunosuppression are not available in the literature. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of flavonol fraction isolated from A. melanocarpa fruits, in comparison with pure quercetin and rutin substances, on the dysfunctional state of rat thymus and spleen in immunodeficiency. The study was performed on Wistar rats. The animals were orally administered solutions of the investigated substances for 7 days: water, a mixture of quercetin and rutin and flavonol fraction of A. melanocarpa. For induction of immunosuppression, the animals were injected once intraperitoneally with cyclophosphamide. Substance administration was then continued for another 7 days. The results showed that under the influence of flavonols, there was a decrease in cyclophosphamide-mediated reaction of lipid peroxidation enhancement and stimulation of proliferation of lymphocytes of thymus and spleen in rats. At that, the effect of the flavonol fraction of aronia was more pronounced.

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.

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.

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.

Extract from Aronia melanocarpa, Lonicera caerulea, and Vaccinium myrtillus Improves near Visual Acuity in People with Presbyopia.

Presbyopia is a global problem with an estimated 1.3 billion patients worldwide. In the area of functional food applications, dietary supplements or herbs, there are very few reports describing the positive effects of their use. In the available literature, there is a lack of studies in humans as well as on an animal model of extracts containing, simultaneously, compounds from the polyphenol group (in particular, anthocyanins) and iridoids, so we undertook a study of the effects of a preparation composed of these compounds on a condition of the organ of vision. Our previous experience on a rabbit model proved the positive effect of taking an oral extract of Cornus mas in stabilizing the intraocular pressure of the eye. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an orally administered ternary compound preparation on the status of physiological parameters of the ocular organ. The preparation contained an extract of the chokeberry Aronia melanocarpa, the honeysuckle berry Lonicera caerulea L., and the bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus (hereafter AKB) standardized for anthocyanins and iridoids, as bioactive compounds known from the literature. A randomized, double-blind, cross-over study lasting with a "wash-out" period of 17 weeks evaluated a group of 23 people over the age of 50, who were subjects with presbyopia and burdened by prolonged work in front of screen monitors. The group of volunteers was recruited from people who perform white-collar jobs on a daily basis. The effects of the test substances contained in the preparation on visual acuity for distance and near, sense of contrast for distance and near, intraocular pressure, and conjunctival lubrication, tested by Schirmer test, LIPCOF index and TBUT test, and visual field test were evaluated. Anthocyanins (including cyanidin 3-O-galactoside, delphinidin 3-O-arabinoside, cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside, cyanidin 3-O-arabinoside) and iridoids (including loganin, sweroside, loganic acid) were identified as substances present in the extract obtained by HPLC-MS. The preliminary results showed that the composition of AKB applied orally does not change visual acuity in the first 6 weeks of administration. Only in the next cycle of the study was an improvement in near visual acuity observed in 92.3% of the patients. This may indicate potential to correct near vision in presbyopic patients. On the other hand, an improvement in conjunctival wetting was observed in the Schirmer test at the beginning of week 6 of administration in 80% of patients. This effect was weakened in subsequent weeks of conducting the experiment to 61.5%. The improvement in conjunctival hydration in the Schirmer test shows the potential beneficial effect of the AKB formulation in a group of patients with dry eye syndrome. This is the first study of a preparation based on natural, standardized extracts of chokeberry, honeysuckle berry, and bilberry. Preliminary studies show an improvement in near visual acuity and conjunctival hydration on the Schirmer test, but this needs to be confirmed in further studies.

Enzymatic extraction of anthocyanins from the pomace of aronia (Aronia melanocarpa).

Efficient extraction of natural pigments is a key focus in enhancing the utilization of by-products for applications in the food industry. In this study, an enzymatic extraction method using Pectinex Ultra SP-L, Pectinex XXL, Novoshape, and Celluclast was used to investigate natural pigment production from the pomace of aronia, a commercially important plant. The method's performance was monitored using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection by measuring total and individual anthocyanin levels. Pectinex XXL (0.5%) yielded the highest total anthocyanin extraction (2082.41 ± 85.69 mg/100 g) in the single enzyme treatment, followed by Pectinex Ultra SP-L (0.05%), Celluclast (0.01%), and Novoshape (0.1%). Combining Pectinex XXL (0.25%) with Celluclast (0.01%) increased the extraction ratio of total anthocyanins (2 323.04 ± 61.32 mg/100 g) by ∼50.7% compared with that obtained using the solvent extraction method. This study demonstrated an effective enzymatic extraction method for application in the food industry.

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.

Comprehensive Utilization Technology of Aronia melanocarpa.

Aronia melanocarpa fruit contains a variety of active ingredients, such as phenolic acids, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, etc. Relevant in vivo and in vitro studies have concluded that it has beneficial effects in terms of treating dyslipidemia, hypertension, glucose metabolism disorders, etc. This article discusses the nutritional value and food processing of Aronia melanocarpa and reviews the chemical components of Aronia melanocarpa and the pharmacological activities of related substances in order to summarize the chemical characteristics of the fruit and its development prospects. The process optimization of juice production, the impact of antioxidant capacity, and the comprehensive utilization of pomace in feed are discussed. This article provides a reference for future comprehensive application research and product development of Aronia melanocarpa.

The Protective Impact of Aronia melanocarpa L. Berries Extract against Prooxidative Cadmium Action in the Brain-A Study in an In Vivo Model of Current Environmental Human Exposure to This Harmful Element.

Cadmium (Cd) is a prooxidant that adversely affects human health, including the nervous system. As exposure of the general population to this heavy metal is inevitable, it is crucial to look for agents that can prevent the effects of its toxic action. An experimental model on female rats of current lifetime human exposure to cadmium (3-24-months' treatment with 1 or 5 mg Cd/kg diet) was used to test whether low-level and moderate intoxication can exert a prooxidative impact in the brain and whether supplementation with a 0.1% extract from the berries of Aronia melanocarpa L. (Michx.) Elliott (AE; chokeberry extract) can protect against this action. Numerous parameters of the non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidative barrier, as well as total antioxidative and oxidative status (TAS and TOS, respectively), were determined and the index of oxidative stress (OSI) was calculated. Moreover, chosen prooxidants (myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase, and hydrogen peroxide) and biomarkers of oxidative modifications of lipids, proteins, and deoxyribonucleic acid were assayed. Cadmium dysregulated the balance between oxidants and antioxidants in the brain and led to oxidative stress and oxidative injury of the cellular macromolecules, whereas the co-administration of AE alleviated these effects. To summarize, long-term, even low-level, cadmium exposure can pose a risk of failure of the nervous system by the induction of oxidative stress in the brain, whereas supplementation with products based on aronia berries seems to be an effective protective strategy.

Assessing the Gut Microbiota's Ability to Metabolize Oligomeric and Polymeric Flavan-3-ols from Aronia and Cranberry.

Clinical trials investigating the health effects of flavan-3-ols yield heterogeneous results due to interindividual variability in the gut microbiota metabolism. In fact, different groups in the population have similar metabolic profiles following (-)-epicatechin and (+)-catechin gut microbial metabolism and can be regrouped into so-called metabotypes. In this study, the capacity of 34 donors to metabolize polymeric B-type flavan-3-ols from aronia and oligomeric A-type flavan-3-ols from cranberry is investigated by in vitro fecal batch fermentations. Less than 1% of the flavan-3-ols from both sources are converted into microbial metabolites, such as phenyl-γ-valerolactones (PVLs). To further confirm this result, gut microbial metabolites from flavan-3-ols are quantified in urine samples collected from participants, before and after a 4-day supplementation of cranberry extract providing 82.3 mg of flavan-3-ols per day. No significant difference is observed in the urinary excretion of flavan-3-ols microbial metabolites. Hence, it demonstrates by both in vitro and in vivo approaches that flavan-3-ols from aronia and cranberry are poorly degraded by the gut microbiota. The beneficial health impacts of these molecules likely stem from their capacity to affect gut microbiota and their interactions with the gut epithelium, rather than from their breakdown into smaller metabolites.

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.

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.

The addition of polysaccharide gums to Aronia melanocarpa purees modulates the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds and gut microbiota: A multiomics data fusion approach following in vitro digestion and fermentation.

This study aimed to determine how the addition of gellan, guar, locust bean, and xanthan gums affected the polyphenol profile of Aronia melanocarpa puree and the human gut microbiota after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and large intestine fermentation. The different gums distinctively affected the content and bioaccessibility of phenolics in Aronia puree, as outlined by untargeted metabolomics. The addition of locust bean gum increased the levels of low-molecular-weight phenolics and phenolic acids after digestion. Gellan and guar gums enhanced phenolic acids' bioaccessibility after fermentation. Interactions between digestion products and fecal bacteria altered the composition of the microbiota, with the greatest impact of xanthan. Locust bean gum promoted the accumulation of different taxa with health-promoting properties. Our findings shed light on the added-value properties of commercial gums as food additives, promoting a distinctive increase of polyphenol bioaccessibility and shifting the gut microbiota distribution, depending on their composition and structural features.

pH-responsive Photinia glabra-zinc oxide-protoporphyrin IX nanoconjugates with enhanced cellular uptake for photodynamic therapy towards cancer cells.

Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer has been limited by the poor solubility of most photosensitizers, use of high drug dosages, and the pH difference between the tumor tissue microenvironment (slightly acidic) and the bloodstream. These affect cellular uptake, selectivity and singlet oxygen generation. Materials & methods: We formulated Photinia glabra-green synthesized zinc oxide-protoporphyrin IX (PG-ZnO-PP) nanoconjugates by conjugating the ZnO nanoparticles enriched with amino groups and PP. Results: PG-ZnO-PP nanoconjugates showed higher rate of reactive oxygen species generation, improved cellular uptake in the acidic pH and lower IC50 toward Eca-109 cells for PDT. Conclusion: PG-ZnO-PP nanoconjugates are a potential solution to reducing drug dosage of PP through improved drug uptake, for enhanced targetability and reduced skin photosensitivity with improved PDT efficacy.

The progress of treating cancer using light-sensitive drugs and laser light of known wavelength has been limited by the poor solubility of most light-sensitive drugs, the use of high drug dosages and the slightly acidic environment within the cancerous tissues compared with normal blood in the body. These affect the ability of drugs to accumulate in cancerous cells, and not the normal cells, and the ability to produce the oxygen species that are toxic to the cancerous cells. In this paper, we prepared nanoparticles from zinc acetate using Photinia glabra (PG) fruit extract which were then used to chemically react with a light-sensitive drug called protoporphyrin IX (PP) to formulate small particles known as PG­zinc oxide (ZnO)­PP nanoconjugates. Our results showed that PG­ZnO­PP nanoconjugates had the ability to produce the toxic oxygen particles at a high rate and in good quantity. They also had a higher capability to accumulate in the cancerous cells at a pH below 7 with lower values of the drug needed to cause 50% of cell death toward the cancerous cells which affect the tube that connects from the throat to the stomach when projected with laser light. We could consider PG­ZnO­PP nanoconjugates to serve as a potential solution for reducing the dosage of PP needed to treat cancer in the presence of laser light, and at the same time they can help to reduce the skin-related side effects for patients after treatment when exposed to light.

The Impact of an 8-Week Supplementation with Fermented and Non-Fermented Aronia Berry Pulp on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes.

Aronia berries contain antioxidants that may be health-promoting, e.g., demonstrated positive effects on hypertension and dyslipidaemia. There is a close link between cardiovascular diseases and hypertension and dyslipidaemia, and cardiovascular events are the leading cause of death among subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Thus, we investigated the effect of an 8-week supplementation with fermented aronia extract (FAE), non-fermented aronia extract (AE), and placebo on cardiovascular risk factors. Snack bars were produced containing 34 g (37%) aronia extract, or 17 g (21%) wheat bran for placebo, as well as raisins and coconut oil. The study was randomized and blinded with a triple-crossover design. We examined the effects of aronia extracts on blood pressure, adiponectin, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein, and found no effects. After supplementation with placebo, there were significantly higher blood concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol, with the placebo group showing significantly higher increases in total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol than the AE group. Furthermore, we observed an increase in HDL-cholesterol in the FAE group and an increase in triglyceride in the AE group. Thus, we assume that the raisins may have increased the participants' cholesterol levels, with both AE and FAE having the potential to prevent this increase.

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.

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-1ß, 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.

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.

Designing New Sport Supplements Based on Aronia melanocarpa and Bee Pollen to Enhance Antioxidant Capacity and Nutritional Value.

With a high number of athletes using sport supplements targeting different results, the need for complex, natural and effective formulations represents an actual reality, while nutrition dosing regimens aiming to sustain the health and performance of athletes are always challenging. In this context, the main goal of this study was to elaborate a novel and complex nutraceutical supplement based on multiple bioactive compounds extracted from Aronia melanocarpa and bee pollen, aiming to support physiological adaptations and to minimize the stress generated by intense physical activity in the case of professional or amateur athletes. Our proposed formulations are based on different combinations of Aronia and bee pollen (A1:P1, A1:P2 and A2:P1), offering personalized supplements designed to fulfill the individual requirements of different categories of athletes. The approximate composition, fatty acid profile, identification and quantification of individual polyphenols, along with the antioxidant capacity of raw biological materials and different formulations, was performed using spectrophotometric methods, GS-MS and HPLC-DAD-MS-ESI+. In terms of antioxidant capacity, our formulations based on different ratios of bee pollen and Aronia were able to act as complex and powerful antioxidant products, highlighted by the synergic or additional effect of the combinations. Overall, the most powerful synergism was obtained for the A1:P2 formulation.

A multi-omics analysis strategy reveals the molecular mechanism of the inhibition of Escherichia coli O157:H7 by anthocyanins from Aronia melanocarpa and its application.

Water pollution causes the propagation of pathogenic microorganisms, which poses a serious threat to human life. Escherichia coli O157:H7, as a representative organism that can directly exhibit molecular response to stress, was selected as the indicator bacteria for the study. Tandem mass tag (TMT) quantitative proteomics and non-targeted metabolomics were used to study the response of Escherichia coli O157:H7 to Aronia melanocarpa anthocyanin (AMA) treatment. The results showed that 628 proteins and 1338 metabolites changed significantly after treatment with AMAs. According to bioinformatics analysis, integrated proteomics and metabolomics analysis differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and metabolites participate in pyruvate metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism and the pentose phosphate pathway. This study preliminarily proposed the inhibition mechanism of AMAs on Escherichia coli O157:H7 from the perspective of multi-omics, providing a theoretical basis for the application of natural preservatives in fresh cut vegetables.