The black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) has a particularly high content of healthy polyphenols and has both a preventative and therapeutic effect against hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure, diabetes and inflammation.
In a recent review, a Chinese research team summarized the previous findings on the functional components of black chokeberries and their effects against diseases. The results were published in the specialist magazine “Food Science and Human Wellness”.
High content of polyphenols
The fruits of Aronia melanocarpa contain many bioactive plant compounds, so-called polyphenols, which are said to have a positive effect on health – including flavonoids such as anthocyanins, flavanols and flavonols as well as phenolic acids (especially chlorogenic acid), the researchers report.
Because of these polyphenols, the black chokeberry is also said to have a preventive and supportive effect in the treatment of diseases. In order to check this, the team has now evaluated the current state of research in the new study.
On the one hand, the focus was on the functional components of the chokeberry as well as their digestion, absorption and metabolism in the human body. On the other hand, the effect in combating disease was checked based on those available in clinical studies.
Effects against diseases
These studies showed that black aronia has a good preventative and supportive effect in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure, diabetes and inflammation, the researchers report.
According to experts, the polyphenols it contains lower blood lipids and counteract obesity, among other things by intervening in fat metabolism and inhibiting fat absorption.
In addition, studies on mice have shown an effect against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and the lowering of blood lipids through the polyphenols of black chokeberry could also reduce the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, according to the research team.
Lowering blood pressure
The polyphenols in black chokeberry also lower arterial blood pressure in people and can alleviate high blood pressure, the researchers report.
This is attributed in particular to the cyanidins (especially anthocyanins) and chlorogenic acid contained, which have been proven to have a blood pressure-lowering effect. “Unlike conventional antihypertensive medications, the functional components of black aronia can lower blood pressure in several ways,” emphasize the researchers.
Overall, numerous clinical studies confirm a significant blood pressure-lowering effect of black chokeberries and the benefits of corresponding dietary supplements for reducing high blood pressure, according to the research team.
Anti-diabetic effect
According to experts, the anti-diabetic effect of chokeberry is based primarily on two effects. On the one hand, the polyphenols contained can effectively inhibit the hydrolysis of starch in the digestive tract and thus reduce and slow down the absorption of glucose into the human body.
On the other hand, the expression of genes responsible for insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome is inhibited. Cell experiments have shown that the anthocyanin extracts of black aronia can improve insulin sensitivity and glycogen synthesis by downregulating the SOCS3 gene.
The effect on regulating blood sugar levels has been confirmed in numerous clinical studies, with the main functional components of the hypoglycemic effect being cyanidin glycoside derivatives and phenolic acids, according to the research team.
In addition, there is evidence that black chokeberries can cause changes in the intestinal flora, which indirectly have a positive effect on blood sugar levels, as the intestinal microbiota also influences the body’s energy storage and utilization.
Inhibition of inflammation
Last but not least, according to the researchers, the juice and extracts from black chokeberries have an immunomodulatory effect that can help relieve inflammation. For example, taking it counteracts vascular inflammation, can relieve intestinal inflammation and can also help against bladder infections.
Use chokeberries therapeutically
Overall, the black chokeberry develops numerous functional activities, which primarily focus on energy metabolism, blood pressure and the immune system, the researchers report. Chokeberries could also be used to prevent and treat illnesses.
However, due to the high tannin content, excessive consumption also leads to diarrhea and other symptoms, which is why care should be taken to monitor daily intake when used as a therapeutic aid, the researchers conclude. (fp)
