Chokeberry

Chokeberry

Chokeberry is a type of berry native to North America. Scientifically classified in the Aronia genus, chokeberry is highly rich in antioxidants, which help neutralize cellular damage caused by free radicals. Because of its high nutritional value and unique flavor, chokeberries are widely used in various international cuisines. People also take chokeberries as supplements in order to boost their overall health.

Benefits of Chokeberry

To date, several test-tube studies and human clinical trials support the many benefits of chokeberry on human health. Here’s a look at the proven health benefits of chokeberry:

Lowers High Blood Pressure

Experimental studies have shown that anthocyanins in chokeberries may exert blood pressure-lowering effect. For instance, in one study assessing the effects of chokeberry extract supplementation (100 mg per day for 2 months) in patients with metabolic syndrome, researchers found a significant reduction in blood pressure levels after two months of treatment.^[1]  

Improves Cholesterol Levels

One study revealed that chokeberry supplementation at a dose of 300 mg daily for 2 months in people with high cholesterol level is associated with a 22% reduction in cholesterol level.^[2] Similarly, another study found that chokeberry supplementation reduced total cholesterol (6.1%) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in patients with metabolic syndrome.^[3] Also, significant reductions in cholesterol (21%) and triglyceride levels (41%) have been noted in another study involving diabetic patients who consumed 200 ml of chokeberry juice per day for a period of 3 months.^[4]     

Fights Cancer

Numerous test-tube studies have shown that chokeberry extract has anti-cancer properties.^[5-7] According to these studies, the anthocyanins in chokeberries are mainly responsible for inhibiting the growth of cancer cells as well as inducing programmed cell death that causes malignant cells to self-destruct.

Fights Inflammation

Aside from its anti-cancer properties, chokeberry also has anti-inflammatory properties. According to a study published in the Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition, rowers who received 150 ml of chokeberry juice for 8 weeks experienced a significant reduction in inflammatory markers such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha).^[8] Moreover, researchers observed improvements in rowing performance and iron metabolism.

Lowers Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

The consumption of moderate amounts of chokeberry is associated with favorable changes in cholesterol levels and blood pressure. This in turn can help lower one’s risk for heart disease and other fatal illnesses. Interestingly, in addition to its cholesterol and blood sugar-lowering effects, one study found that chokeberry consumption at 35 grams per day significantly lowered the incidence of blood clot formation in middle-aged subjects, mainly due to its blood-thinning effect.^[9]     

Strengthens the Immune System

Studies have shown that chokeberry has immunomodulating activities. In one laboratory study, researchers found that polyphenolic substances in chokeberries enhanced the activity of various types of immune system cells without affecting its viability.^[10]

References:

1. Broncel M, Kozirog M, Duchnowicz P, Koter-michalak M, Sikora J, Chojnowska-jezierska J. Aronia melanocarpa extract reduces blood pressure, serum endothelin, lipid, and oxidative stress marker levels in patients with metabolic syndrome. Med Sci Monit. 2010;16(1):CR28-34.
2. Duchnowicz P, et al. In vivo influence of extract from Aronia melanocarpa on the erythrocyte membranes in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Med Sci Monit. (2012).
3. Broncel M, et al. Aronia melanocarpa extract reduces blood pressure, serum endothelin, lipid, and oxidative stress marker levels in patients with metabolic syndrome . Med Sci Monit. (2010).
4. Simeonov SB, et al. Effects of Aronia melanocarpa juice as part of the dietary regimen in patients with diabetes mellitus . Folia Med (Plovdiv). (2002).
5. Rugina D, et al. Antioxidant activities of chokeberry extracts and the cytotoxic action of their anthocyanin fraction on HeLa human cervical tumor cells . J Med Food. (2012).
6. Abdullah Thani NA, et al. Induction of apoptosis and reduction of MMP gene expression in the U373 cell line by polyphenolics in Aronia melanocarpa and by curcumin . Oncol Rep. (2012).
7. Sharif T, et al Aronia melanocarpa juice induces a redox-sensitive p73-related caspase 3-dependent apoptosis in human leukemia cells . PLoS One. (2012).
8. Skarpańska-Stejnborn A, Basta P, Sadowska J, Pilaczyńska-Szcześniak Ł. Effect of supplementation with chokeberry juice on the inflammatory status and markers of iron metabolism in rowers. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2014;11:48. doi:10.1186/s12970-014-0048-5.
9. Erlund I, Koli R, Alfthan G, et al. Favorable effects of berry consumption on platelet function, blood pressure, and HDL cholesterol. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008;87(2):323-31.
10. Ho GTT, Bräunlich M, Austarheim I, et al. Immunomodulating Activity of Aronia melanocarpa Polyphenols. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2014;15(7):11626-11636. doi:10.3390/ijms150711626.