Search Results (40)

Background/Objectives: This study reports the green synthesis, optimization, characterization, and multifunctional evaluation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an ethanolic Aronia melanocarpa berry extract. The objective was to establish optimal synthesis conditions; assess the in vitro stability; and evaluate the antioxidant, photocatalytic, and photoprotective activities. Methods: The cytogenotoxic effects of the AgNPs were evaluated on Triticum aestivum roots. The AgNPs were synthesized via bioreduction using an ethanolic extract of A. melanocarpa under varied pH, AgNO₃ concentration, extract/AgNO₃ ratio, temperature, and stirring time, with optimization guided by UV–Vis spectral analysis. The AgNPs were further characterized by FTIR, DLS, TEM, and EDX. In vitro stability was evaluated over six months in different dispersion media (ultrapure water; 5% NaCl; and PBS at pH 6, 7, and 8). Biological assessments included antioxidant assays (lipoxygenase inhibition, DPPH radical scavenging, metal chelation, and hydroxyl radical scavenging), photocatalytic dye degradation, and SPF determination. Results: Optimal synthesis was achieved at pH 8, 3 mM AgNO₃, extract/AgNO₃ ratio of 1:9, 40 °C, and 240 min stirring. The AgNPs were spherical (TEM), well dispersed (PDI = 0.32), and highly stable (zeta potential = −40.71 mV). PBS pH 6 and 7 ensured the best long-term colloidal stability. The AgNPs displayed strong dose-dependent antioxidant activity, with superior lipoxygenase inhibition (EC₅₀ = 18.29 µg/mL) and the effective photocatalytic degradation of dyes under sunlight. Photoprotective properties were confirmed through UV absorption analysis. The AgNPs showed a strong antimitotic effect on wheat root cells. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that A. melanocarpa-mediated AgNPs are stable, biologically active, and suitable for potential biomedical, cosmetic, and environmental applications, reinforcing the relevance of plant-based nanotechnology. Full article

Background: Aronia berry (Aronia melanocarpa) are native to North America, rich in polyphenols and antioxidants with the potential to promote human health through its anti-inflammatory properties. Methods: Through the chemical characterization of phenolic compounds from aronia berries, 11 distinct polyphenols were identified. We investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of a methanolic/acetone/water extract from freeze-dried aronia berries in LPS-stimulated colonic and macrophage cell models. Results: In colon cells, aronia polyphenols suppressed pro-inflammatory gene expression (NFkβ, TNFα, IL-6, COX2) by reducing ROS generation while enhancing LXRα expression. In macrophages, these compounds decreased NO production through ROS attenuation. Notably, aronia extracts exhibited no cytotoxicity in either cell type across concentrations from 100 to 1000 μg/mL. The whole-berry methanolic extract contained substantial levels of phenolic compounds (including 3-O- and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acids, quercetin derivatives, and cyanidin derivatives) with high ORAC values, likely contributing to their observed multifaceted anti-inflammatory effects. Conclusions: These findings suggest that freeze-dried aronia berry (AroBerry^®) may offer protection against low-grade inflammation, providing a foundation for future in vivo studies using murine models of inflammation-associated chronic diseases to establish appropriate dosage regimens. Full article

The increased production of high-quality berry products in recent years has led to considerable quantities of by-products such as pomace (25–50%), which consists of skin, seeds, stems and leaves. The improper management of pomace can lead to environmental pollution and potential public health problems due to microbial contamination, and storage causes additional processing costs. However, due to their high content of various valuable bioactive compounds (BACs), berry by-products have gained much attention as sustainable and functional ingredients with applications in the food and nutraceutical industries. The health benefits are primarily attributed to the phenolic compounds, which exhibit numerous biological activities, especially good antioxidant and antibacterial activity as well as health-promoting effects. This review summarizes the bioactive content and composition of extracts from berry by-products (genera Ribes, Rubus, Fragaria, Sambucus, Aronia and Vaccinium) obtained using advanced extraction technologies and their stabilization through sophisticated encapsulation technologies that make them suitable for various food applications. The addition of berry pomace to beverages, bakery, dairy and meat products improves sensory quality, extends shelf life, increases nutritional value and reduces the environmental footprint. This information can provide food scientists with valuable insights to evaluate the potential of berry by-products as functional ingredients with health-promoting and disease-preventing properties that create value-added products for human consumption while reducing food waste. Full article

Black chokeberry (BCK), known as Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott, has been employed for various purposes throughout history, being exploited both for its nutritional properties (functional foods, beverages, food preservatives, and natural food colorants) and for its therapeutic benefits (including cardiovascular and metabolic settings). This paper presents the first report on the identification of inorganic elements in three standardized BCK extracts: frozen berries (FrozArs), dried berries (DryArs), and evaporated juice (EvArJ). Additionally, the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of these extracts on human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs) were evaluated. Concentrations ranging from 1 μg/mL to 10 μg/mL were tested. Inorganic element analysis revealed detectable levels of metals, including aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn). Notably, cadmium was found in very low amounts (0.026 μg/g in the FrozArs), while iron was the most abundant element in the juice (597.665 μg/g). MTT assays demonstrated that all three extracts exhibited antiproliferative activity against HPAECs. Cell cycle analysis revealed a decrease in the G2/M phase for all extracts, along with an appearance of the sub-G0 phase at the highest concentration tested. The DryAr extract also slightly reduced the number of cells in the G0-G1 phase. Annexin V/PI staining indicated a mild increase in the percentage of necrotic cells associated with the DryAr extract. The potential implications of these findings are significant, particularly for those interested in the health effects of dietary supplements. Full article

Background: Our previous research in an experimental model of current environmental human exposure to cadmium (Cd) (female rats fed a diet containing Cd at 1 and 5 mg/kg for up to 2 years) revealed that chronic treatment with this toxic element destroyed the metabolism of the bone tissue, decreased mineralisation, and weakened bone biomechanical properties, whereas the co-administration of a 0.1% chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L. (Michx.) Elliott berry) extract (AME) ameliorated the osteotoxic action of Cd. Methods: In this study, it was explored whether the unfavourable effect of Cd and the protective action of AME might be mediated by the impact on the metabolism of bone essential elements such as calcium (Ca) and inorganic phosphorus (P_i), including the pathways of its regulation by calciotropic hormones (parathormone—PTH, calcitonin—CT, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃—1,25(OH)₂D₃) and Klotho. Results: Low-level Cd treatment (1 mg/kg) caused only a temporary elevation in the serum PTH concentration and a decline in the concentration of CT. Moderate treatment with Cd (5 mg/kg) destroyed the body homeostasis of both mineral elements (lowered their concentrations in the serum and enhanced urinary loss), influenced the serum concentrations of Klotho and calciotropic hormones, as well as reduced the concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D 1alpha-hydroxylase (1alpha-OHase) and 1,25(OH)₂D₃ in the kidney. The application of AME during Cd intoxication improved the pathways involved in maintaining Ca and P_i homeostasis and allowed subjects to maintain the proper levels of these elements in the serum and urine. Conclusions: In conclusion, Cd at low-to-moderate exposure may exert an unfavourable impact on bone by influencing the pathways involved in regulating Ca and P_i metabolism and destroying the body status of these minerals. It seems that the possible mechanism of the osteoprotective effect of AME during chronic intoxication with this toxic element involves normalization of the concentrations of calciotropic hormones and Klotho in the serum and improvement of the homeostasis of Ca and P_i. This study provided further evidence that chokeberry products may be an effective strategy in counteracting the unfavourable effects of chronic low-to-moderate exposure to Cd. Full article

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in the elderly, significantly diminishing quality of life. Currently, there is no available treatment to reverse retinal degeneration and neuronal loss, prompting a focus on interventions that slow the progression of intermediate AMD and geographic atrophy. Berries are rich in bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and resveratrol, known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic properties. Preclinical studies suggest that extracts from various berries, such as aronia, honeysuckle, black currant, goji, and bilberry, can improve retinal health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Although clinical trials are limited, emerging evidence indicates that dietary intake of these compounds may enhance visual function and slow the progression of AMD. This review summarizes findings from both animal studies and clinical trials to identify specific berries that have been validated to prevent or delay AMD progression, as well as those with potential therapeutic value. Furthermore, we examine the key phytochemicals present in these berries, their mechanisms of action on macular degeneration, and their distinct properties for therapeutic application. A deeper understanding of these characteristics could enable the rational appliance of berries, especially wolfberry, and berry-derived components, such as carotenoids and anthocyanins, to optimize better therapeutic outcomes in AMD management. Full article

Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa <Michx.> Elliot) represents a rich source of dietary polyphenols and other bioactive phytochemicals with pleiotropic beneficial cardiovascular effects. The present study was aimed at evaluating the ex vivo effects of two black chokeberry extracts (BChEs), obtained from either dry (DryAr) or frozen (FrozAr) berries, on oxidative stress and vascular function in mice aortic rings after incubation with angiotensin 2 (Ang 2), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and glucose (GLUC) in order to mimic renin–angiotensin system activation, inflammation and hyperglycemia. The identification of phenolic compounds was performed by means of liquid chromatography with a diode array detector coupled with mass spectrometry using the electrospray ionization interface. The BChE obtained from the FrozAr was rich in cyanidin glucoside, rutin and caffeic acid, while the one obtained from the dried berries was rich in rutin, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid. Mice aortas were dissected and acutely incubated (12 h) with Ang2 (100 nM), LPS (1 µg/mL) or GLUC (400 mg/dL) in the presence vs. absence of the two BChEs (1, 10, 50, 75, 100, 500 µg/mL). Subsequently, the tissues were used for the assessment of (i) hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and superoxide production (using two methods, spectrophotometry and immunofluorescence), (ii) H₂O₂ scavenger effect and (iii) vascular reactivity (using the organ bath/myograph system). After exposure to Ang2, LPS or GLUC, both types of extracts decreased the H₂O₂ and superoxide levels in a concentration-dependent manner starting from either 50 µg/mL or 100 µg/mL. Also, in the highest concentrations (100 µg/mL, 150 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL), both extracts elicited a significant scavenger effect on H₂O₂ (similar to catalase, the classic H₂O₂ scavenger). Moreover, at 100 µg/mL, both extracts were able to significantly improve vascular relaxation in all stimulated aortic rings. In conclusion, in mice aortas, black chokeberry extracts in acute application elicited a concentration-dependent vasculo-protective effect through the reduction of oxidative stress and the alleviation of endothelial dysfunction in ex vivo conditions that mimic cardio-metabolic diseases. Full article

Since even low-level environmental exposure to cadmium (Cd) can lead to numerous unfavourable health outcomes, including damage to the nervous system, it is important to recognize the risk of health damage by this xenobiotic, the mechanisms of its toxic influence, and to find an effective protective strategy. This study aimed to evaluate, in a female Wistar rat model of current human environmental exposure to Cd (1 and 5 mg/kg of diet for 3–24 months), if the low-to-moderate treatment with this element can harm the brain and whether the supplementation with a 0.1% Aronia melanocarpa L. (Michx.) Elliott berries (chokeberries) extract (AE) can protect against this effect. The exposure to Cd modified the values of various biomarkers of neurotoxicity, including enzymes (acetylcholinesterase (AChE), sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), and nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1)) and non-enzymatic proteins (calmodulin (CAM), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1)) crucial for the functioning of the nervous system, as well as the concentrations of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) and some metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in the brain tissue. The co-administration of AE, partially or entirely, protected from most of the Cd-induced changes alleviating its neurotoxic influence. In conclusion, even low-level chronic exposure to Cd may adversely affect the nervous system, whereas the supplementation with A. melanocarpa berries products during the treatment seems a protective strategy. Full article

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal disease with poor survival rates, primarily due to the limited effectiveness of gemcitabine (Gem)-based chemotherapy, as well as the acquisition of chemotherapeutic resistance. Aronia berry extracts (ABEs), abundant in phenolic constituents, have been recently recognized for their anticancer properties as well as their encouraging potential to help overcome chemoresistance in various cancers. In the present study, we explored ABE’s potential to overcome Gem resistance in PDAC and identify specific growth regulatory pathways responsible for its anticancer activity. Through a series of in vitro experiments in gemcitabine-resistant (Gem-R) cells, we elucidated the synergistic interactions between Gem and ABE treatments. Using advanced transcriptomic analysis and network pharmacology, we revealed key molecular pathways linked to chemoresistance and potential therapeutic targets of ABE in Gem-R PDAC cells. Subsequently, the findings from cell culture studies were validated in patient-derived 3D tumor organoids (PDOs). The combination treatment of ABE and Gem demonstrated significant synergism and anticancer effects on cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion in Gem-R cells. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a correlation between the NF-Κb signaling pathway and Gem-R (p < 0.05), exhibiting a marked upregulation of MYD88. Additionally, MYD88 exhibited a significant correlation with the overall survival rates in patients with PDAC patients in the TCGA cohort (HR = 1.58, p < 0.05). The MYD88/NF-Κb pathway contributes to chemoresistance by potentially upregulating efflux transporters like P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Our findings revealed that the combined treatment with ABE suppressed the NF-Κb pathway by targeting MYD88 and reducing P-gp expression to overcome Gem resistance. Lastly, the combination therapy proved highly effective in PDOs in reducing both their number and size (p < 0.05). Our study offers previously unrecognized insights into the ability of ABE to overcome Gem resistance in PDAC cells through its targeting of the MYD88/NF-κb/P-gp axis, hence providing a safe and cost-effective adjunctive therapeutic strategy to improve treatment outcomes in PDAC. Full article

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 (HD_EX) and fixed oil (SFE_EX), respectively. A phenol-enriched extract was obtained using a mild ultrasound-assisted maceration with methanol (UAM_M). The HD_EX 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 SFE_EX 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 SFE_EX identified β-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 SFE_EX. Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-MS (LC-ESI-MS) analysis of UAM_M 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. UAM_M 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, UAM_M 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. Full article

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. Full article

Aronia (chokeberry, Aronia melanocarpa) is a valuable fruit that combines the health benefits of green tea and red wine and is gaining popularity worldwide. Aronia has a unique chemical composition with strong antioxidant properties, including anthocyanins and chlorogenic acids (CGAs). However, it remains unclear which specific compounds or groups are primarily responsible for the antioxidant properties of chokeberry. Therefore, an analysis of the antioxidant properties of aronia berries based on geographical region and their variability during ripening (from green to frostbitten fruit) was conducted. The fruits were collected from three locations for two years. The aim of our work was to identify the compounds responsible for the antioxidant properties of aronia berry extracts by using chemometric methods. The analyses of anthocyanins and CGAs were performed using HPLC-DAD, and the antioxidant capacity was assessed by FRAP and DPPH methods. The PCA analysis also considered variations in temperature and precipitation. The chemometric analysis revealed a strong correlation between radical-scavenging properties and the content levels of chlorogenic acids. The results obtained in this study show that unripe green chokeberry fruits exhibit the highest antioxidant properties, which can be attributed to the high content of CGAs at this stage. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article