Effects of Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice on oxidative stress, energy homeostasis, and liver function in overweight and healthy-weight individuals

Abstract

Introduction: Overweight and obesity are disorders of energy metabolism, associated with oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammation. Aronia melanocarpa fruits are rich in polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. The fruit juice exhibits lipid-lowering, antihyperglycemic, and hepatoprotective activities in experimental settings. Aim: The study aimed to examine the effects of Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice on oxidative stress, energy homeostasis, and liver function in overweight and healthy-weight volunteers. Materials and Methods: The study included 11 overweight and 11 healthy-weight individuals. The participants consumed 50 mL of 100% Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice 3 times daily for 3 months. Blood samples were obtained at the baseline and the end of the study. Oxidative stress was evaluated by the serum activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Energy metabolism and liver function were assessed by standard biochemical tests. C-reactive protein was measured as a non-specific inflammatory marker. Results: The fruit juice increased the activity of SOD and reduced the serum level of TBARS in the overweight group. The CAT activity was insignificantly increased in both groups. Aronia decreased the level of gamma-glutamyl transferase and reduced slightly the C-reactive protein, fasting blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin levels in the overweight group. The liver function tests and the lipid profile were not affected. Conclusion: Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice improved the parameters of oxidative status. The present pilot study confirmed the beneficial effects of Aronia fruits on human metabolic health.