The effect of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) on the prevention of obesity in C57BL/6J mice

Abstract

Products derived from black chokeberry are claimed to be beneficial in diseases associated with oxidative stress due to high concentrations of anthocyanins and procyanidins, which possess strong antioxidative potential. Extracts from black chokeberries have been demonstrated to have anticancer, cardioprotective, and anti‐diabetic effects. The purpose of this study was to determine if supplementation with Aronia (black chokeberry) juice concentrate (AJ) has anti‐obesity properties. Male C57BL/6J mice were placed on either a low‐fat (LF; 5% fat), LF+AJ (113 g/kg diet), higher‐fat (HF; 30%), or HF+AJ for 12‐weeks. Mice on the LF+AJ diet had lower body weights compared to the other dietary treatments (p<0.05). Mice on the LF and LF+AJ had less total weight gain compared to those receiving high‐fat diets (p<0.05). As expected, mice receiving the LF diet had less epididymal fat (p<0.05), however mice on the LF+AJ had significantly lower epididymal fat than LF controls. There was no difference in fasting plasma insulin, glucose or triglycerides between groups. Mice receiving AJ supplementation had higher cecum content weights (p<0.05). The results from this study demonstrate that supplementation with AJ has the potential to reduce body fat under normal dietary conditions, however further research is needed to determine mechanisms of action. Funded by Arkansas Biosciences Institute.