Bacteria and viruses' potential collaboration has been reported to result in enhanced infection pathogenesis. New antimicrobial agents are necessary, but stronger synthetic antibiotics cause more severe side effects. The relevance of natural agents has increased in the post-COVID-19 period also due to COVID-induced cytokine storm, causing severe complications. This study aimed to evaluate Aronia melanocarpa branches for producing anti-SARS-CoV-2, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial preparations, and their synergistic activity with antibiotics. Biomass water and water-ethanol extracts were analyzed for total polyphenols, tannins, individual compounds (UHPLC-MS/MS), content of functional OH groups. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity was tested using SARS-CoV-2 (2019-nCoV) Inhibitor Screening ELISA Kit, anti-inflammatory activity - in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) under normal and inflammatory conditions; antimicrobial and synergistic efficacy with antibiotics were tested against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Oligomeric proanthocyanidins were dominant compounds in the extracts, with the highest concentration in autumn samples (35% per dry extract). The extracts and oligomeric proanthocyanidins were effective in inhibiting the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and regulating inflammatory processes caused by viral and bacterial infections, including the reduction of IL-6 and regulation of IL-10 secretion. Proanthocyanidins and extracts exhibited significant anti-biofilm activities and showed synergistic activity with antibiotics.

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a group of chronic gastrointestinal (GI) diseases with complex and multifactorial pathophysiology. The global prevalence of IBD is increasing, highlighting the need to develop new therapeutic approaches. Plant-derived extracts have recently gained prominence due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Methods: This study investigated: apricot leaves (ALE), peach leaves (PLE), black chokeberry fruit (BCHE), rosehip seeds (RSE), passion fruit seeds (PSE), and linden blossom (LBE) (all at the concentration 10–200 µg/mL) in RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the neutral red uptake (NRU) assay, and anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using Griess assay in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation. Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of key inflammatory genes (interferon-γ (Ifn-γ), interleukin-6 (Il-6), nitric oxide synthase (Nos2), and tumor necrosis factor-α (Tnf-α)) were analyzed. Results: ALE and PLE exhibited minimal cytotoxicity and strong anti-inflammatory activity, reducing the expression of all analyzed genes. PSE demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in the Griess assay, but did not alter mRNA expression. Conclusions: ALE and PLE exhibit promising anti-inflammatory properties and warrant further preclinical investigation. Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo studies are necessary to confirm these results.

This narrative review examines the neuropsychopharmacological effects of Aronia melanocarpa (black chokeberry), focusing on its potential in the prevention and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline. A comprehensive literature search across Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar identified 29 original studies, based on in vitro, animal, and human research. Findings demonstrated that Aronia melanocarpa, rich in polyphenols like anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, exerts cognitive-enhancing, anxiolytic-like, and antidepressant-like effects. These outcomes are mediated by mechanisms involving antioxidant activity, modulation of neurotransmitter systems, inhibition of monoamine oxidases, reduction of neuroinflammation, modulation of gut microbiota, and upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Animal models of Alzheimer's disease and stress-induced disorders, along with human clinical trials, corroborated these effects. The review underscores the therapeutic promise of Aronia melanocarpa nutraceuticals in neuropsychiatric health and highlights the need for further clinical validation.

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a worldwide metabolic disorder. We developed a functional fermented beverage by fermenting Aronia melanocarpa (AR) with the urate-lowering probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei N1115 (LP). Firstly, untargeted metabolomics revealed that LP balanced its aroma and imparted a lactic flavor to AR and increased the concentrations of certain compounds with anti-HUA properties (e.g., caffeic acid and shikimic acid). In HUA mice, AR, fermented AR (FAR) and sterilized FAR (FARS) reduced serum uric acid, improved renal function, and suppressed inflammation via the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. They also down-regulated the levels of XOD, ADA and URAT1. The fermented beverage showed superior efficacy, enhancing XOD inhibition by about 30% and additionally inhibiting GLUT9. FAR and FARS increased fecal butyrate, likely by enriching Faecalibaculum and Anaerostipes. Because the anti-HUA patterns of FAR and FARS were similar, and no colonization of Lactobacillus was observed, the postbiotics may serve as the primary factors contributing to the enhanced anti-HUA activity of the fermented beverage.

Deciphering flavor profile and metabolic pathways in black chokeberry co-fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Hansenula sp. via integrated volatilomics and metabolomics.

Biomass carbon dots and fluorescein isothiocyanate based ratio metric fluorescent hydrogel sensor for detecting tetracycline and extending salmon shelf life

Fermented Aronia melanocarpa remodels the adipose tissue immune microenvironment to alleviate metaflammation and oxidative stress

Objective: This study aimed to examine the clinical outcome of orally administered Aronia melanocarpa extract in the healing of secondary palatal wounds in healthy (H) and diabetic (D) rats.Methods: A total of 50 male Wistar albino rats were randomly allocated to two primary groups: H group and D group. Diabetes was produced in 25 randomly selected rats by injecting 110 mg/kg of nicotinamide intraperitoneally, followed 15 minutes later by an intraperitoneal injection of 65 mg/kg of streptozotocin solution. In the center of the palate, 4 mm excisional incisions were created. Then, 5 animals per group were euthanized. Thereafter, each main group was further divided into two subgroups: H with the aronia (HA) group, H with the saline (HS) group; D with the aronia (DA) group, D with the saline (DS) group (n = 10 per group). On days 7 and 21, five rats from each group were euthanized, and wound areas (WA) were quantified from standardized photographs using ImageJ software.Results: In the within-group comparison, significant decrease in WA over time was observed in each group (p < .05). The WA of the HA and DA groups were smaller compared to that of the DS group on days 7 and 21 (p < .05). Nevertheless, WA did not differ significantly between the HS and HA groups on days 7 and 21 (p > .05).Conclusion: The oral administration of Aronia melanocarpa extract effectively enhanced secondary wound healing and decreased WA in D rats.

This work presents a method to encapsulate plant extracts within a binary polysaccharide carrier and to characterize the physicochemical and rheological performance of the resulting biocomposites in the context of food use. Using a starch/psyllium matrix, extracts from Sambucus nigra (SN), Aronia melanocarpa (AM), and Echinacea purpurea (EP) were effectively protected and incorporated through a stepwise workflow encompassing matrix preparation, encapsulation, structural verification, and functional assessment. SEM revealed a porous network containing uniformly distributed, extract-loaded spherical structures (~800-1500 nm), while FTIR supported the presence of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions that contributed to system stability. The prepared nanoemulsions showed shear-thinning (pseudoplastic) behavior, indicating favorable processing characteristics, whereas most physicochemical and bioactivity measurements were performed on lyophilized composites. The dried materials preserved extract-specific color signatures (ΔE > 5) and exhibited distinct thermal responses: AM produced a pronounced plasticizing effect (Tg reduced by >20 °C), while the incorporation of extracts generally delayed thermal degradation, consistent with polyphenol-starch interactions. Phase-transition behavior was also altered, with melting peaks suppressed for SN and AM and melting temperatures lowered for EP. Surface analysis indicated increased hydrophobicity and a reduced polar component of surface free energy, suggesting improved moisture barrier potential. Antioxidant capacity closely tracked total phenolic content (r > 0.94), with caffeic acid contributing strongly, particularly in EP-based systems. Antimicrobial activity depended on extract type (broad-spectrum for EP, selective for SN, minimal for AM), and the comparatively higher sensitivity of Gram-negative bacteria points to improved phenolic availability and membrane interactions upon encapsulation. Collectively, these results highlight the starch/psyllium matrix as a flexible platform for stabilizing plant extracts while enabling tunable functional attributes for functional food applications.

Catechin nucleophilic depolymerization of Aronia melanocarpa polyproanthocyanidins by different physical field assistance: Process optimization, product structure characterization and biological activity evaluation in vitro.

Effects of dietary supplementation with black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) polyphenols on the growth, antioxidant capacity and immunity of Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis)

Aronia melanocarpa (blackchokeberry)is rich in bioactive compounds. In this study, polyphenols from A. melanocarpa were extracted using both ultrasound-assisteddeep eutectic solvent (DES) and conventional organic solvents (80%methanol and 60% ethanol). The crude extracts were purified usingAB-8 macroporous resin. The purified fractions were analyzed by ultrahighperformance liquid chromatographyquadrupole time-of-flighttandemmass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS), identifying and quantifying 49polyphenolic compounds, including 16 anthocyanins, 3 procyanidins,20 flavonoids, and 10 phenolic acids. The DES extract exhibited thehighest total polyphenol content (84.56 ± 3.85 mg/g), significantlysurpassing the conventional extracts. Antioxidant activities wereevaluated in vitro by assessing the scavenging capacitiesagainst hydroxyl, DPPH, and ABTS+ radicals. The DES extractdemonstrated superior antioxidant activity in all assays. Furthermore,the DES-extracted A. melanocarpa polyphenols(AMP) and a blueberry polyphenol (BP) extract underwent invitro simulated digestion. Postdigestion, the AMP extractshowed significantly stronger inhibitory effects on α-glucosidaseand pancreatic lipase activities compared to BP, indicating its greaterpotential for hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic applications. Resultsdemonstrate that ultrasound-assisted DES extraction is a highly efficientand green method for obtaining polyphenol-rich extracts from A. melanocarpa with enhanced bioactivity, providinga scientific basis for its utilization in functional foods.

The main objective of the work was to prepare a series of new activated biocarbons by chemical activation of black chokeberry seed and to assess their suitability for removing cationic and anionic dyes from an aqueous medium. Activation of the precursor was performed at 550 °C with orthophosphoric acid, using conventional or microwave-assisted heating. The activated biocarbons were characterized in terms of elemental composition, textural parameters, surface morphology, acid-base character of the surface, as well as electrokinetic properties. Adsorption tests were carried out against two organic compounds: methylene blue (thiazine dye of cationic character) and Congo red (azo dye of anionic character). The influence of the initial dye concentration (5-120 mg/L), temperature (20-40 °C), and solution pH (2-10) on dye removal efficiency from the liquid phase was investigated. Additionally, kinetic adsorption tests were carried out to determine the rate and mechanism of the dyes removal process. Microwave-assisted chemical activation with H3PO4 proved to be a very effective approach for generating a high specific surface area (884 m2/g) and a micro/mesoporous structure, which directly increases the adsorption capacity of activated biocarbons towards cationic and anionic synthetic dyes. The maximum adsorption capacities for methylene blue and Congo red were 194.5 and 68.6 mg/g, respectively. It was also confirmed that the choice of heating method at the activation stage plays a key role in determining the physicochemical properties and adsorption performance of the activated biocarbons prepared from waste biomass. In general, carbonaceous adsorbents derived from black chokeberry seeds exhibit high potential for the treatment of dye-contaminated wastewater.

This review aims to provide an overview of the nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, and health-promoting properties of Aronia melanocarpa, with a particular focus on its antioxidant capacity and potential therapeutic applications in chronic disease prevention and management. In vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies indicate that Aronia melanocarpa exerts potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, anti-obesity, and anticancer effects, attributed mainly to its rich anthocyanin and procyanidin content. Human intervention trials have shown improved antioxidant status, lipid and glucose metabolism, vascular function, and inflammatory markers. However, some results remain inconclusive due to differences in cultivar, processing, dosage, and individuals. Supporting evidence from animal and cellular models highlights the regulation of NF-κB and AMPK signaling pathways, modulation of gut microbiota, and protective effects against metabolic and age-related disorders. Furthermore, novel applications in nanotechnology demonstrate that Aronia melanocarpa extracts can serve as eco-friendly agents in synthesizing bioactive nanoparticles with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and biomedical potential. Aronia melanocarpa is a promising functional food with strong potential for nutraceutical and therapeutic applications. While experimental evidence supports its health benefits, human clinical data remain insufficient to establish standardized dosage and long-term use recommendations. Future research should focus on well-designed clinical trials, bioavailability optimization, and fully elucidating the role of Aronia melanocarpa in health promotion and disease prevention.

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of branches of black chokeberry, sea buckthorn, and black currant as raw materials for the development of pharmacologically active compounds, primarily oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), as they exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, etc. Branch biomass collected in spring and autumn of 2023–2025 was analyzed for its functional group profile and used for the isolation of OPCs with ethanol, an ethanol–water mixture (1:1, v/v), and an ethanol–acetone–water mixture (4:1:5, v/v/v). The highest yield of OPCs (up to 14% of DB) was achieved using the ethanol–acetone–water solvent mixture. Using LC-MS/MS, the OPC composition was analyzed and found to consist of dimers (m/z 577), trimers (m/z 865), and tetramers (m/z 1153). The maximum OPC content was observed in autumn samples. Mechanical pretreatment enhanced OPC accessibility by disrupting cell walls and increasing particle surface, facilitating release from the matrix and yielding up to 1.2-fold more OPCs than from untreated biomass. Quantification of 22 elements in the biomass by ICP-MS revealed low levels of toxic metals along with the presence of nutritionally relevant elements. Therefore, from a chemical safety perspective, biomass can be considered suitable for use as a source of OPCs.

Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Aronia Melanocarpa and their Interaction with Melanin

Berry skins are rich in phenolic compounds but are commonly discarded as low-value waste during berry wine production. The present study evaluated how primary alcoholic fermentation affects the retention and transformation of phenolics in berry skins of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.), black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.), lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.), rowanberry (Sorbus aucuparia L.), and cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon L.). Non-fermented and fermented skin fractions were analysed using Folin–Ciocalteu and HPLC to determine total and individual phenolic profiles. Primary fermentation induced significant species-dependent changes in phenolic composition. Blackcurrant, lingonberry, and rowanberry skins exhibited substantial decreases in total phenolics (−66%, −26%, and −57%, respectively), driven by strong losses of flavan-3-ols and hydroxycinnamic acids. In contrast, cranberry and chokeberry skins showed net increases in phenolic content (+47% and +18%, respectively), associated with the release of bound phenolics and the appearance of new low-molecular-weight phenolic acids such as gallic acid. Across all species, fermentation enhanced biotransformation into simpler phenolics while reducing major native anthocyanins and catechins. These results demonstrate that the influence of primary fermentation on berry skins is not uniform but dictated by their inherent phenolic architecture. Berries rich in polymeric or conjugated phenolics benefit from fermentation through increased phenolic extractability. The findings provide a comparative basis for optimizing fermentation and post-processing strategies to enhance the valorization potential of berry by-products in food and nutraceutical applications.

The greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera:Pyralidae), is a harmful species that settles on honeycombs in beehives and causes a decrease in productivity. In the control of harmful insects, the discovery of alternative methods to chemical control, which are environmentally friendly and not effective on non-target organisms has been studied for many years. - Plant-derived substances are widely used among these alternative methods. Black chokeberry [Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliot] is a shrub-like plant belonging to Family Rosaceae and is cultivated for fruit production. While there are many studies on the medical importance of this plant, known as the "super/miracle plant", studies on its effects on insects are limited. Nanotechnology is one of the topics that has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. The use of nanotechnology is increasing in the agricultural sector as in other disciplines. An agrochemical system with superior properties such as targeted pesticide, controlled release of active substances, and biodegradable materials can be created from modified nanomaterials. With these features, nanotechnology gives hope to solve the environmental problems caused by traditional chemical pesticides. In this study, the leaf extract of A. melanocarpa was green synthesized with silver nanoparticles. The green synthesized nanoparticles were tested on late stage larvae of G. mellonella and their insecticidal effect was demonstrated. In addition, the binding ability of the main components in the leaf extract (n-hexadecanoic acid, oleic acid and octadecanoic acid) to the antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)) of the insect has been demonstrated in silico. Thus, it was aimed to reveal a plant-derived extract, an effective bioinsecticide alternative to chemical control, by in vivo and in silico methods. LC50 and LC99 values of G. mellanolla larvae applied with silver nanoparticle leaf extract were determined as 5.51 and 11.58µl, respectively. Moreover, the effect of main components of A. melanocarpa on SOD and CAT enzymes, which are the main elements of the enzymatic defense system of G. mellonella, was demonstrated in silico.

Black chokeberry and bilberry fruits and juices from Montenegro: Comparative elemental and soil analysis

Molecular mechanism of synergistic tyrosinase inhibition by blueberry and black chokeberry anthocyanidins: Optimal synergistic formulation for multi-berry beverage development