Chokeberry Extract Research Articles

The influence of thermal treatments on the antioxidant activity and colour of chokeberry (aronia menocarpa) extract

Natural ingredients are an important trend in the present day food industry since manufacturers are demanding natural food dyes originating from concentrates of plant origin. However, if the use of plant extracts as technological additives is intended, their stability should be evaluated. This paper presents research on the stability of a 50% ethanolic extract of chokeberry ( Aronia melanocarpa ) from the Republic of Moldova. The extract was subjected to various thermal regimes, i.e. -2 o C for 12 hours; 4 o C for 12 hours; 40 o C for 15 minutes, 60 o C for 15 minutes, 80 o C for 15 minutes and 100 o C for 2 minutes, after which the antioxidant activity and the colour parameters (CIELab) were evaluated. Three sets of extracts were also stored for 2 weeks at -2 o C; 4 o C; and 25-30 o C and afterwards the parameters mentioned above were measured once again. Furthermore, total content of polyphenols was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The antioxidant activity was stable at temperatures under 0 o C and temperatures as high as 100 o C, as well as during storage at -2 o C, 4 o C and 25-30 o C. High temperatures however decreased the value of luminosity, and increased the redness, the yellowness and the chroma value which reached a maximum value of 55.66 after the extract was subjected to 100 o C for 2 minutes. Storage at room temperature significantly affected the luminosity of the extract by increasing its value from 42.36 to 50.22. For most treatments, the colour was stable and was not significantly modified.

The influence of thermal treatments on the antioxidant activity and colour of chokeberry (aronia menocarpa) extract

Natural ingredients are an important trend in the present day food industry since manufacturers are demanding natural food dyes originating from concentrates of plant origin. However, if the use of plant extracts as technological additives is intended, their stability should be evaluated. This paper presents research on the stability of a 50% ethanolic extract of chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) from the Republic of Moldova. The extract was subjected to various thermal regimes, i.e. -2 oC for 12 hours; 4 oC for 12 hours; 40 oC for 15 minutes, 60 oC for 15 minutes, 80 oC for 15 minutes and 100 oC for 2 minutes, after which the antioxidant activity and the colour parameters (CIELab) were evaluated. Three sets of extracts were also stored for 2 weeks at -2 oC; 4 oC; and 25-30 oC and afterwards the parameters mentioned above were measured once again. Furthermore, total content of polyphenols was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The antioxidant activity was stable at temperatures under 0oC and temperatures as high as 100oC, as well as during storage at -2oC, 4oC and 25-30oC. High temperatures however decreased the value of luminosity, and increased the redness, the yellowness and the chroma value which reached a maximum value of 55.66 after the extract was subjected to 100oC for 2 minutes. Storage at room temperature significantly affected the luminosity of the extract by increasing its value from 42.36 to 50.22. For most treatments, the colour was stable and was not significantly modified.

Identification of Anthocyanins in Berry Species Using LC‐ESI‐MS Combined with High‐Speed Counter‐Current Chromatography

Anthocyanins (ACs) and flavonoids were isolated from three different berry species (blueberry, black chokeberry, and cranberry) via high‐speed counter‐current chromatography (HSCCC). A total of 19 ACs and 9 flavonoids in three berry extracts were characterized using LC‐ESI‐MS/MS. The MS/MS spectra of ACs and flavonoids produced a commonly abundant [M‐gluc]+ ion due to the easy cleavage of the glycosidic ether bond, which is directly reflected the structural information of the aglycon moiety and linked glucose. Among the identified 19 ACs, the major compounds were identified as glycosylated ACs linked with 3‐O‐galactose, 3‐O‐glucose, 3‐O‐arabinoside, and 3‐O‐xylose. Three ACs and four flavonoids were the first time observed in three berry extracts. Particularly for the black chokeberry extract, the total amounts of ACs were 10‐fold higher than other two berry extracts. LC‐MS/MS combined with HSCCC will be alternative technique for identifying new ACs and for the quality evaluation of ACs in colored fruits.

Reduction of Adipogenesis by Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) Extract in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes

The aim of this study was investigate the anti-obesity effect and mechanism of action of chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) extract (CBE) in 3T3-L1 cells. CBE was tested for its antioxidant compounds content (total phenol and flavonoid). Lipid accumulation levels were measured by determining the expression of genes associated with adipocyte differentiation and adipokine secretion in 3T3-L1 cells. In CBE, the total phenolic content was 212.0 ± 3.11 mg/g and the flavonoids content was 113.25 ± 2.5 mg/g. Oil Red O staining showed that CBE inhibited lipid accumulation at concentration of 0, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/mL in a dose-dependent manner. CBE decreased the expression of the key adipocyte differentiation regulator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and the fatty acid binding protein 4 gene during the differentiation of preadipocytes into adipocytes. Moreover, CBE down regulated adipokine-specific genes such as leptin and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 relative to non-treated adipocytes. These results demonstrated that CBE inhibited adipogenesis by down regulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and fatty acid binding protein 4 and by reducing adipokine expression in 3T3-L1 cells.

Comparison of the Antioxidant Activities and Nitrite Scavenging Activity of Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) Extracts

Comparison of the Antioxidant Activities and Nitrite Scavenging Activity of Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) Extracts

Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) extract loaded in alginate and alginate/inulin system

Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) is a rich source of polyphenols with confirmed health benefits. Microencapsulation tehnique is a promising tool for improving its polyphenols functionality, stability and bioavailability. Еlectrostatic extrusion process was carried out to obtain microbeads with encapsulated chokeberry extract. The effects of the carrier type (alginate of low and medium viscosity), addition of inulin as filler, and the needle diameter (18, 20, 22 gauges) on the morphological characteristics and release properties of the microbeads were studied. Particles obtained with medium viscosity alginate carrier (1.5% w/v), using inulin as filler (5% w/v) and medium needle size (20 gauges) showed the best results in the release studies. Drying process affected the encapsulation efficiency, the amount of encapsulated polyphenols increased from 0.24mg GAE/g in hydrogel beads to 3.57mg GAE/g in freeze dried beads, and the release profile of encapsulated extracts was prolonged to 40min. SEM micrographs confirmed that the addition of inulin as filler improved the final properties of the microbeads, while FTIR analysis showed that the extract was successfully incorporated into the particles. Due to the extended storage and stability, dry microbeads showed the best potential as a delivery system suitable for pharmaceutical or functional food industry.

Effects of drying methods on contents of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of black chokeberries (Aronia melanocarpa).

Optimal drying techniques for maintaining high levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities in black chokeberries were investigated. Effects of 3 drying methods on total bioactive compound contents and in vitro antioxidant activities in 80% ethanol extracts were evaluated. Fresh black chokeberries were dried using sun-drying, freeze-drying, and oven-drying. Highest amounts of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins were detected in freeze-dried black chokeberry extracts after sun and oven-drying. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), and superoxide anion scavenging activities in black chokeberry extracts were also evaluated. Freeze-dried berries produced strongest antioxidant activities. Freeze-drying was the optimal drying method for maintaining high levels of bioactive compounds in 80% ethanol extracts of dried black chokeberries.

Anthocyans-rich Aronia melanocarpa extract possesses ability to protect endothelial progenitor cells against angiotensin II induced dysfunction

BackgroundEndothelial progenitor cells (EPC) may provide protection against atherosclerosis and plaque rupture by their innate ability to replace dysfunctional or damaged endothelial cells in plaque microvessels. There is evidence that angiotensin II may impair the angiogenic functions of EPCs in the atherosclerotic plaque by accelerating senescence and inhibiting their proliferation through oxidative stress induction. PurposeIn this study, we examined whether chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) fruit extract, containing mainly anthocyanins with potent antioxidative properties, could protect EPCs against angiotensin-induced oxidative stress. MethodsEPCs were isolated from peripheral blood of young healthy volunteers and cultivated on fibronectin-coated plates in the presence or absence of angiotensin II (1 µM) and chokeberry extract (1–25 µg/ml). ResultsEPCs exposed to chokeberry extract prior to angiotensin II showed a significant increase of proliferation and telomerase activity, and a decrease in the percentage of senescent cells and intracellular ROS formation in comparison to angiotensin II treated cells. Furthermore, extract increased migration ability, adhesion to fibronectin and the angiogenic potential of EPC in vitro diminished by angiotensin II in a concentration-dependent manner. That effect was related to the activation of the Nrf2 transcription factor and the increase of HO-1 expression. ConclusionsOur results suggested that chokeberry extract may protect EPCs against angiotensin II-induced dysfunction and could play a potential role in the prevention of coronary artery disease.

Effects of Black Chokeberry ( Aronia melanocarpa ) Extracts on Adhesion, Invasion and Migration in SK‐Hep1 Human Hepatoma Cancer Cells

Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa), a perennial, deciduous shrub belonging to the Rosacea family, has been reported to have anticancer activity, but little is known about its molecular mechanisms of action. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of black hokeberry extract on cancer cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis in SK-Hep1 cells using migration and invasion assays. We also investigated the relationship on MMP-2/-9 and TIMP-1/-2 expression at both the protein and the gene level in SK-Hep1 human hepatoma carcinoma cells after black chokeberry extract treatment. Black chokeberry extract inhibited SK-Hep1 cancer cell growth in a dose- and time-dependent manners, in cell numbers significantly reduced by 39.0~58.0 and 54.6~71.7 at 400mg/mL black chokeberry extracts for 24 hr and 48 hr incubation, respectively. In an invasion assay conducted in Transwell chambers, black chokeberry extract showed 24.6% and 47.2% inhibition of cancer cell at 200mg/mL and 400 mg/mL, respectively, compared to the control. The mRNA levels of both MMP-2 and MMP-9 were down-regulated by black chokeberry extract treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Black chokeberry extract at 400 mg/ml was inhibited MMP-2 and MMP-9 express by 64.1% and 100.0%, respectively. There was inversely related in mRNA contents between MMP-2/-9 and TIMP-1/-2 expression in SK-Hep1 cells by black chokeberry extract treatment. Our results demonstrate the antimetastatic properties of black chokeberry in inhibiting the adhesion, invasion, and migration of SK-Hep1 human hepatoma cancer cells.

Cytotoxicity of gemcitabine enhanced by polyphenolics from Aronia melanocarpa in pancreatic cancer cell line AsPC-1

AimsExtending work with brain tumours, the hypothesis that micronutrients may usefully augment anticancer regimens, chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) extract was tested to establish whether it has pro-apoptotic effects in AsPC-1, an...

Biological activity and stability in vitro of polyphenolic extracts as potential dietary supplements.

In times of worsening civilization diseases the interest in natural healing substances is on the increase. To reduce unwanted side effects of many synthetic drugs, it is reasonable to introduce to the daily diet foods rich in natural compounds of plant origin that are beneficial for health. The purpose of the study was to determine the biological activity and stability of selected ethanol extracts of the fruit of chokeberry, blackcurrant, hawthorn, rosehip, quince and Japanese quince as potential nutraceuticals. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined in relation to model phospholipid membranes (IC50(PC)). Antiradical activity was determined in a test with the DPPH• radical (IC50(DPPH)). Also the inhibition of enzymatic (1-LOX) oxidation of linoleic acid was determined at the beginning of the period of storage of the extracts at room temperature and after 12 months. After 12 months of storage the highest antioxidant stability was shown by blackcurrant extract (1.5% increase in IC50(PC)), the highest antiradical stability by quince extract (1.0% reduction in IC50(DPPH)), and the highest stability of 1-LOX enzyme inhibition by chokeberry extract (6.3% reduction in inhibition at a concentration of 8 μg∙(-1)). Japanese quince extract showed the strongest regenerating properties with respect to oxidized phospholipid membranes and the highest ability to eliminate the free radical DPPH•. It can be concluded that the ethanol extracts of the fruits (in particular blackcurrant, chokeberry and Japanese quince) are a potential source of dietary supplements of expected effectiveness in preventive treatment.

The effects of strawberry, black currant, and chokeberry extracts in a grain dietary fiber matrix on intestinal fermentation in rats

The objective of this work was to study the composition, hydration properties and oil holding capacity, antioxidant properties and the physiological effects on the digestive system of dietary preparations containing wheat or oat fiber enriched with polyphenol extracts from strawberry, chokeberry, and black currant pomace. By the addition of black currant, strawberry and chokeberry polyphenol extracts to grain fibers preparations with corresponding polyphenol content of 0.7%–0.8%, 1.1%–1.2%, and 2.5%–2.9% were obtained. The preparations were used as part (8%) of a modified AIN-93 diet given to growing Wistar rats (8 animals per group) over a period of 4weeks. The highest antioxidant potential had grain–chokeberry preparations with the greatest polyphenol content, while grain–black currant preparations exhibited the lowest antioxidant potential with the smallest polyphenol content. The addition of strawberry and chokeberry extracts caused a decrease in the activity of bacterial β-glucosidase and α-galactosidase, while black currant extract led to increased activity of β-galactosidase and β-glucuronidase. The production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the caecum of rats fed the grain–strawberry preparation, rich in ellagitannins, was considerably higher than the grain–black currant preparation, rich in proanthocyanidins and anthocyans, or the grain–chokeberry preparation with the highest polyphenol content (78.3 vs. 64.7 vs. 56.3μmol/100g body weight, p=0.012). In comparison to preparations without polyphenols only chokeberry extract significantly decreased SCFA concentration. The grain–strawberry preparations were characterized by a higher antioxidant potential per unit of polyphenol content and exhibited a more beneficial influence on the fermentation processes in the caecum of rats than the grain–black currant and grain–chokeberry preparations.

Pancreatic α-amylase and lipase inhibitory activity of polyphenolic compounds present in the extract of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.)

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) extract on the activity of porcine pancreatic α-amylase and lipase. An in vitro study demonstrated that three kinds of chokeberry extracts: methanolic, water and acetic caused inhibition of α-amylase and lipase. The methanolic and acetic extracts exhibited the highest inhibitory activities against α-amylase with the IC50 values of 10.31±0.04mg/ml and pancreatic lipase 83.45±0.50mg/ml, respectively. In order to identify the compounds which may be the potential inhibitors of α-amylase and lipase, chokeberry extract was analyzed by preparative reverse phase chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS). These studies have shown that both anthocyanins and phenolic acids are compounds which inhibit the ability of the reaction catalyzed by α-amylase and lipase. The most effective inhibitor of pancreatic α-amylase was chlorogenic acid (IC50=0.57±0.16mg/ml). In the group of anthocyanins the most potent inhibitor of α-amylase was cyanidin-3-glucoside (IC50=1.74±0.04mg/ml), which also showed an ability to inhibit the reaction catalyzed by pancreatic lipase (IC50=1.17±0.05mg/ml). These findings seem to indicate the use of chokeberry as a functional food component, contributing to its anti-obesity activities.

Role of polyphenol‐rich blackcurrant and black chokeberry extracts in the stimulation of transintestinal cholesterol excretion in vitro (1045.22)

We previously reported that polyphenol‐rich blackcurrant extract (BCE) and black chokeberry extract (CBE) altered the expression of genes involved in transintestinal cholesterol excretion (TICE) of LDL‐derived cholesterol in Caco‐2 cells. BCE and CBE increased the expression of LDL receptor (LDLR) via post‐transcriptional and transcriptional mechanisms, respectively. As mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is known to increase LDLR protein by inhibiting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) that promotes LDLR degradation, we explored this pathway to gain mechanistic insight into the post‐transcriptional regulation of LDLR by BCE. PCSK9 mRNA and protein were drastically increased, while LDLR was markedly induced, by BCE and CBE. However, when Caco‐2 cells were treated with rapamycin, an mTORC1 inhibitor, together with 100 μg/mL of BCE or CBE, rapamycin partly abolished the induction of LDLR protein by BCE, but with no effect on CBE‐induced LDLR protein. Importantly, BCE significantly increased TICE of LDL‐derived cholesterol by ~30% compared to control. The results indicate that BCE induces TICE via the post‐transcriptional induction of LDLR expression partly by mTORC1‐dependent, but PCSK9‐independent, pathway in the intestine.

Extract of Aronia melanocarpa-modified hemostasis: in vitro studies

Purpose Aronia melanocarpa has an extremely high content of procyanidins and anthocyanins. The multidirectional benefits of consumption of these berries are widely reported. Although numerous studies confirmed the influence of polyphenols on various stages of hemostasis, the exact mechanism of this phenomenon is not understood. The aim of our study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of A. melanocarpa extract on various parameters of hemostasis. Methods Adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP)-induced aggregation was measured with turbidimetric method. Spontaneous and ADP-activated platelet adhesion were investigated using a colorimetric method. The global assay of coagulation and fibrinolysis was performed with the use of optical clotting and lysis (CL) test. Thrombin (0.5 IU/mL) and tissue plasminogen activator (60 ng/mL) were used to obtain a CL curve. The activity of thrombin and plasmin was determined by means of chromogenic substrate (S-2238, S-2251)ResultsThe aronia extract contributed to the reduction in spontaneous and ADP-activated platelet adhesion. A significant increase in overall potential of CL as well as significant changes in key parameters of these processes (T t—thrombin time, F vo—initial plasma clotting velocity, and L max—maximum lysis) was reported. Chokeberry extract significantly inhibited the amidolytic activity of thrombin and plasmin.ConclusionOur in vitro findings indicate a complex mechanism of influence of chokeberry polyphenols on platelet activity and the overall potential of CL. We confirmed that chokeberry inhibits the amidolytic activity of thrombin. It was demonstrated for the first time that chokeberry polyphenols inhibit the amidolytic activity of another serine protease, i.e., plasmin, which is the main fibrinolytic enzyme. Furthermore, our research points out a significant contribution of other plasma components and fibrinogen in the modulation of hemostasis by polyphenols.

Radical-scavenging-linked antioxidant activities of extracts from black chokeberry and blueberry cultivated in Korea

The objective of this study was to investigate the radical-scavenging-linked antioxidant properties of the extracts from black chokeberry and blueberry cultivated in Korea. The 70% ethanol extracts were prepared from black chokeberry and blueberry, and evaluated for total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, total proanthocyanidin content, and antioxidative activities, using various in vitro assays, such as DPPH(2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS(2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylenebenzothiozoline-6-sulphonic acid)) radical-scavenging activity, FRAP(ferric-reducing antioxidant power) and reducing power. The major phenolic compounds, including cyanidin-3-galactoside, cyanidin-3-arabinoside, neochlorogenic acid, procyanidin B1, were analysed by HPLC with a photodiode array detector. Results showed that total phenol, flavonoid and proanthocyanidin contents of black chokeberry extract were higher than those of blueberry extract. In addition, black chokeberry extract exhibited higher free radical-scavenging activity and reducing power than did blueberry extract. Cyanidin-3-galactoside was identified as a major phenolic compound, with considerable content in black chokeberry, that correlated with its higher antioxidant and radical-scavenging effects. These results suggest that black chokeberry extracts could be considered as a good source of natural antioxidants and functional food ingredients.

Herbal-drug interaction induced rhabdomyolysis in a liposarcoma patient receiving trabectedin

BackgroundRhabdomyolysis is an uncommon side effect of trabectedin which is used for the second line therapy of metastatic sarcoma after anthracycline and ifosfamide failure. This side effect may be due to pharmacokinetic interactions caused by shared mechanisms of metabolism involving the cytochrome P450 (CYP) system in the liver. Here, for the first time in literature, we describe the unexpected onset of heavy toxicity, including rhabdomyolysis, after the fourth course of trabectedin in a patient with retroperitoneal liposarcoma who at the same time was taking an alternative herbal medicine suspected of triggering this adverse event.Case presentationThis is the case of a 56 year old Caucasian man affected by a relapsed de-differentiated liposarcoma who, after the fourth cycle of second-line chemotherapy with trabectedin, complained of sudden weakness, difficulty walking and diffuse muscle pain necessitating complete bed rest. Upon admission to our ward the patient showed grade (G) 4 pancytopenia and a marked increase in liver lytic enzymes, serum levels of myoglobin, creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and lactate dehydrogenase. No cardiac or kidney function injuries were present. Based on these clinical and laboratory features, our conclusive diagnosis was of rhabdomyolysis induced by trabectedin.The patient did not report any trauma or muscular overexertion and no co-morbidities were present. He had not received any drugs during treatment with trabectedin, but upon further questioning the patient informed us he had been taking a folk medicine preparation of chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) daily during the last course of trabectedin and in the 2 subsequent weeks.One week after hospitalization and cessation of intake of chokeberry extract, CPK and other markers of myolysis slowly returned to standard range, and the patient noted a progressive recovery of muscle strength.The patient was discharged on day 14 when a blood transfusion and parenteral hydration gradually lowered general toxicity. Progressive mobilization of the patient was obtained as well as a complete normalization of the laboratory findings.ConclusionsThe level of evidence of drug interaction leading to the adverse event observed in our patient was 2 (probable). Thus our case underlines the importance of understanding rare treatment-related toxicities such as trabectedin-induced rhabdomyolysis and the possible role of the drug-drug interactions in the pathogenesis of this rare side effect. Furthermore, this report draws attention to a potential problem of particular concern, that of nutritional supplements and complementary and alternative drug interactions. These are not widely recognized and can cause treatment failure.

Aronia melanocarpa (chokeberry) polyphenol–rich extract improves antioxidant function and reduces total plasma cholesterol in apolipoprotein E knockout mice

We hypothesized that a polyphenol-rich chokeberry extract (CBE) would modulate hepatic lipid metabolism and improve antioxidant function in apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE−/−) mice. ApoE−/− mice were fed diets containing 15% fat with 0.2% cholesterol alone or supplemented with 0.005% or 0.05% CBE for 4 weeks. CBE polyphenol content was determined by the total phenols, 4-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde, and ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry methods. The 0.05% CBE diet provided mice with mean daily doses of 1.2 mg gallic acid equivalents of total phenols, 0.19 mg anthocyanins, 0.17 mg phenolic acids, 0.06 mg proanthocyanidins (as catechin-equivalents), and 0.02 mg flavonols. The 0.05% CBE group had 12% less plasma total cholesterol concentrations than the control. Despite the hypocholesterolemic effect of CBE, hepatic mRNA levels of low-density lipoprotein receptor, hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase in CBE-fed mice were not significantly different from controls. Dietary CBE did not alter hepatic lipid content or the hepatic expression of genes involved in lipogenesis and fatty acid β-oxidation such as fatty acid synthase, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 and acyl-CoA oxidase. Plasma paraoxonase and catalase activities were significantly increased in mice fed 0.05% CBE. Both CBE diets increased hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity but the 0.05% CBE group had 24% less proximal intestine GPx activity relative to controls. Thus, dietary CBE lowered total cholesterol and improved plasma and hepatic antioxidant function at nutritionally-relevant doses in apoE−/− mice. Furthermore, the CBE cholesterol-lowering mechanism in apoE−/− mice was independent of hepatic expression of genes involved in cholesterol metabolism.

Polyphenol-rich black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) extract regulates the expression of genes critical for intestinal cholesterol flux in Caco-2 cells

Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) is a rich source of polyphenols. The hypolipidemic effects of polyphenol-rich black chokeberry extract (CBE) have been reported, but underlying mechanisms have not been well characterized. We investigated the effect of CBE on the expression of genes involved in intestinal lipid metabolism. Caco-2 cells were incubated with 50 or 100 μg/ml of CBE for 24 h for quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction analysis. Expression of genes for cholesterol synthesis (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase and sterol regulatory element binding protein 2), apical cholesterol uptake (Niemann-Pick C1 Like 1 and scavenger receptor class B Type 1) and basolateral cholesterol efflux [ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1)] was significantly decreased by CBE compared with control. Western blot analysis confirmed that CBE inhibited expression of these proteins. In contrast, CBE markedly induced mRNA and/or protein levels of ABCG5 and ABCG8 that mediate apical cholesterol efflux to the intestinal lumen. Furthermore, CBE significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor, and cellular LDL uptake. Expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism and lipoprotein assembly, including sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c, fatty acid synthase and acyl-CoA oxidase 1, was significantly decreased by CBE in a dose-dependent manner. Concomitantly, CBE significantly increased sirtuin 1, 3 and 5 mRNA levels, while it decreased SIRT-2. Our data suggest that hypolipidemic effects of CBE may be attributed, at least in part, to increased apical efflux of LDL-derived cholesterol and to decreased chylomicron formation in the intestine; and specific isoforms of SIRT may play an important role in this process.

The Involvement of a Polyphenol-Rich Extract of Black Chokeberry in Oxidative Stress on Experimental Arterial Hypertension

The aim of this study is to characterize the content of Aronia melanocarpa Elliott (black chokeberry) extract and also to estimate the influence of polyphenolic compounds contained in chokeberries on oxidative stress, on an L-NAME-induced experimental model of arterial hypertension. The rat blood pressure values were recorded using a CODA Noninvasive Blood Pressure System. HPLC/DAD coupled with ElectroSpray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry allowed identification of five phenolic compounds in berries ethanolic extract as follows: chlorogenic acid, kuromanin, rutin, hyperoside, and quercetin. The serous activity of glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-Px) has significantly lower values in the hypertensive (AHT) group as compared to the group protected by polyphenols (AHT + P). The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) values are lower in the AHT group and they are significantly higher in the AHT + P group. All the measured blood pressure components revealed a biostatistically significant blood pressure drop between the AHT group and the AHT + P group. The results reveal the normalization of the reduced glutathion (GSH) concentration as well as a considerable reduction in the malondialdehyde (MDA) serum concentration in the AHT + P group. Ethanolic extract of black chokeberry fruits not only has a potential value as a prophylactic agent but also may function as a nutritional supplement in the management of arterial hypertension.