Effects of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) supplementation on oxidative stress, inflammation and gut microbiota: a systematic review of human and animal studies

Abstract The scientific literature indicates that chokeberry is widely used as a supplement to support the maintenance of the body’s homeostasis by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. In recent years, positive effects of chokeberry on intestinal parameters have also been observed. Oxidative stress, inflammation and, according to recent reports, also the gut microbiome are closely related to the overall well-being and health of the population. This study, therefore, attempts to summarise all the health benefits of black chokeberry supplementation. This study was registered in PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) under registration number CRD42023395969. Additionally, the systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method. Electronic databases were searched in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and EBSCO using the following combination of the words ‘chokeberry or aronia’ and ‘inflammation or oxidative stress or microbiota or microbiome or permeability or gut’. Ultimately, fifty-seven studies were summarised in the review. Data analysis showed that black chokeberry has a positive effect on the reduction of inflammation, oxidative stress and intestinal microflora, but the size of the changes varies and depends on many variables. Therefore, the researchers concluded that the compounds found in black chokeberry play a pivotal role in maintaining the overall balance within the system. This is a crucial consideration given the tendency for disturbances in organismal homeostasis to accompany disease processes and various disorders. However, further research is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms and optimise its use fully.