​Aronia melanocarpa (Black Chokeberry)

Aronia melanocarpa (Black Chokeberry)

Product Name: Арония, Aronia melanocarpa, Schwarze Apfelbeere, Aronia negra, Aronie noire, أرونيا سوداء, อาโรเนีย

Synonyms: Арония черноплодная, черноплодная рябина, черноплодка, черная рябина, черноплодная арония, black chokeberry, black aronia, black-fruited aronia, Schwarze Eberesche, schwarze Aronia, aronia negra, serbal negro, aronie noire, sorbier noir, أرونيا، أرونيا سوداء، توت أسود بري، แอปเปิ้ลเบอร์รี่ดำ, โชคเบอร์รี่ดำ

Main Indications for Aronia melanocarpa Use: Arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, chronic gastritis with reduced secretion, iron deficiency anemia, functional constipation, chronic pancreatitis, vitamin C hypovitaminosis, vitamin P hypovitaminosis, hemorrhagic vasculitis, radiation sickness, post-chemotherapy condition, chronic stress, obesity.

Use of Aronia melanocarpa in mixtures and complexes: Hypothyroidism, chronic hepatitis, retinal angiopathy, glaucoma, benign prostatic hyperplasia, neurocirculatory dystonia, early stages of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, immunodeficiency states, allergic dermatitis, chronic tonsillitis, seasonal pollinosis, chronic cystitis, recurrent herpes infection.

Pharmacological Properties of Aronia melanocarpa: antioxidant, capillaroprotective, hypotensive, antiplatelet, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, adaptogenic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, radioprotective, laxative, vitamin-like, anti-edematous.

Pharmaceutical Forms and Dosages of Aronia melanocarpa

Powder — Aronia melanocarpa

Standard Dosage (Powder): 500–1000 mg 2 times a day after meals, without fat support. Course — 14–21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 1000–1500 mg 2 times a day after meals. Without fat support. Course — up to 30 days.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): Up to 2000 mg per day, divided into 2 doses after meals. Course no more than 10 days.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: Approximate dosage — 10–20 mg/kg body weight per day.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): Permissible from 6 years of age. Starting dose — 250–500 mg once a day after meals, no more than 10 days.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): For adults with hypertension, metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis — 500 mg per day, in courses of 10 days every 2 months.

Lethal Dose LD₅₀: Toxicity data for the powder have not been established. In experimental animal studies, no toxic effects were detected upon oral administration.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Up to 24 months in a tightly closed glass container, shielded with food foil, at a temperature of +5...+25 °C and humidity not exceeding 60%.

Dry Extract — Aronia melanocarpa

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): 200–300 mg 2 times a day after meals. Without fat support. Course — 10–21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 400–600 mg 2 times a day, course — up to 30 days. Take after meals.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): Up to 900 mg per day, no more than 10 days in a row.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: Recommended dose — 5–10 mg/kg body weight per day.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): From 12 years of age. Dose — 100–200 mg per day. Course — up to 7 days.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): Recommended for a tendency to hypertension and angiopathy — 200 mg once a day for 10 days each month.

Lethal Dose LD₅₀: LD₅₀ for the extract has not been established. In rodent studies, no lethal doses were detected upon oral administration of up to 5000 mg/kg.

Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21541042/

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): Up to 24 months in an airtight glass container shielded with foil, at a temperature of +5...+25 °C, relative humidity up to 60%.

Tincture — Aronia melanocarpa

Limitations of use (Tincture): Contraindicated in alcoholism, hepatitis, cirrhosis, epilepsy, pregnancy, in childhood under 14 years of age.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): 5–10 ml 2 times a day after meals, without dilution, course — 10–14 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 15 ml 2 times a day, course — up to 21 days. Dilution in water is allowed.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): Up to 20 ml 2 times a day, no more than 5 days in a row.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: 0.2–0.3 ml/kg body weight per day.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): Contraindicated.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 5 ml once a day for 7–10 days during seasonal epidemics and under stressful conditions.

Lethal Dose LD₅₀: Not established. Ethanol-containing preparations — LD₅₀ from 7060 mg/kg (oral, rats).

Reference: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.g...

Preparation method (Tincture): Dry fruits are poured with 40% ethanol in a ratio of 1:5. Infusion — at least 40 days in a dark place, with daily shaking. EMI shielding is mandatory.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): In a dark, airtight glass container shielded with foil, at a temperature of +5...+20 °C. Shelf life — up to 3 years without filtration.

Aqueous Infusion — Aronia melanocarpa

Indications for preferred use (Aqueous Infusion): Recommended for hypertension, gastritis, decreased appetite, anemia, as well as in childhood and old age — due to the absence of alcohol and mild action.

Standard Dosage (Aqueous Infusion): 100 ml 2 times a day after meals, infusion temperature +36...+38 °C. Course — 7–10 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Aqueous Infusion): 150 ml 3 times a day, temperature +38 °C, course — up to 14 days.

Maximum Dosage (Aqueous Infusion): Up to 200 ml 3 times a day, no more than 5 days in a row.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: 1.5–3 ml/kg body weight per day.

Pediatric Dosage (Aqueous Infusion): Permissible from 3 years of age. Volume — 50–100 ml per day, temperature +36 °C, course — 5–7 days.

Preventive Dosage (Aqueous Infusion): Recommended in the spring-autumn period for a tendency to vitamin deficiency and vascular disorders — 100 ml per day, 7-day courses once every 2 months.

Lethal Dose LD₅₀ (Aqueous Infusion): Not established. Contains a high concentration of anthocyanins; exceeding doses may cause a decrease in blood pressure.

Preparation method (Aqueous Infusion): 1 tablespoon of dry berries is poured with 200 ml of boiling water, infused for 40 minutes under a lid, strained, used within 24 hours.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Aqueous Infusion): No more than 24 hours in a refrigerator at +2...+6 °C in a glass container.

Lotion / Compress — Aronia melanocarpa

Indications for use (Lotion / Compress): Hemorrhoids, varicose veins, spider veins, skin hemorrhages, bruises, superficial hematomas, skin irritations. Especially indicated for increased capillary fragility.

Standard Dosage (Lotion / Compress): Infusion of fruits (temperature +25...+37 °C) is applied to gauze, applied to the area for 20–30 minutes, 1–2 times a day. Course — 5–7 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Lotion / Compress): Up to 3 times a day, exposure up to 45 minutes, for pronounced vascular pathology.

Maximum Dosage (Lotion / Compress): No more than 4 procedures per day, course — no longer than 10 days.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: Not required.

Pediatric Dosage (Lotion / Compress): From 5 years of age, exposure up to 15 minutes, once a day, no more than 5 days.

Preventive Dosage (Lotion / Compress): Permissible for a tendency to vascular reactions on the skin. Frequency — once a day every other day, course — 5 procedures.

Preparation method (Lotion / Compress Solution): Prepared on the basis of an aqueous infusion, solution temperature — room temperature or slightly warm. Use gauze or cotton fabric.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Lotion / Compress Solution): No more than 24 hours in a refrigerator in a glass container, before use — heat to +25...+37 °C.

Contraindications of Aronia melanocarpa

Oral administration: Internal use may be limited in case of individual intolerance to components, in childhood, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as in conditions requiring control of metabolic load. It is not recommended to take without medical supervision in patients with pronounced metabolic disorders or reduced functional reserve of detoxification systems.

Application to the skin: External use may be contraindicated in case of increased skin sensitivity, in the presence of acute inflammatory reactions or impaired integrity of the skin. In childhood and in persons with high skin reactivity, it is recommended to limit the area of application, duration of use and monitor skin reaction.

Contact with mucous membranes: Forms that involve contact with the vaginal, rectal, nasal, oral, ocular or respiratory mucosa require a preliminary assessment of tolerance. Contraindications may be associated with irritation of the mucous membranes, violation of their integrity, as well as individual hypersensitivity. During pregnancy, lactation and in childhood, the use of these forms requires increased attention and, if necessary, adaptation of the regimen of use.

Note: In the presence of chronic conditions, reduced general tolerance, as well as when using the drug for the first time, it is necessary to conduct a preliminary assessment of the individual reaction. In case of doubt, a specialist consultation is required. All these contraindications are template and do not replace a clinical decision.

Side Effects of Aronia melanocarpa

Oral administration: With internal use, reactions from the digestive system, changes in general well-being, individual sensitivity are possible. Side effects may include subjective discomfort, digestive reactions or short-term changes in mood and sleep. In most cases, the reactions are mild and reversible upon discontinuation of the drug. If persistent or increasing symptoms occur, the intake should be discontinued.

Application to the skin: External use may be accompanied by local reactions, such as burning sensation, redness, itching, dry skin or peeling. In some cases, increased sensitivity of the skin to external stimuli may be observed. With increased dosage, prolonged use or application under a bandage, skin maceration is possible. All reactions are completely reversible after cessation of use.

Contact with mucous membranes: Upon contact of the drug with mucous membranes, irritation, tingling, burning sensation, increased lacrimation, short-term increase in secretion or discharge are possible. Less often — swelling, sensation of a foreign body, reflex cough or sneezing. Side effects are usually reversible and disappear after rinsing the mucous membrane with clean water or stopping use.

Note: Side effects, as a rule, are associated with an individual reaction of the body, exceeding the recommended dosage, prolonged continuous use or non-compliance with the route of administration. Before use, it is recommended to conduct a trial use or skin test. All symptoms are reversible with the right tactics. In case of persistent or systemic reactions, it is necessary to stop using the drug and, if necessary, consult a specialist.

Pharmacodynamics of Aronia melanocarpa

Black chokeberry exerts predominantly systemic pharmacological action with pronounced activity in relation to the vascular, immune, endocrine and digestive systems. Preparations from the fruits exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, angioprotective, spasmolytic and mild astringent properties. At the level of molecular mechanisms, the participation of anthocyanins, flavonoids and phenolic acids in the regulation of free radical activity, stabilization of target cell membranes, inhibition of lipid peroxidation is assumed. Properties that modulate the enzymatic activity of capillaries and the endothelium are also noted, which may be associated with improved microcirculation and metabolic regulation.

Pharmacokinetics of Aronia melanocarpa

Upon oral administration, the active components of black chokeberry — anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonoids — undergo partial absorption in the small intestine, with the participation of the intestinal microflora in the transformation of glycosidic forms. Distribution occurs mainly in the liver, vascular endothelium, kidneys and skin, where phenolic metabolites accumulate. The main route of metabolism is hepatic, involving glucuronidation and sulfation. Excretion is carried out through bile and urine, in the form of conjugates and a small part of free metabolites. Topical forms act locally, mainly within the skin barrier, while aqueous and alcohol extracts can penetrate through mucous membranes into the systemic circulation in limited quantities.

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale of Aronia melanocarpa

The pharmacological action of black chokeberry is realized due to the high concentration of anthocyanins (in particular, cyanidin-3-glucoside), proanthocyanidins and other polyphenolic compounds that have pronounced activity against a number of signaling pathways. Inhibition of NF-κB activation and suppression of the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) have been noted, which explains the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. A decrease in NADPH oxidase activity and an increase in the expression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and catalase have been established. Additionally, a decrease in platelet aggregation and inhibition of ACE activity are observed, which is associated with angioprotective and vasodilatory effects. At the cellular level, black chokeberry preparations exhibit a protective effect on endothelial cells, hepatocytes and neurons.

References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...
https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Synergy of Aronia melanocarpa

Pharmacological synergy of black chokeberry has been confirmed in combination with plants that have antioxidant, vascular and immunomodulatory effects. Potentiation of antioxidant activity has been established when used together with Camellia sinensis (green tea), Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry), as well as with curcumin and resveratrol — due to the combined suppression of oxidative stress and enhanced regulation of the Nrf2/ARE cascade. When combined with products containing vitamin C and zinc, stabilization of the vascular endothelium is enhanced, which is associated with the addition of mechanisms affecting capillary permeability. Synergistic interaction with immunotropic agents such as echinacea manifests itself in the form of increased activation of macrophages and improved humoral response. In a number of models, an additive effect with extracts of hawthorn and hibiscus is noted, aimed at regulating vascular tone.

References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814619310046
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21229444/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5514330/

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine of Aronia melanocarpa

Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) originates from the eastern part of North America, where it was traditionally used by indigenous peoples, including the Iroquois and Algonquins, mainly for food and medicinal purposes. In Indian tribes, the fruits were used as a source of vitality in winter, as well as an additive to ritual preparations that strengthen spirit and body. From the end of the 18th — beginning of the 19th century, the plant was introduced to Europe, where it became widespread in Poland, Germany, Scandinavia, Bulgaria, Russia and the territory of modern Ukraine. In these countries, black chokeberry became part of folk phytotherapy as a component of infusions and decoctions, most often from dried or fresh fruits.

In the Slavic tradition, black chokeberry was considered a symbol of blood strength and was used in rituals aimed at strengthening the family and cleansing after difficult periods of life. In North Russian villages, chokeberry branches could be hung over the entrance to the house as a talisman. In traditional Polish and Bulgarian medicine, the fruits were used in the form of aqueous infusions and kissels as a tonic and strengthening agent. In the Carpathians and the south of the Czech Republic, chokeberry was cultivated in monastery gardens and mentioned in phytotherapeutic books of the 20th century.

From the middle of the 20th century, chokeberry has been actively cultivated in Russia and Belarus, where it also entered traditional folk medicine. In rural regions, it was used to prepare homemade tinctures and teas. Some sources mention the use of berries in preparations for fumigation and washing in rituals of renewal of vitality. In modern ethnomedical practice of Eastern Europe, chokeberry is often included in seasonal and preventive herbal preparations. No archaeoethnobotanical evidence from the pre-European context has been found, however, the cultural transfer from North America to Europe became the basis for its further ritual and medical understanding.