Exploring the Potential of Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) as a Health-Enhancing Agent: A Comprehensive Overview

Abstract

Black chokeberry, scientifically known as Aronia melanocarpa, is native to the eastern part of North America and belongs to the Rosaceae family, specifically falling within the Maloideae subfamily. A sour taste makes fresh chokeberries difficult to eat raw, but they are widely used in the food sector to make wines, fruit teas, juices, jams, jellies, and dietary supplements. Black chokeberries are a rich source of several bioactive compounds. It has been discovered that the fruits of A. melanocarpa exhibit a variety of bioactivities that may be advantageous to human health, such as antioxidant, antiobesity, anti-infective, antidiabetic, and liver- and heart-protective properties. However, to determine the therapeutic capacity, safety, and underlying mechanisms of action of black chokeberries, a comprehensive examination similar to other natural plants and medical items is required. This review provides a comprehensive overview of Aronia plants, covering aspects such as botany, cultivation, bioactive chemical composition, and therapeutic activities to explore their potential health benefits. The findings are expected to significantly influence future research, particularly in the development of functional food products centered around chokeberries.