The Effects of some Compounds Found in Aronia and Goji Berries on Human Health

Abstract

Berries consumption is a current concern in order to highlight the important content of their compounds on human health. Aronia berry is known as chokeberry and is native in North America and Canada. Due to the therapeutic properties, black chokeberries are very popular and appreciated fruits. The most important compounds, polyphenols and antioxidants, have many biological actions such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, antiviral, anticancer, antidiabetic and antiatherosclerotic effects Goji berry is also another important source of carotenoids and antioxidants and it has been used as a medicine in China for centuries. Goji berry is considered as a super fruit due to bioactive compounds that offer protection against cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other comorbidities. Black chokeberry and goji berry have an antioxidant capacity ten times higher than other berries. Due to their high biological and nutritional value, these berries are being used more and more frequently in human nutrition and the extracts in the pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, the main aim of this paper was to summarize and highlight the high content of bioactive compounds and beneficial effects of aronia and goji berries upon human health.