Aronia melanocarpa (black chokeberry) possesses a fruit which is a rich source of polyphenols. This may explain the health benefits attributed to consumption of the berries. Polyphenols are antioxidants and their effect may contribute to the anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects of the berries. The high polyphenol content of the berries may also make the plant beneficial at protecting from the development of mood disorder. For example, in one study, researchers investigated the mood enhancing effects of black chokeberries on an animal model of anxiety and depression. Rats were fed either whole berry juice or a juice that was absent of polyphenolic substances. The results of the study showed that those rats consuming the polyphenolic-containing whole black chokeberry juice experienced significant reductions in their anxious behaviour. This was accompanied by a reduction in their depressive-like behaviour. These changes were likely due to the presence of polyphenols in the juice.
The Aronia shrub is a member of the Rosaceae or rose family. It is often grown as an ornamental plant. The fruit of Aronia melanocarpa is a berry called the black chokeberry, and this is a rich source of polyphenols, particularly the of the flavonoid subclass, anthocyanins. The anthocyanin content of plant foods are correlated with antioxidant activity.
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