The selected studies below just begin to illustrate the accumulating medical evidence of the positive effects of the Aroniaberry on a variety of health-related concerns, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, gastric distress, exposure to UV radiation and Influenza (Flu).

Gastric Role: In his research on gastric systems, Matsumoto et al., (2004) have suggested that the cyanidins in the Aroniaberry scavenge the radicals generated during gastric mucosal damage. When Aroniaberry was administered to rats with gastric hemorrhage, the gastric mucosal protection was proportional to the increased anthocyanin levels from the Aroniaberry extract. In pancreatitis, radicals are generated causing much damage to the pancreas. Jankowska et al., (1999) have indicated that anthocyanins derived from the Aroniaberry suppress pancreatic edema, inhibit lipid peroxidation, and inactive adenosine deaminase.

Cardiovascular and Diabetes Studies: Researchers have shown that anthocyanins play an important role in diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Anthocyanins from the Aroniaberry decreases the glucose levels in urine and decreases the TBARS (measure lipid oxidation) level both urine and blood serum. Other scientific groups have shown that anthocyanins from Aroniaberry decrease glycemic and HbAlc-glycosylated hemoglobin levels. Naruszewicz et al., (2000) conducted a cardiology clinical trial where patients with myocardial infarction (MI) were treated with Aroniaberry. This study suggested that Aroniaberry intake reduced systolic blood pressure in these patients. It was also Illustrated that Aroniaberry reduced LDL oxidation and inhibited factors that mediated inflammation. Bell et al., at the Indiana School of Medicine (ISOM) showed that of all berry extracts tested, Aroniaberry provided complete cellular protection from oxidative injury and had a direct vasorelaxation effect on the arterial endothelium through the stimulation of nitric oxide (NO). A further study through ISOM and cardiology practice showed increased flow mediated dilation of the brachial artery in human subjects.

UV radiation: Niedworok et al., (1999) researched the effect of anthocyanin gel against UV radiation and found that Aroniaberry can be used for UV protection. It is well established that UV radiation from sunlight is harmful due to free radicals that are being generated. The researchers found that in rat models application of anthocyanins derived from Aroniaberry does decrease UV damage.

Anti-Cancer Studies: Of numerous berry or other natural products tested, Aroniaberry continues to show exceptional activity in fighting cancer. Pilkington, Roopai etc. all showed that Aroniaberry extracts introduced to highly malignant brain tumor lines showed down regulation of MMP-9 activity and, when introduced, completely killed cancer cells within 24 hours. In independent studies at University of Maryland, Cornell and Purdue Aroniaberry showed remarkable apoptosis in various cancer cell lines.

Influenza (Flu): The natural juice from Aronia melanocarpa fruit is rich in polyphenols most of which are flavonoids (mainly anthocyanins) and tannins. These products and other natural compounds isolated from plants are recently evaluated for their anti-infectious activity. Certain perspectives for finding new active antiviral factors are promising. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of Aronia melanocarpa natural juice on the reproduction in ovo of Influenza virus type A (H3N2). A concentration of 2 000 mg%/100 ml, with initial pH 3.76, is used for the experimental trial. Further in the experiments we apply pH 7.00 to pH 7.50, which corresponds to normal human pH. The results show that the Aronia juice, with concentration and pH, as indicated before, inhibits the reproduction of Influenza virus in its initial stages. The effect most probably is due to the formation of complex compounds between the virion, from one hand, and the flavonoids and tannins, from the other hand. The authors presume that this result influences the adsorption of Influenza virus on the cell surface.

STUDY OF THE NATURAL ARONIA MELANOCARPA JUICE FOR ANTI-VIRAL ACTIVITY
V. Russev, S. Valcheva-Kuzmanova, A. Belcheva
Pharmacology Section, Department of Preclinical and Clinical Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Varna Medical University, Varna, Bulgaria
Department of Microbiology and Virology, Varna Medical University, Varna, Bulgaria

Research has shown the Aroniaberry:

* May offer protection for human blood vessels

* Contains rich amounts of flavonoids, polyphenols, anthocyanins, and powerful antioxidants

* Is a strong relaxing agent of the smooth muscle found in arteries

* Plays a major role in keeping blood pressure from becoming dangerously high

* Helps prevent spasms in blood vessels

* Inhibits the development of blood clots and the early process of atherosclerosis

* Relaxes the arteries, aids in blood flow, and protects the coronary arteries from oxidant injury

* Is five to ten times more powerful than the cranberry for urinary tract health

* May inhibit colon cancer (University of Maryland)

It can also help with:

• Diabetes
• Inflamation
• Cardiovascular Ailments
• Ciculatory Problems
• Urinary Tract Infections
• Influenza (Flu)
• Cancer
• Cholesterol

Some nutritional benefits of the Aroniaberry are:

• Polyphenols
• Anthocyanins
• Quinic Acid
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Flavonols

For more research click on the links below:

The University of Nebraska, Lincoln - Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

http://www.antioxidant-fruits.com

BBC News: Darker fruits fight cancer

Effects of Aronia melanocarpa juice as part of the dietary regimen in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Clinic of Endocrinology, Medical University, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

Aroniaberry and Cardiovascular Ailments (myocardial infraction)
Alternative Medicine Review,  June, 2007  by M. Naruszewicz,  I. Laniewska,  B. Millo,  M. Dluzniewski

Aroniaberry: A rising star?

Aronia - highest-antioxidant berry

Aroniaberry and Cholesterol 1

Aroniaberry and Cholesterol 2

Aroniaberry and Metabolic Syndrome (MS)