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Blackcurrant rowan fruit
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

Chokeberries, or aronia, are the fruits of the plant Aronia melanocarpa. They are dark purple or almost black in color and have a diameter of about 6-10 mm. Chokeberries grow in temperate climates and are widely used in the food industry and as a medicinal plant.
Chokeberries are rich in antioxidants such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, vitamin C and other biologically active substances. They also contain B vitamins, vitamin K, potassium, magnesium, iron and other useful elements.
Chokeberry fruits are used to make juices, jams, compotes, jelly and other products. They are also used in medicine and herbal medicine due to their beneficial properties, such as strengthening the immune system, lowering cholesterol, maintaining cardiovascular health and improving digestion.
ATC classification
Active ingredients
Pharmacological group
Pharmachologic effect
Indications black mountain ash
- Strengthens the immune system: Aronia fruits are rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C and anthocyanins, which help strengthen the immune system and protect the body from free radical damage.
- Supports cardiovascular health: Aronia may help lower blood cholesterol levels and support heart health due to its antioxidant properties.
- Lowering Blood Pressure: Some studies suggest that consuming aronia fruit may help lower blood pressure.
- Improved Digestion: Aronia contains fiber and other nutrients that may help improve digestion and support gastrointestinal health.
- Cancer prevention: Some studies show potential anti-cancer properties of chokeberry due to its antioxidant content.
Release form
Chokeberries are usually available as dried berries or as juice.
- Dried Berries: Chokeberries can be purchased as dried fruits, which can then be eaten as an additive to various dishes or teas.
- Juice: Chokeberry fruits are also produced into juices that can be consumed as a beverage or used to add to smoothies or shakes.
Pharmacodynamics
- Antioxidant properties: Chokeberries contain high concentrations of anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, which have strong antioxidant properties. These substances help protect cells from oxidative stress by preventing damage to DNA and cell membranes.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: The bioactive compounds in chokeberries may help reduce inflammation in the body. This may be helpful in reducing tissue inflammation and lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as arthritis and atherosclerosis.
- Antihypertensive properties: Research shows that consuming chokeberries can help lower blood pressure due to their content of flavonoids and other bioactive substances.
- Cardioprotective properties: Regular consumption of chokeberry can help improve the health of the cardiovascular system by lowering blood cholesterol levels, improving vascular elasticity and reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
- Anti-carcinogenic properties: Some studies show potential anti-carcinogenic properties of chokeberry, which may help in the prevention and treatment of certain types of cancer, including colon cancer and bladder cancer.
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: After consuming chokeberries, their active components can be absorbed in the intestines and enter the bloodstream.
- Distribution: Active components can be distributed throughout the body's tissues and organs through the blood.
- Metabolism: Metabolic processes may occur in the body, as a result of which active substances may undergo metabolism.
- Excretion: Metabolites or unchanged active components can be excreted from the body via the kidneys or liver.
Dosing and administration
- Fresh fruits: Chokeberries can be eaten fresh, added to salads, yogurt or porridge. The recommended daily dose is usually 50-100 grams, depending on individual needs.
- Dried Fruit: Dried chokeberries can be eaten as a snack or added to baked goods, cereals, and smoothies. The recommended dose is usually 1-2 tablespoons per day.
- Tea: You can make tea, infusion or decoction from chokeberry fruits. To make tea, usually use 1-2 teaspoons of dried fruits per cup of boiling water. Tea can be consumed several times a day.
- Juice: Chokeberry fruits can be used to make juice. The recommended dose of juice is usually 100-200 ml per day.
Use black mountain ash during pregnancy
Chokeberries, also known as aronia cherries, are a common fruit that is generally considered safe to eat in moderation during pregnancy. These fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can be beneficial to a pregnant woman's health.
However, as with any new product, it is important to consume chokeberry in moderation and seek advice from your doctor or healthcare professional. Some women may experience an allergic reaction to this product, so it is important to be attentive to your body and monitor for any negative reactions after consuming chokeberry.
Contraindications
- Allergy: Some people may be allergic to chokeberries. If you notice any allergic reactions after eating the berries or products made from them, such as skin rashes, itching, or swelling, you should avoid eating them.
- Hypotension: Because of its blood pressure lowering effect, chokeberry may be contraindicated for people with low blood pressure. Consuming it in large quantities may further lower blood pressure and cause dizziness or weakness.
- Hypertension: Although chokeberries can be beneficial for most people with high blood pressure due to their blood pressure lowering properties, they can sometimes interact with antihypertensive medications. Therefore, it is important to consult with your doctor before consuming the berries if you are taking blood pressure medications.
- Diabetes: Although chokeberry has a low glycemic index, it still contains some sugar, so people with diabetes should consume it with caution and monitor their blood glucose levels.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is insufficient data on the safety of consuming chokeberry during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is also worth seeking advice from a doctor during this period.
- Kidney Stones: Avoid chokeberry if you have a history of kidney stones, as its potentially high oxalate content may increase the risk of new stones.
Side effects black mountain ash
Chokeberries are generally considered safe to eat and have a low risk of side effects. However, in rare cases, some people may have allergic reactions to chokeberries. It is also worth considering that excessive consumption may cause stomach or intestinal upset due to certain acids it contains.
As with any new product, if you experience any allergic reactions or discomfort after consuming chokeberries, you should stop using them and consult a doctor.
Overdose
- Stomach Disturbances: Eating large amounts of chokeberry may cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and other stomach disturbances in some people.
- Potential Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to chokeberries, which may result in hives, itching, swelling of the face or respiratory tract, and anaphylactic shock in rare cases.
- Drug Interactions: It is possible that chokeberries may interact with certain medications, especially those that may affect bleeding or blood glucose levels. In this case, consuming large amounts of the fruit may increase or decrease the effects of the medications.
- Other side effects: Consuming large amounts of chokeberry may also cause other side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, high blood pressure, low blood sugar, etc.
Interactions with other drugs
- Anticoagulants: Chokeberries may enhance the effects of anticoagulants (drugs that reduce blood clotting) such as warfarin. This is due to their content of vitamin K, which affects blood clotting.
- Blood Sugar Lowering Medications: Chokeberry may interact with medications used to treat diabetes, such as metformin, enhancing their hypoglycemic effect.
- Cholesterol-lowering medications: Interactions with cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins are possible. Chokeberry may enhance the effects of these medications.
- Blood pressure medications: Chokeberry may enhance the effects of antihypertensive medications such as ACE inhibitors or beta blockers.
- Medicines to treat anxiety or depression: Interactions with some antidepressants or anxiolytics are also possible.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Blackcurrant rowan fruit" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.