# Inorganic Element Identification and In Vitro Preliminary Evaluation of Three Types of Standardized Black Chokeberry Extracts Against Human Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cells (HPAECs)

## TL;DR

This study identifies inorganic elements in three types of black chokeberry extracts and tests their effects on human artery cells, showing antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic properties.

## Contribution

The first report on inorganic element identification and in vitro evaluation of three standardized black chokeberry extracts on human pulmonary artery endothelial cells.

## Key findings

- Black chokeberry extracts contain detectable levels of metals like iron, aluminum, and cadmium.
- All three extracts showed antiproliferative effects on HPAECs, with changes in cell cycle phases.
- DryAr extract slightly reduced G0-G1 phase cells and increased necrotic cells.

## Abstract

Black chokeberry (BCK), known as Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott, has been employed for various purposes throughout history, being exploited both for its nutritional properties (functional foods, beverages, food preservatives, and natural food colorants) and for its therapeutic benefits (including cardiovascular and metabolic settings). This paper presents the first report on the identification of inorganic elements in three standardized BCK extracts: frozen berries (FrozArs), dried berries (DryArs), and evaporated juice (EvArJ). Additionally, the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of these extracts on human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs) were evaluated. Concentrations ranging from 1 μg/mL to 10 μg/mL were tested. Inorganic element analysis revealed detectable levels of metals, including aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn). Notably, cadmium was found in very low amounts (0.026 μg/g in the FrozArs), while iron was the most abundant element in the juice (597.665 μg/g). MTT assays demonstrated that all three extracts exhibited antiproliferative activity against HPAECs. Cell cycle analysis revealed a decrease in the G2/M phase for all extracts, along with an appearance of the sub-G0 phase at the highest concentration tested. The DryAr extract also slightly reduced the number of cells in the G0-G1 phase. Annexin V/PI staining indicated a mild increase in the percentage of necrotic cells associated with the DryAr extract. The potential implications of these findings are significant, particularly for those interested in the health effects of dietary supplements.