Combating Sarcopenia Through Nutrition: Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Aronia melanocarpa

TL;DR

This paper explores how Aronia melanocarpa, a polyphenol-rich fruit, may help combat sarcopenia by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in aging muscles.

Contribution

The novelty lies in evaluating Aronia melanocarpa's potential as a functional food for sarcopenia through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Findings

Aronia melanocarpa bioactives modulate redox balance and suppress pro-inflammatory cytokine production.

The fruit's polyphenols may regulate metabolic and regenerative pathways important for skeletal muscle health.

More clinical research is needed to confirm its efficacy in human populations.

Abstract

Introduction: Sarcopenia, the progressive age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function, represents a major contributor to morbidity, frailty, and reduced quality of life in older adults. Oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammation are increasingly recognized as central mechanisms driving its onset and progression, through pathways involving mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired satellite cell activity, and dysregulated protein turnover. Objective: The purpose of the following manuscript is to summarize current research on the molecular and cellular interactions between oxidative stress and inflammation in sarcopenia, as well as to assess Aronia melanocarpa’s potential as a nutritional intervention. Methods: A narrative review was conducted by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed literature published between 2000 and 2024. Keywords included “sarcopenia”, “oxidative stress”, “inflammation”, “Aronia melanocarpa”, “polyphenols”, and even “functional foods”. Eligible publications provided mechanistic, preclinical, or clinical findings on skeletal muscle biology and A. melanocarpa bioactivity. Results: This narrative review examines the relationship between oxidative stress and inflammation in sarcopenia, focusing on NF-κB-mediated inflammatory signaling, Nrf-2-dependent antioxidant defenses, myokines like myostatin and irisin, and macrophage polarization in muscle homeostasis. Aronia melanocarpa (black chokeberry) is highlighted as a polyphenol-rich fruit with a distinct profile of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins that have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. According to preclinical, clinical, and nutritional studies, A. melanocarpa bioactives modulate redox balance, suppress pro-inflammatory cytokine production, increase antioxidant enzyme activity, and regulate metabolic and regenerative signaling pathways important for skeletal muscle health. Conclusions: Overall, the data suggest A. melanocarpa’s potential as a functional food and nutraceutical candidate for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. However, further translational and clinical research is needed to determine the appropriate intake, bioavailability, and long-term efficacy in human populations.

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