If You Haven’t Noticed Chokeberry Yet, Notice It Now!

Chokeberry is a herb that has not yet attracted a lot of attention. But, as this new study adds to the rapidly accumulating evidence for its cardiovascular benefits, it may finally be time to pay attention.

Chokeberry shrub, or aronia, is a member of the rose family. Its berries, like so many more famous berries, are loaded in antioxidant flavonoids: especially anthocyanins.

Chokeberry first attracted notice in 2007 when a study found that it significantly improved blood pressure, LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides as well as glucose, homocysteine and fibrinogen, all of which could improve heart health (Pharmacol Rep 2007;59 (suppl 1):177-82).

The same year, chokeberry was found to improve the blood pressure lowering effect of statin drugs in  people who had survived a heart attack (Atherosclerosis 2007;194:e179-e184).

Eight years later, another study found that chokeberry significantly improved triglycerides and reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (J Food Med 2015;18:1231-8).

Then a study tested chokeberry on people with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Metabolic syndrome is the constellation of any 3 of abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides, low HDL-cholesterol, high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar. Chokeberry significantly improved waist size, blood sugar, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides (Mol Cell Biochem. July 2021;476(7):2663-2673).

Now, a just published study adds to the evidence. It gave either no treatment or aronia fruit extract to 44 elderly people with metabolic syndrome. After 8 weeks, there was significant improvement in diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and small dense low-density lipoprotein. Small dense low-density lipoprotein is an even better predictor of cardiovascular disease than LDL cholesterol. It also significantly improved plasma atherogenic index, a ratio of triglycerides to HDL cholesterol that is a strong predictor of the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

The chokeberry extract also significantly improved markers of inflammation, including TNF-α, IL-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein as well as markers of oxidative stress.

The study concludes that chokeberry extract “may be an effective dietary supplement for managing MetS in high-risk groups” due to its ability to significantly improve markers of cardiovascular health, inflammation and oxidative stress.

J Am Nutr Assoc. 2025 Sep 4:1-10. doi:10.1080/27697061.2025.2551181.

For the latest research to keep you and your family healthy, get The Natural Path delivered to your inbox each month for only $29.99 a year: Subscribe!

For much more on preventing and treating cardiovascular disease naturally, see our book The Family Naturopathic Encyclopedia.

For comprehensive natural help with your health, including cardiovascular health, make an appointment to see Linda Woolven now. Linda’s clinic is now open for in person and virtual appointments.

The Natural Path is intended for educational purposes only and is in no way intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. For health problems, consult a qualified health practitioner for a comprehensive program.

Ask your health food store for The Natural Path Newsletter