Anthocyanins are part of a large and widespread group of plant constituents known collectively as flavonoids. In recent years, a growing interest in their biological activities and possible health benefits in protecting against some chronic diseases, including cancer, cardio- and celebrovascular, atherosclerosis and diabetes is observed. One of the richest sources of anthocyanins are fruits of Aronia melanocarpa.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of anthocyanins from Aronia melanocarpa on the parameters of ADP-induced platelet aggregation.

Material and methods: The study group included 25 subjects with metabolic syndrome. Including criteria were: visceral obesity (waist circumference for men > 94cm, for women > 80cm), HDL< 50 mg/dL (women), HDL< 40 mg/dL (men) and TG >150 mg/dL. In all patients extract from Aronia melanocarpa (Aronox, Agropharm) was administrated 3 x 100 mg daily for 4 week. Before and after the period of anthocyanins administration a blood sample was taken and lipidogram and platelet aggregation were estimated.

Aggregation of platelets was measured in PRP by the turbidimetric method. Curves triggered by addition of 5 μl of ADP (10 mmol/L) were recorded and evaluated by using our own computer program. This program estimated 5 parameters of platelet aggregation: maximal aggregation (Amax), initial velocity (v₀), the time needed to reach maximal aggregation (Tmax), the aggregation level after 5 min (A_5min) from Amax (which enables to estimate the disaggregation), and platelet shape change (PSC) (which is only a rough estimation of this process).

Results: Four-week intake of extract from chokeberry fruits reduced significantly the level of total cholesterol (242,8 + 34,5 vs. 229,2 + 33,1 mg/dL, p = 0,002), LDL-cholesterol (158,7 + 35,8 vs. 150,0 + 34,6 mg/dL, p = 0,032) and triglycerides (215,9 + 63,6 vs. 184,6 + 79,3 mg/dL, p = 0,017). No significant influence on HDL-cholesterol (42,9 + 5,0 vs. 44,3 + 6,1 mg/L, p = 0,112) was observed.

Anthocyanins also exchanged significantly the kinetic parameters of aggregation: Amax (26,8 + 13,1 vs. 18,9 + 9,7 %T, p = 0,017), v₀ (18,3 + 14,2 vs. 11,5 + 8,3 %T/min, p = 0,022) and Tmax (375,2 + 174,0 vs. 431,8 + 119,4 s, p=0,04), no influence on PSC (4,2 + 2,4 vs. 3,4 + 4,6 %T, p = 0,497) and disaggregation was observed.

Conclusion: Anthocyanins from chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) after four-week intake beneficially modified platelet aggregation and cholesterol level and therefore may be potentially useful for atherosclerosis prevention.

This study was supported by grants No 502-13-542 of Medical University of Lodz, Poland

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