Characterization of dried chokeberry fruit extract and its chronic effects on blood pressure and oxidative stress in spontaneously hypertensive rats

The potential beneficial effects of chronic consumption of dried chokeberry fruit extract (DCE) were evaluated in the present in vivo study. The study concentrates on haemodynamic parameters, lipid profile and oxidative stress in spontaneously hypertensive rats. DCE was characterized by HPLC/DAD method and individual anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids were determined. Four week administration of DCE, rich in polyphenols, especially anthocyanins, significantly reduced systolic (P < 0.05), pulse pressure (P < 0.05) compared to control group, probably via significantly increased diuresis (P < 0.05). Significant decrease of plasma and erythrocytes TBARS was also found in the treated group. DCE consumption reduced lipid peroxidation through improving plasma FRAP reducing (P < 0.01). The activity of SOD in the treated group had been significantly lower (P < 0.01) compared to the control group. These results suggest that DCE could exert beneficial effects on cardiovascular health and has a potential as a nutritional supplement in arterial hypertension.