Aronia Juice: An Effective Berry Against Cellulite

Originating from the Rosaceae family, the aronia plant (Aronia melanocarpa) is a shrub native to the eastern part of North America. Initially, Native Americans used these fresh berries for nourishment as well as for medicinal purposes. Used in phytotherapy, these berries are considered to be nutritious super-fruits. They can be consumed in various forms, particularly as juice. Aronia juice is reputed to have effects against cellulite, but what is the reality?

Aleksandra KONIĆ-RISTIĆ and her colleagues aimed to examine the potential beneficial effects of consuming aronia juice in the treatment of cellulite. Twenty-nine women aged 25 to 48 years with cellulite of grade 2 according to the Nurnberger-Muller scale (visible orange peel skin to the naked eye in a standing position) were included. All subjects consumed 100 ml of aronia juice per day for 90 days. Measurements of the biochemical and histological parameters studied were taken at 0, 45, and 90 days of the study.

A significant reduction in the thickness of subcutaneous tissue was observed in all subjects, with an average reduction of 1.9 mm. The length of the subcutaneous tissue fascicles (or dimples) was reduced in 97% of the subjects, with an average value of 1.18 mm. After 45 days of consuming aronia juice, a reduction in edema was observed in 55.2% of the subjects who initially had edema, while at the end of the study, no edema was observed in the subjects participating in the study. Therefore, aronia juice could have beneficial effects on the overall condition of cellulite.

What are the mechanisms involved?

The pathophysiology of cellulite is characterized by the enlargement of fat cells and the reduction of blood circulation. Aronia juice is rich in anthocyanins, pigments, and phenolic compounds. It has been shown that blueberry anthocyanins can be effective in enhancing the redistribution of microvascular blood flow, and their phenolic compounds facilitate the repair of vessel damage responsible for the permeability of small blood vessels.

Finally, studies have shown a positive effect of aronia juice on fat metabolism : its oral consumption may have a lipid-lowering effect by improving the breakdown of lipoproteins, which transport cholesterol, or by inhibiting the enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase, leading to a reduction in cholesterol synthesis and a decrease in its absorption into lipoproteins.

The effects of consuming aronia juice on cellulite could therefore be linked to these properties. However, additional studies are needed to clarify these results.