Protection from DNA Damage by Use of an Aronia Food Supplement—Results from a Pilot Human Intervention Study

Abstract

Purpose of Review Polyphenols from fruits and other plant sources exhibit protective effects against DNA damage and markers of oxidative stress. Meanwhile, previous investigations tested rather large volumes of polyphenol-rich fruit juices; hence, there is a lack of information on the efficacy of small-volume supplementation concepts suitable for daily routine. We designed a 6-week pilot study on the use of such a food supplement (aronia+) including ten healthy male volunteers and tested for effects on DNA integrity, oxidation-related parameters (Nrf2, SOD, GPx, CAT, and oxidized LDL), and blood lipids. Recent Findings Tendencies towards a decrease were observed for both total and background DNA strand breaks but were not significant after 4-week consumption of the food supplement. Transcription levels of Nrf2 were elevated; meanwhile, Nrf2/ARErelated enzymes were not affected (GPx) or even slightly decreased (SOD, CAT). Marginal reduction was observed for total and LDL cholesterol, whereas other parameters remained almost unchanged. Summary This explorative study yields first indications on protective effects on DNA damage after intake of even small volumes of polyphenol-rich food supplements. These observations must be confirmed in a follow-up study with a higher number of included volunteers and an integration of a control group in order to clearly assess the effect of the intervention.

Antioxidant activity of plant secondary metabolites

“…It was demonstrated through the ability to neutralize free radicals, bind metal ions and inhibit lipid peroxidation in various model systems (ORAC, TRAP, FRAP OH, NO, DPPH). Moreover, the extracts inhibited lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation and nitration, elevated thiol concentrations, increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase), protected from DNA damage, and enhanced the overall antioxidant status (12)(13)(14)(15).…”