Testing the cognitive effects of Aronia melanocarpa extract Original paper

Anthocyanins are polyphenol molecules found in berries that contain compounds like cyanidin-3-glycosides, which have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and suppress brain inflammation and oxidative stress. Some studies have reported that dietary anthocyanins can also have beneficial effects for cognition. This study examined the effects of long-term supplementation with Aronia melanocarpa extract (AME), a rich source of anthocyanins, on mood, cognitive performance, and vascular function in middle-aged adults with overweight.

In a 24-week randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial, 101 participants consumed 90 mg of AME, 150 mg of AME, or a placebo, for 24 weeks. At baseline and after 6, 12, and 24 weeks of the intervention, researchers tested psychomotor speed, attention, cognitive flexibility, and mood. Serum BDNF levels were also assessed, and vascular function was measured via carotid ultrasound and blood pressure.

AME improved psychomotor speed relative to the placebo. Surprisingly, the results show that 150 mg of AME decreased diastolic blood pressure compared to 90 mg of AME (by 2.4 mmHg) but not compared to the placebo. The difference between the effects of 150 mg of AME and placebo on diastolic blood pressure was trending toward significance, with a change of 1.4 and a p-value of 0.073. Attention, cognitive flexibility, BDNF levels and vascular function were not affected.