Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) has garnered scientific interest for its potential role in supporting diabetic retinopathy, primarily due to its high content of polyphenols, especially anthocyanins, which are potent antioxidants. Several small-scale clinical studies and preclinical research have examined the effects of chokeberry extracts on oxidative stress, inflammation, and microvascular health—factors directly implicated in the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy. A handful of human studies, such as one published in European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences (2013), have suggested that chokeberry supplementation can improve antioxidant status and reduce biomarkers of oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes, potentially offering indirect benefits for microvascular complications like retinopathy.

However, direct evidence for chokeberry specifically preventing or treating diabetic retinopathy in humans is limited. Most available studies are either animal-based or focus on surrogate endpoints (e.g., oxidative stress markers) rather than clinical outcomes such as sight preservation or retinopathy regression. While the mechanistic rationale is plausible—since oxidative stress and inflammation are key drivers in diabetic retinal damage—chokeberry’s effects have not yet been robustly validated in large, well-controlled clinical trials targeting retinopathy as a primary outcome. Thus, while scientific interest exists and preliminary data are promising, the current evidence base supports only a modest level of confidence (rated 2/5) in chokeberry’s use for diabetic retinopathy.

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