The biological properties of phytocomplex in different aronia (Aronia melanocarpa E.) and blueberry honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea) products

Oxidative stress is an important risk factor in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, including atherosclerosis and cancer. Accordingly, dietary and medicinal intervention decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) exposition became a hot field of research . Aronia (Aronia melanocarpa E.), belonging to the Rosaceae family, has received much attention in this regard, owing to its high antioxidative potency attributed to poliphenolic compounds, mainly anthocyanins (pigments accounting for the dark blue and ev en black colour of fruits). The high content of anthocyanins is also found in blueberry honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea). This fruit is not as well-known as aronia, however, it is proving to be a hot item for nutritionists, survivalists, and potential grow ers. The aim of this proposal is to compare different aronia and blueberry honeysuckle products (for example fresh fruits from different sources, juices, jams, jellies) in relation to their biological activity in cell culture model systems. The samples wi ll be tested for their cytotoxic effects in different cell lines (lymphocytes and H9c2 cardiac cells). The cells will be also submitted to oxidative stress by hydrogen peroxide and the protection offered by aronia and blueberry honeysuckle products will b e determined at the level of cytotoxicity. The genotoxicity research will also include assessment of protective effects against hydrogen peroxide. In these experiments, both lymphocytes and H9c2 cardiac cells will be treated with hydrogen peroxide in the presence or absence of aronia and blueberry honeysuckle samples. The DNA damage will be measured by comet assay. The proposed experiments will provide deeper insight as regards the potential health benefits of food products based on aronia and blueberry h oneysuckle.