Nutritional, phytochemical, and bioactive prospects of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) and saskatoon berry (Amelanchier ovalis) grown in the Republic of Kazakhstan
Assem T. Sagandyk, Ângela Liberal, Tayse Ferreira Ferreira da Silveira, Maria José Alves, Isabel C.F.R. Ferreira, Gulmira Zhakupova, Kadyrzhan Makangali, Tamara Tultabayeva, Lillian Barros
Abstract
• Chocoberry and saskatoon berry from Kazakhstan were characterized. • They were rich in sugars and organic acids. • 20 phenolics were determined in A. melanocarpa , 25 in A. ovalis . • Hydroethanolic extracts showed antioxidant and antibacterial properties. • The data highlighted the value of these Kazakhstan-originating berries. Berries are consumed worldwide, but recently, they have attracted more attention due to their valuable phytochemical profiles and diverse applications. This study comprehensively characterized the saskatoon berry ( Amelanchier ovalis ) and black chokeberry ( Aronia melanocarpa ) from Kazakhstan, documenting their nutritional, chemical, and bioactive profiles. Nutritional analysis showed proteins at 2.52±0.2 g/100 g DW in A. melanocarpa and 4.22±0.1 g/100 g DW in A. ovalis . Sixteen phenolic compounds were identified in A. melanocarpa and twenty-one in A. ovalis , with chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and cyanidin derivatives predomination. Sugars, organic acids, and tocopherols were also abundant. Both berries exhibited potent antioxidant activity (EC 50 : 0.35±0.02 mg/mL for A. ovalis , 3.9 ± 0.1 mg/mL for A. melanocarpa through TBARS assay) and antimicrobial properties against foodborne strains. These findings highlight these species' phytochemical and nutrient richness, emphasizing the value of Kazakhstan-originating berries.