Table 3.

Aronia melanocarpa’s main bioactive components and physiological functions and their mechanisms of action [13,79,80,81].

Bioactive Ingredients	Responsible Compound/Ingredient	Physiological Function Mechanism
Antioxidant effect	Proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, flavonoids	Reduce oxidative stress and protect cells from damage by scavenging free radicals and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity.
Anti-inflammatory effect	Proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins	Inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators, e.g., reducing the production of prostaglandin E2 and proinflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α, IL-6).
Cardiovascular protection	Proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins	It has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system by improving vasodilation, lowering blood pressure, reducing blood clot formation, and reducing LDL oxidation.
Anticancer effect	Proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins	Induces cancer cell apoptosis, inhibits tumor growth and metastasis, and enhances the effect of chemotherapy drugs.
Antidiabetic effect	Proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins	It is beneficial against diabetes through mechanisms such as improving insulin sensitivity, promoting glucose uptake, and lowering blood sugar levels.
Antibacterial effect	Proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins	Directly combats bacteria or inhibits bacterial growth through mechanisms such as affecting bacterial cell walls and membrane structures.
Antiviral effect	Proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins	Interferes with the virus replication process, including inhibiting virus adsorption and invading host cells or interfering with virus replication.