In the US, Greenvit has launched Aronvit, a standardized extract of aronia berries (Aronia melanocarpa) backed by clean label antioxidant claims. The science-endorsed berry extract is already available in the European market, and the company highlights a “surge of interest” for the dark purple superfruit in North America.
A recent pilot randomized human trial demonstrated the ingredient’s positive impact on metabolic health. Research also supports Aronvit’s positive effect on heart health.
The botanical nutraceuticals innovator will feature its ingredient at SupplySide Global in Las Vegas, Nevada, US (October 29–30).
“The full wellness potential of the aronia berry is still being discovered in the US and around the world,” says Greenvit CEO, Rafal Pietruszynski.
“Modern science confirms what people intuitively knew for generations, that aronia is one of the richest sources of natural polyphenols and antioxidants. Aronvit is a true superberry extract, combining heritage with science and innovation.”
Greenvit also recently inaugurated a new headquarters and warehouse in Voorhees, New Jersey, US, to support its growing market presence.
“Polish black gold”
Poland is the world’s leading cultivator of the aronia berries and the inspiration behind Aronvit is deeply rooted in Polish heritage, according to its producer.
Often called “Polish black gold,” aronia was originally cultivated for its resilience and high concentration of bioactive compounds. It was valued in local communities as a natural support for immunity and vitality, Greenvit highlights.
Aronvit is extracted from the Nero-Eggert variety of aronia berries. Piotr Eggert, renowned in the field of aronia cultivation, developed this variety, which has high yield capabilities and a low bush height that makes it easier to harvest.
The naturally disease resistant variety is ideal for organic farming, according to Greenvit. Additionally, its flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
In contrast to other berries, aronia can thrive in extreme temperatures, ranging from as low as -35°C to high summer heat.
Aronia also has potent antioxidant properties with high levels of flavonoids and other polyphenols (at 25%), including anthocyanins (15%) and proanthocyanidins (10%).
Moreover, it is rich in vitamins C, E, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium.
Gentle green processing
Greenvit is globally the largest producer of aronia extract. The five-generation family-led company sources its raw material from farmers who cultivate it in landscapes known as the “green lungs of Poland.”
The freshly picked berries are delivered immediately to Greenvit for processing into a highly concentrated powder extract with the highest possible content of anthocyanins and polyphenols using natural methods free of solvents and other harsh chemicals.
Greenvit uses a proprietary cold water gentle extraction method and multi-step membrane filtration system called PureGreenLine, enabling “maximum process efficiency and minimal waste.” The process is free of chemicals and additives.
PureGreenLine preserves the natural compounds of plant materials, maintaining the extracts’ full potency and nutritional value, Greenvit highlights.
The remaining pulp from processing is upcycled on a zero-waste basis. The entire production is powered photovoltaic energy and a closed-loop water system.
Clinically backed berries
A recent two-phase pilot randomized human trial, led by Patrycja Bloch, Ph.D., demonstrated Aronvit’s cardiovascular benefits after six weeks of daily supplementation at 200 mg.
The trial results showed significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and homocysteine in subjects diagnosed with elevated blood pressure or cholesterol. Liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase levels also “decreased significantly,” indicating its positive impact on liver function.
Lab analysis supported Aronvit’s anti-inflammatory potential, revealing it lowered pro-inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules in human blood vessel lining and blood immune cells.
The extract also showed strong antioxidant activity, indicated in an ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) score, which measures a food’s antioxidant capacity. It reduces reactive oxygen species by 40% while increasing nitric oxide production in cells. Nitric oxide is essential for regulating blood vessel dilation and relaxation.
“Our long-standing dedication to the cultivation, analysis, and scientific research of Aronvit and its wellness benefits has earned it a reference position in the US Pharmacopeia (USP) as a US monograph for aronia extract. We are an official partner of the USP Donor Recognition Program,” Pietruszynski details.
“Aronia berry is recognized for its high ORAC score as an antioxidant. In fact, it has one of the highest capacities of any berry for absorbing reactive oxygen species. Over time, reactive oxygen species have been shown to damage DNA and disrupt cell structure and function, causing inflammation, which, as scientific research indicates, is inherent in metabolic diseases.”
In other upcoming SupplySide Global features, Monterey Nutra will feature its launch of ManeFocus, a new lion’s mane extract powder marketed as the only ingredient of its kind standardized to 1% total metabolites.
