Aronia (Chokeberry)

Aronia melanocarpa · Chokeberry

Mechanism

The berries of aronia (Aronia melanocarpa, black chokeberry) are among the most polyphenol-rich fruits and contain high amounts of anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins and further polyphenols with pronounced antioxidant properties in vitro. The high tannin content has an astringent effect. Traditionally aronia is used to support the antioxidant status. Robust equine studies on clinical endpoints are lacking; the use is predominantly derived from human data.

Cautions

· Tannins can reduce the absorption of minerals and protein in larger amounts — limit the quantity
· Account for the sugar content of the berries in EMS/insulin dysregulation (pomace is lower in sugar)

Sources

Kulling/RawelKulling & Rawel — Aronia melanocarpa, Polyphenole und Bioaktivität (Review, Planta Med)

Review polyphenolsReview zu Anthocyanen/Polyphenolen und antioxidativer Wirkung

Equiterna Score

59/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety7.8/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

Dosageproduct-specific; practice about 20-50 g dried berries or pomace/animal/day (large horse)

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyVery safe

Evidenceemerging

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

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Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.