Effect of Aronia melanocarpa extracts on allergic responses in mast cells

Type I allergies, such as hay fever, are triggered when allergens cross-link IgE bound to the high-affinity IgE receptor on mast cells, leading to Ca2+ influx and the release of chemical mediators. Because conventional antiallergic drugs may cause adverse effects, natural food-derived bioactive compounds have attracted attention as safer alternatives for alleviating allergic symptoms. In this study, the antiallergic effects of Aronia melanocarpa (black chokeberry) fruit extract and its chromatographic fractions were evaluated using cultured mast cell lines. The 80% methanol-eluted fraction, rich in antioxidative polyphenols, significantly inhibited the release of histamine, β-hexosaminidase, and leukotriene B4 from stimulated cells. This effect was associated with reduced Ca2+ influx and decreased phosphorylation of spleen tyrosine kinase in the cell signaling pathway. Quercetin, identified as a major polyphenol in the active fraction, also suppressed chemical mediator release, suggesting that A. melanocarpa fruit may alleviate type I allergic responses by modulating mast cell activation.