Polyphenols, Polysaccharides, and Their Complexes from Aronia melanocarpa in the Chemoprevention of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the three most commonly diagnosed malignancies worldwide and remains a major public health challenge, emphasizing the need for effective preventive strategies. Considering the current chemotherapy limitations of key agents, natural products widely researched as dietary supplements can complement conventional treatments. This review concentrates on <i>Aronia melanocarpa</i> (black chokeberry), including its fruits, leaves and pomace, as a rich source of bioactive compounds with well-documented anticancer properties. Notably, <i>A. melanocarpa</i> contains high levels of polyphenols such as cyanidin-3-galactoside, cyanidin-3-arabinoside, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and epicatechin, as well as biologically active polysaccharides, including pectins and arabinogalactans. These compounds, through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, are involved in modulating apoptosis pathways specifically targeting cancer cells. Moreover, their complexes may enhance chemopreventive efficacy through synergistic mechanisms. Recent studies show that supplementation with aronia products can improve inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha, highlighting its potential role in modulating the tumor microenvironment. Collectively, these findings position <i>A. melanocarpa</i> as a promising candidate for use in integrative strategies aimed at the prevention and adjunctive treatment of CRC.