Recent research hints at the potential of combining chokeberry and tart cherry juice to lessen the visibility of cellulite while promoting healthier skin. Cellulite, characterized by its dimpled appearance, primarily affects the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen, impacting around 80% to 90% of women regardless of their size. For many, this condition poses a significant cosmetic dilemma.
Study Design and Methodology
Scientists have linked the formation of cellulite to several factors: decreased blood circulation, compromised connective tissues, and the increase in fat cell size—all often exacerbated by oxidative stress.
A study conducted by the Institute for Medicinal Plants Research in Belgrade, Serbia, involved 20 women aged between 21 and 49, each showing mild signs of cellulite.
Over a month-long observation period, participants consumed a 60 mL daily dose of a special formulation blending chokeberry and tart cherry juices. These juices were accompanied by additional extracts—red beet, rosehip, and lion’s mane during the day, complemented by chamomile, lemon balm, and reishi for nighttime. Notably, the chokeberry and tart cherry used were sourced from Sljivko Healthy Food, which did not sponsor the study.
Researchers employed high-frequency ultrasonography to assess skin structure, while biochemical and physical metrics were recorded both before and after the supplementation process.
The findings revealed substantial enhancements in both skin structure and microcirculation, indicating that this innovative combination could be effective against cellulite. Specifically, researchers noted significant reductions in skin measurements and a decrease in both dermal and subcutaneous fat thickness.
In particular, some participants who initially presented dermal edema experienced remarkable improvement, with complete disappearance of the swelling by the end of the study. The researchers credited these improvements to better blood flow, attributed to the active compounds present in both chokeberry and tart cherry, which are rich in anthocyanins known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vascular support properties.
Understanding the Synergy of Ingredients
Notably, tissue Doppler imaging post-supplementation indicated enhanced blood circulation to the skin, showcasing an improvement in microvascular performance.
The research team noted something intriguing: the combination of chokeberry and tart cherry offered faster results in reducing cellulite than previous studies focusing solely on chokeberry juice. This suggests a synergistic effect, where the two fruits may work together to boost blood flow in targeted areas, counteracting oxidative stress that contributes to cellulite formation, while also lowering inflammation and improving vascular function.
Safety was a key consideration throughout the study; all markers for liver and kidney function remained within normal ranges, affirming that these supplements are safe for consumption.
Source: Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 80, 21 (2025) doi: 10.1007/s11130-024-01261-z. “Beneficial Impacts of Chokeberry and Tart Cherry Based Dietary Supplements Consumption on Cellulite Reduction” Authors: Katarina Šavikin et al. using NLP (natural language processing).
Source: Nutraingredients