Cellulite, characterized by dimpling of the skin on the thighs, bottom and stomach, occurs in about 80% to 90% of women, often regardless of body weight. For some, it can be a major aesthetic concern.
Previous research shows that cellulite is caused by reduced microcirculation, weakened connective tissues and enlarged fat cells, so that all these disorders are closely related to oxidative stress.
This latest study, conducted by a team of researchers from the Medicinal Plant Research Institute in Belgrade, Serbia, and published in the journal Plant foods for human consumptioninvolved 20 women between the ages of 21 and 49 with a mild level of cellulite.
Study details
During the 32-day study period, women consumed 60 mL of day (DF) and night (NF) combinations with chokeberry juice and tart cherry as the main ingredients.
Additional ingredients in each included beetroot, rosehip and lion’s mane extracts (DF) and chamomile flower, lemon balm and reishi extracts (NF). The main ingredients chokeberry and tart cherry were purchased from Sljivko Healthy Food, which had no financial role in the study.
High-frequency ultrasound was used to assess skin structure, and biochemical and anthropometric parameters were measured before and after supplementation.
The researchers reported that the supplements improved microcirculation and skin structure, suggesting benefits for anti-cellulite treatments.
Key findings included a reduction in skin measurements, as well as a reduction in skin thickness and subcutaneous fat.
“A reduction in the thickness of skin with subcutaneous adipose tissue, subcutaneous adipose tissue alone, epidermis and skin with epidermis was observed (15.02, 14.34, 21.98 and 20.94%, respectively), while the length of casings [a factor related to the appearance of cellulite] decreased by 35.93%,” the researchers wrote.
In addition, 11 of the participants had skin edema at the beginning of the study, which disappeared at the end of the treatment period – a result attributed to improved microcirculation as a result of the active ingredients of chokeberry and tart cherry juice. Both fruits contain high levels of anthocyanins, known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and vasoprotective properties.
There was also a significant increase in the number of tissue doppler signals, indicating improved blood supply to the skin after treatment and enhanced microvascular function.
Synergistic properties
The researchers noticed that the reductions occurred more quickly with the dietary supplement combination than in previous studies that investigated the effects of chokeberry juice alone.
They suggested that chokeberry and tart cherry may work synergistically to improve microcirculation in affected areas by mitigating oxidative stress associated with cellulite development, thereby reducing inflammatory markers and vascular permeability.
Liver and kidney function markers all remained within normal limits during the study period, confirming the safety of the supplement.
Source: Plant foods for human consumption, 8021 (2025)
doi: 10.1007/s11130-024-01261-z
“Beneficial Effects of Chokeberry and Tart Cherry Dietary Supplement Consumption on Cellulite Reduction”
Authors: Katarina Šavikin et al.
