Application of Cornelian Cherry Iridoid-Polyphenolic Fraction and Loganic Acid to Reduce Intraocular Pressure

Dorota Szumny,Adam Szeląg,Antoni Szumny,Tomasz Sozański,Robert Kupczynski,Jan Magdalan,Narcyz Piórecki,Wojciech Dziewiszek,Ewa Chlebda-Sieragowska,Alicja Z Kucharska

doi:10.1155/2015/939402

Abstract

One of the most common diseases of old age in modern societies is glaucoma. It is strongly connected with increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and could permanently damage vision in the affected eye. As there are only a limited number of chemical compounds that can decrease IOP as well as blood flow in eye vessels, the up-to-date investigation of new molecules is important. The chemical composition of the dried Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) polar, iridoid-polyphenol-rich fraction was investigated. Loganic acid (50%) and pelargonidin-3-galactoside (7%) were found as the main components. Among the other constituents, iridoid compound cornuside and the anthocyans cyanidin 3-O-galactoside, cyanidin 3-O-robinobioside, and pelargonidin 3-O-robinobioside were quantified in the fraction. In an animal model (New Zealand rabbits), the influence of loganic acid and the polyphenolic fraction isolated from Cornelian cherry fruit was investigated. We found a strong IOP-hypotensive effect for a 0.7% solution of loganic acid, which could be compared with the widely ophthalmologically used timolol. About a 25% decrease in IOP was observed within the first 3 hours of use.

Highlights

The term “glaucoma” involves a range of diseases associated with progressive optic nerve damage, including typical morphological changes of its disk and characteristic loss of the field of vision, which are often accompanied by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) [1]
The polyphenolic and loganic acid iridoid fractions were prepared in the Department of Fruit, Vegetable and Cereals Technology at Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Science, according to the procedure described in our previous publication [29] and patent [29]
The easy, effective, and low-cost approach for the isolation of loganic acid, as well as the anthocyanin fraction, was developed in our research group and led to the isolation of biologically active compounds

Summary

Introduction

The term “glaucoma” involves a range of diseases associated with progressive optic nerve damage, including typical morphological changes of its disk and characteristic loss of the field of vision, which are often accompanied by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) [1]. Results of published studies demonstrate that a reduction in IOP is associated with a lower risk of glaucoma progression, owing to the less rapid optic nerve damage and reduced loss of the visual field [5,6,7]. Pressure reduction offered by the currently used medication is based on reduced production or increased outflow of aqueous media [8], some of which have neuroprotective properties or are able to improve vascular flow. The following groups of medication are used for glaucoma treatment: β-adrenergic receptor antagonists, prostaglandin analogues, α2-adrenergic receptor agonists, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, cholinergic agents, and hyperosmotic drugs [9, 10]

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Results