Ocular hypotensive properties of Cornus mas extract and loganic acid

Abstract

AbstractPurpose Ocular hypertension became a serious problem in a population with increasingly longer life expectancy. Although there are available effective and well established drugs each group possess their disadvantages. In European medicine according to Pharmacopoeia (EP) herbal drugs affected on the eye condition are on the margin of a purely chemical treatment. A few of them possess as an active ingredients biologically active group of terpenoids called iridoids. The loganic acid is an active iridoid in Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) fruits as a main compound of a polar fraction.Methods We checked on the animal model (New Zealand rabbits) ocular properties of C. cherry polar fraction and loganic acid. The ultra high pressure liquid chromatography (coupled with mass spectrometers) analysis proved the presence of iridoids: loganic acid, cornuside, and pelaronidin, delfinidin galacto‐ and rhamnosides. The intraocular pressure was measured by ICare vet tonometer after 1, 2, 3 and 5 hours of applanation of one drop 50 µl. The intraocular pressure measurements were performed in conscious rabbits, standing calmly on the table, held delicately without head immobilization.Results A single dose of 0.7% loganic acid extract in vehiculum containing 0,15% sodium hyaluronate administered directly into the conjunctival sac decreased after 60 min the mean value of intraocular pressure (IOP) about 15 %. The fraction’s main compound – loganic acid decreased the IOP for about 23 %. This effect was compared to timolol, used similarly to the investigated compounds.Conclusion Although the Cornelian cherry as well as loganic acid are not mentioned in EP we proved it’s possible utility in future ocular hypertension therapy.