Mas Fruits Research Articles

Green Synthesized Gold and Silver Nanoparticles Increased Oxidative Stress and Induced Cell Death in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells.

The research investigated the effect of gold (Au-CM) and silver nanoparticles (Ag-CM) phytoreduced with Cornus mas fruit extract (CM) on a human colorectal adenocarcinoma (DLD-1) cell line. The impact of nanoparticles on the viability of DLD-1 tumor cells and normal cells was evaluated. Oxidative stress and cell death mechanisms (annexin/propidium iodide analysis, caspase-3 and caspase-8 levels, p53, BCL-2, BAX, NFkB expressions) as well as proliferation markers (Ki-67, PCNA and MAPK) were evaluated in tumor cells. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and by measuring zeta potential, hydrodynamic diameter and polydispersity index (PDI). Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analyses were also performed. The nanoparticles induced apoptosis and necrosis of DLD-1 cells and reduced cell proliferation, especially Ag-CM, while on normal cells, both nanoparticles maintained their viability up to 80%. Ag-CM and Au-CM increased the expressions of p53 and NFkB in parallel with the downregulation of BCL-2 protein and induced the activation of caspase-8, suggesting the involvement of apoptosis in cell death. Lipid peroxidation triggered by Ag-CM was correlated with tumor cell necrosis rate. Both nanoparticles obtained with phytocompounds from the CM extract protected normal cells and induced the death of DLD-1 tumor cells, especially by apoptosis.

Effects of Gold Nanoparticles Functionalized with Cornus mas L. Fruit Extract on the Aorta Wall in Rats with a High-Fat Diet and Experimental-Induced Diabetes Mellitus—An Imaging Study

Diabetes mellitus and high-fat diets trigger the mechanisms that alter the walls of blood vessels. Gold nanoparticles, as new pharmaceutical drug delivery systems, may be used in the treatment of different diseases. In our study, the aorta was investigated via imaging after the oral administration of gold nanoparticles functionalized with bioactive compounds derived from Cornus mas fruit extract (AuNPsCM) in rats with a high-fat diet and diabetes mellitus. Sprague Dawley female rats that received a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 months were injected with streptozotocin to develop diabetes mellitus (DM). The rats were randomly allocated into five groups and were treated, for one additional month with HFD, with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), insulin, pioglitazone, AuNPsCM solution or with Cornus mas L. extract solution. The aorta imaging investigation consisted of echography, magnetic resonance imaging and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Compared to the rats that received only CMC, the oral administration of AuNPsCM produced significant increases in aorta volume and significant decreases in blood flow velocity, with ultrastructural disorganization of the aorta wall. The oral administration of AuNPsCM altered the aorta wall with effects on the blood flow.

Potentially Bio-Accessible Metabolites from an Extract of Cornus mas Fruit after Gastrointestinal Digestion In Vitro and Gut Microbiota Ex Vivo Treatment

Targeting pancreatic lipase and α-amylase by digestion-derived fractions of ethanolic-aqueous (60%, v/v) extract from Cornus mas fruit (CM) in relation to the control and prevention of metabolic disorders, including diabetes, was the first purpose of the present study. Taking into consideration the significance of bio-accessibility of compounds, we attempted to identify metabolites of CM after gastrointestinal digestion in vitro, as well as their kinetic changes upon gut microbiota treatment. The digestion of extract was simulated with digestive enzymes in vitro and human gut microbiota ex vivo (1 h, 3 h, 6 h, 24 h), followed by chromatographic analysis using the UHPLC-DAD-MSn method. The effect of fractions from gastrointestinal digestion in vitro on the activity of pancreatic lipase and α-amylase was studied with fluorescence-based assays. The gastric and intestinal fractions obtained after in vitro digestion of CM inhibited pancreatic lipase and α-amylase. Loganic acid as the main constituent of the extract was digested in the experimental conditions in contrast to cornuside. It was found in most analytes such as salivary, gastric, intestinal, and even colon (fecal slurry, FS) fractions. In all fractions, kaempferol hexoside and reduced forms of kaempferol, such as aromadendrin, and benzoic acid were assigned. The signals of tannins were detected in all fractions. Cornusiin A was tentatively assigned in the gastric fraction. The metabolites originating from kinetic analytes have been classified mainly as phenolic acids, hydrolyzable tannins, and flavonoids. Phenolic acids (protocatechuic acid, gallic acid), tannins (digalloylglucose, tri-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose), and flavonoids (aromadendrin, dihydroquercetin) were detected in the late phases of digestion in fecal slurry suspension. Cornuside was found in FS analyte after 3 h incubation. It was not detected in the samples after 6 and 24 h incubation with FS. In conclusion, cornuside, aromadendrin, and phenolic acids may be potentially bio-accessible compounds of CM. The presence of plants’ secondary metabolites in the intestinal fractions allows us to indicate them as responsible for decreasing glucose and lipid absorption.

Potential for Prebiotic Stabilized Cornus mas L. Lyophilized Extract in the Prophylaxis of Diabetes Mellitus in Streptozotocin Diabetic Rats.

As a systemic disease, diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by the disruption of many glucose metabolic pathways. Therefore, it seems critical to study new therapies to support treatment to develop therapeutic systems that can operate across a broad metabolic spectrum. The current state of knowledge indicates an essential role of the gut microbiota in the development and course of the disease. Cornus mas fruits have demonstrated a rich biological activity profile and potential for application in the treatment of DM. As part of a preliminary analysis, the activity of four cultivars of Cornus mas fruits was analyzed. The cultivar Wydubieckij was selected as having the highest activity in in vitro conditions for further prebiotic system preparation. The study aimed to develop a unique therapeutic system based, first of all, on the mechanism of α-glucosidase inhibition and the antioxidant effect resulting from the activity of the plant extract used, combined with the prebiotic effect of inulin. The obtained system was characterized in vitro in terms of antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibition capacity, and was then tested on diabetic rats. The study was coupled with an analysis of changes in the intestinal microflora. The system of prebiotic stabilized Cornus mas L. lyophilized extract with inulin offers valuable support for the prophylaxis and treatment of DM.

Investigation and optimization of the effect of osmotic‐ultrasound drying pretreatment on qualitative properties and process energy consumption of Cornus mas

Cornus mas is one of the native horticultural products to Iran that have high pharmaceutical and nutritional values. This study aimed to comparatively investigate the different drying methods with ultrasound-osmotic pretreatment on energy consumption, timing, and qualitative properties of C. mas. In this study, C. mas was first dried by the oven (at 40, 50, and 60°C), microwave drying (at 200, 500, and 800W), and infrared (at 40, 50, and 60°C). Samples were then treated at three concentrations 9, 18, and 27% of salt, three ultrasound power 100, 250, and 400 W, and three intervals 5, 10, and 15 min by the ultrasound-assisted-osmotic drying method. The optimal ultrasound-assisted-osmotic drying pretreatment was achieved at a concentration of 27%, ultrasound power of 100 W, and 11.28 min. In terms of qualitative properties, osmotic pretreatment with the supplementary oven method is the best method for drying C. mas fruits. Practical applications Drying with hot air (conventional method) requires a lot of energy and is, therefore, costly. The use of pretreatment operations can reduce tissue water and facilitate mass transfer during hot air drying. The present research aimed to comparison different drying methods with ultrasound-osmotic pretreatment on energy consumption, timing, and qualitative properties to report optimal drying methods and conditions. The ultrasound-osmotic pretreatment can decrease the processing time and energy consumption and maintenance of quality properties. So the results were presented in this research can be beneficial to the food industry and will lead to long-term storage, more preservation of quality properties of foods and fruits reduce costs.

Effects of Cornus mas Fruit Hydro-Methanolic Extract on Liver Antioxidants and Histopathologic Changes Induced by Cisplatin in Rats.

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) is a valuable source of phenolic antioxidants. The present study was aimed to investigate whether Cornus mas fruit hydro-methanolic extract (CMFE) can modulate the cisplatin-induced changes in liver antioxidant enzymes and histological structure. Forty Wistar rats were divided into a control group, cisplatin (Cis) group, CMFE group, CMFE 300 + Cis group, and the CMFE 700 + Cis group. After the intervention, blood and tissue samples were taken for biochemical and histopathological analysis. Cis caused reduction in the activity of liver antioxidant enzymes including SOD, GPx, TAC, and CAT and increased that of MDA. Moreover, exposure to Cis caused a reduction in serum level of AST, ALT, and ALP and a rise in serum level of GGT. Oral administration of CMFE for 16days in the two different dosages at 300 and 700mg/kg improved the Cis-induced changes of liver enzymes activity and serum enzymes level. Evaluating the histological structure of liver tissue, it was found that treatment by CMFE could ameliorate the Cis-induced changes to near normal histology. The results showed antioxidant and phenol contents in Cornus mas fruit could improve Cis-induced oxidative stress and liver histologic changes in rats.

Examining the antitumoral effect of cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) in ehrlich ascites tumor-induced mice

Introduction: Different doses of C. Mas concentrated syrup on ascitic tumors was investigated in the Ehrlich Ascites Tumor model (EAT). Material and Methods: A total of 46 Balb/C mice were used in our study, 6 of which were stock animals and the other were in ascitic tumor groups. EAT cells (1×106 EAT cells) were injected intraperitoneally into all of the mice. Mice in the treatment groups with ascitic tumors received 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg Cornus Mas extract intraperitoneally for 9 days. Results: Counts after the 3 and 24-hour incubations in the EAT cell line that the average number of the dead cells was less in the group to which 100μg/ml C. Mas was administered when compared with the control group, and that this difference was significant at a statistical level (P<0.05). The purpose was also to determine the in vitro cytotoxic effects of Cornus Mas on EAT cells, to define the alive and dead cell rates, and to compare the 3-hour and 24-hour incubation in groups to which Cornus Mas (syrup) extract were given at different concentrations (50, 100, 250μg/ml). Discussion and Conclusion: EAT model is one of the animal tumors induced empirically, it has been the subject matter of many other studies. In the group in which EAT was applied together with high-dose C. mas fruit syrup, it was observed that the EAT cells were not as intense as they were in the tumor control group. Our study showed the anti-tumor effect of C. Mas in assisted tumor development with EAT cells.

Protective effects of Cornus mas fruit extract on methotrexate-induced alterations in mice testicular tissue: Evidences for histochemical and histomorphometrical changes in an animal model study.

Methotrexate (MTX) as a chemotherapeutic agent, has adverse effects on reproductive organs by enhancing oxidative stress. In this study, the protective effects of Cornus mas fruit extract (CMFE) against MTX side effects were evaluated. Forty-eight mature male NMRI mice were divided into six groups: group 1 (control) received 0.10 mL per day of normal saline intraperitoneally (IP), group 2 received MTX (20.00 mg kg-1 per week, IP), group 3 received MTX along with CMFE 250 mg kg-1 per day by oral gavage, group 4 received MTX along with CMFE 500 mg kg-1 per day by oral gavage, group 5 received MTX plus 1000 mg kg-1 per day of CMFE by oral gavage, and group 6 received 1000 mg kg-1 per day of CMFE extract, orally. All animals were treated for 35 consecutive days. Thickness of testicular capsule and germinal epithelium and diameter of seminiferous tubules were measured. Intra-cytoplasmic levels of carbohydrate, unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) and alkaline phosphatase were assessed. Serum level of testosterone and testicular total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were also evaluated. The results demonstrated that MTX administration caused morphometrical parameters except the thickness of testicular capsule were significantly different in comparison to control group and decreased cytoplasmic concentration of carbohydrate in the first three layers of germinal epithelium and increased the UFA levels. Contrarily, CMFE ameliorates the condition. Moreover, CMFE increased testosterone level and increased the MTX-reduced TAC level. In conclusion, it was revealed that CMFE decreased the cellular atrophy by controlling the energy substrate utilization based on lipids and carbohydrates via provoking the testicular antioxidant status.

Cornus mas and Cornus Officinalis-Analogies and Differences of Two Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used.

Among 65 species belonging to the genus Cornus only two, Cornus mas L. and Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. (Cornaceae), have been traditionally used since ancient times. Cornus mas (cornelian cherry) is native to southern Europe and southwest Asia, whereas C. officinalis (Asiatic dogwood, cornel dogwood) is a deciduous tree distributed in eastern Asia, mainly in China, as well as Korea and Japan. Based on the different geographic distribution of the closely related species but clearly distinct taxa, the ethnopharmacological use of C. mas and C. officinalis seems to be independently originated. Many reports on the quality of C. mas fruits were performed due to their value as edible fruits, and few reports compared their physicochemical properties with other edible fruits. However, the detailed phytochemical profiles of C. mas and C. officinalis, in particular fruits, have never been compared. The aim of this review was highlighting the similarities and differences of phytochemicals found in fruits of C. mas and C. officinalis in relation to their biological effects as well as compare the therapeutic use of fruits from both traditional species. The fruits of C. mas and C. officinalis are characterized by the presence of secondary metabolites, in particular iridoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids and flavonoids. However, much more not widely known iridoids, such as morroniside, as well as tannins were detected particularly in fruits of C. officinalis. The referred studies of biological activity of both species indicate their antidiabetic and hepatoprotective properties. Based on the available reports antihyperlipidemic and anticoagulant activity seems to be unique for extracts of C. mas fruits, whereas antiosteoporotic and immunomodulatory activities were assigned to preparations of C. officinalis fruits. In conclusion, the comparison of phytochemical composition of fruits from both species revealed a wide range of similarities as well as some constituents unique for cornelian cherry or Asiatic dogwood. Thus, these phytochemicals are considered the important factor determining the biological activity and justifying the use of C. mas and C. officinalis in the traditional European and Asiatic medicine.

The Effects of Cornus mas Hydro-Methanolic Extract on Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

Background: Cisplatin (Cis) is a chemotherapeutic agent and nephrotoxicity is a serious adverse effect of the drug. This study investigated the protective effects of Cornus mas fruit hydro-methanolic extract (CME) on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in a rat model. Methods: Forty Wistar rats were divided into the control group, CME group, CME 300 + Cis group, CME 700 + Cis group, and Cis group. After the intervention samples were taken for biochemical and histopathological analysis. Results: The CME analysis showed considerable total antioxidant and total phenol contents. The blood serum urea and creatinine increased (p < 0.01) in the Cis group rats. In the Cis + CME groups, the parameters were not significantly different from that of the control group. There were no significant differences in the renal activities of SOD, GPx, CAT, and TAC between the Cis-treated and control groups (p > 0.05). The renal MDA levels of the Cis and CME 300 + Cis groups decreased significantly in comparison to the control and the CME groups (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). In the histopathological examination, mild to severe degeneration was observed in the Cis group. Despite the presence of mild degeneration, they were less severe in the Cis + CME groups, and maintained a better morphology when compared to the Cis group (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The results showed renoprotective effects of CME against Cis-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Anti-hypertriglyceridemic Activity of Cornus Mas in Diabetic Rats

Introduction: Hypertriglyceridemia is among the multiple metabolic derangements seen in diabetes mellitus. Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.), belongs to the family Cornacea and has been shown to be helpful in treating hyperlipidemia. Aim: The study investigates mechanisms of action of dietary Cornelian Cherry fruit Dried Powder (CCDP) for ameliorating hypertriglyceridemia in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: An experimental study with parallel controls was performed. Fifty six male adult rats were randomly assigned into 8 equal groups and treated as follows for 4 weeks. Negative control: Normal rats, basic diet; positive control: streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, basic diet; T1 to T4 groups: diabetic rats fed with diets containing 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 g/ 100 g BW CCDP, respectively; T5: diabetic rats fed with basic diet plus 100 mg/kg BW of fenofibrate in drinking water and T6: normal rats fed with basic diet containing 1 g/100 g BW CCDP. Selected serum biochemical parameters, Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL) level as well as Adipose Tissue Hormone Sensitive Lipase (HSL) and Hepatic Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha (PPARα) levels were assayed. Analysis of data was performed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test with p<0.05 as the significant level. Results: Treatment with CCDP at all dosages as well as fenofibrate decreased serum triglycerides and VLDL levels as compared to positive control. Serum AST significantly decreased in T1, T3 and T4 groups as compared to positive control rats. Serum LPL levels in the diabetic positive control group decreased significantly as compared to negative control. Rats in T1, T2, T4 and T5 groups showed increased serum LPL levels as compared to positive control. No significant difference was observed in hepatic PPARα levels among CCDP-treated and negative or positive controls. Positive control rats showed a significant decrease in adipose tissue HSL levels. Administration of CCDP in T3 group significantly increased HSL values as compared to positive control. CCDP in healthy rats did not change any of these parameters. Conclusion: Findings of the present study confirms positive effects of C. mas fruit on some liver function enzymes and hypertriglyceridemia and clarifies that increased serum LPL levels is at least partly responsible for hypotriglyceridemic effect of the fruit in rats with STZ-induced diabetes mellitus.

Bioactive Flavonoids from Cornus mas L. Fruits

Background: Cornus mas L. is a small tree of the Cornaceae plant family, widely spread in South Eastern Europe and Asia. The fruits of Cornus mas L. have been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, cardioand hepatoprotective, cytotoxic, antibacterial, antigenotoxic and diuretic effects. A high number of bioactive compounds have been identified in Cornus mas fruits, among which flavonoids exert favorable health effects especially by acting as potent antioxidants. Method: The main step in the isolation of flavonoids from vegetal matrices is extraction. Apart the usually applied methods of organic compounds characterization like mass spectrometry (MS), ultraviolet and visible (UV-Vis) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy, the advanced analytical techniques such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) are reliable tools in flavonoids structure determination. Conclusion: This review focuses on the recent published studies regarding the extraction, characterization and biological activities of flavonoids isolated from these fruits in order to understand their high potential as a source of bioactive compounds and their importance in developing new pharmacological products. Keywords: Cornus mas, Cornelian cherries, flavonoids, extraction, chalcone synthase, biological activity.

Effects of Cornus mas fruit hydro-methanolic extract on serum antioxidants, lipid profile, and hematologic parameters following cisplatin-induced changes in rats.

Cisplatin (Cis) has serious adverse side-effects that limit its clinical use. The mechanism underlying the effects is complex, including mitochondrial oxidative stress and inflammation. This study investigated whether Cornus mas, a fruit with high antioxidant contents, hydro-methanolic extract (CME) can modulate the cisplatin-induced changes. Forty Wistar rats were divided into a control group, Cis group, CME group, CME 300 + Cis group, and the CME 700 + Cis group. After the intervention, blood samples were taken for biochemical and hematological analysis. CME analysis showed noticeable total phenol and total antioxidant contents. The plasma glutathione peroxidase and catalase levels were significantly decreased and malondialdehyde and blood hemoglobin levels were significantly increased in the Cis group, which were reversed to the control levels in the CME + Cis groups. In the CME group, the red blood cell count was significantly lower and the red cell distribution width and hemoglobin distribution width levels were significantly higher. In the Cis-treated group, white blood cells, neutrophils, monocytes, basophils, and large unstained cells were significantly increased and lymphocytes were significantly decreased when compared with the control group that was reached to non-significant levels in CME 700 + Cis group. The blood cholesterol and high density lipoprotein in all CME-treated groups were significantly decreased. The eosinophils increased in the CME group significantly. The results showed considerable total antioxidant and total phenol contents and relative protective effects of CME against Cis-induced antioxidant and hematologic changes in rats.

Iridoid–loganic acid versus anthocyanins from the Cornus mas fruits (cornelian cherry): Common and different effects on diet-induced atherosclerosis, PPARs expression and inflammation

Background and aimsCardiovascular benefits of fruits are attributed mainly to their (poly)phenolic constituents, especially anthocyanins. The main aim of our study is to compare effects of iridoids and anthocyanins from one fruit on diet-induced atherosclerosis. The cornelian cherry is a native or cultivated plant that grows in many European countries, used in cuisine and folk medicine. In our previous study, we showed its constituents and proved that oral administration of lyophilized fruits to hypercholesterolemic rabbits had preventive effects on atherosclerosis through the activation of PPARα expression. In this study, we have compared the effects of the main constituents of the cornelian cherry:iridoid loganic acid and anthocyanins. MethodsOur experiment followed the model used in our previous study, in which rabbits were fed 1% cholesterol. ResultsWe showed that both loganic acid (20 mg/kg b.w.) and a mixture of anthocyanins (10 mg/kg b.w.) administered orally for 60 days had a positive impact on dyslipidemia caused by cholesterol-rich diet, although the effects of anthocyanins were more pronounced. Anthocyanins decreased total and LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides and increased HDL-cholesterol. Loganic acid showed similar effects, but only the triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol changes achieved statistical significance. Anthocyanins, and to a lesser extent loganic acid, significantly decreased intima thickness and intima/media ratio in the thoracic aorta. Both substances decrease ox-LDL in the plasma. Anthocyanins significantly increased expression of PPARγ and α in the liver. Loganic acid also increased their expression, but to a lesser extent. Conversely, loganic acid showed pronounced anti-inflammatory effects, decreasing TNF-α and IL-6 activity. ConclusionsOur results imply that both substances have a positive effect on factors contributing to the development of diet-induced atherosclerosis. Our results also indicate the potential health benefits of fruits containing anthocyanins and iridoids, and support the idea of creating composed phytopharmaceuticals containing both groups of substances.

Antioxidant activity of Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits extract and the in vivo evaluation of its anti-inflammatory effects

The biological activity of Cornus mas fruits (CM) on acute inflammation in relation to the in vitro antioxidant properties was investigated. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and by the 2,2′-azinobis-3-ethyl-benzthiazino-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) test. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) profile of CM extract revealed the presence of 10 main phenolic compounds. The anti-inflammatory effect of CM extract was evaluated by analysing the cytokine levels in the soft paw tissue of Wistar rats after inducing inflammation. CM extract showed potent in vitro antioxidant activity and also led to significant suppression of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-13 production in paw tissue, enhancing the production of IL-10. The histopathological investigation of paw and liver samples revealed that low dose of CM extract attenuated the initial acute inflammatory reaction while high dose inhibited the exudation of inflammatory cells to the inflammation site.

Effect of Cornus mas fruit flavonoids on memory retention, level of plasma glucose and lipids in an intracerebroventricular streptozotocin-induced experimental Alzheimer’s disease model in Wistar rats

Poor nutrition, poor mobility, obesity and ageing increase the possibility of neuronal disorder and Alzheimer’s disease. This study examined effect of Cornus mas flavonoids on memory retention and the level of plasma glucose and lipids in an intra-cerebroventricular streptozotocin-induced experimental Alzheimer’s disease model in Wistar rats. Intracerebroventricular administration of streptozotocine (3 mg kg–1) was performed and the animals memory were evaluated through passive avoidance tasks. Five groups (saline-saline control, streptozotocine-saline, and streptozotocine with different flavonoid doses [5, 10, 20 mg kg –1 ]) were examined. Animals received different doses of C. mas flavonoids or saline for three weeks starting one day before surgery. Rat weight was measured at the beginning of each week. Injection of streptozotocine significantly reduced memory retention, compared to the control group. Flavonoid treatment increased memory retention in a dose-dependent manner, and triglyceride and glucose concentration decreased memory retention. At the same time, high-density lipoprotein concentration increased without any effect on low-density lipoprotein concentration. The dose of 10 mg kg –1 decreased rat weight significantly. Our findings show that C. mas flavonoids can optimize cognitive deficits caused by injections of streptozotocine and also have a few positive effects on reducing the risk factors in the serum.

Phenol composition, DPPH radical scavenging and antimicrobial activity of cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) fruit and leaf extracts

Fruit is rich in different phenolic compounds which are recognized as potential natural medicaments and have been used in folk medicine for centuries. In order to evaluate phenol composition, cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) fruit and leaf extracts were subjected to the spectrophotometric and HPLC analysis. The radical scavenging activity was estimated using DPPH test and antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion and microwell dilution tests. All extracts showed high phenol content from 89.89 ? 0.45 to 117.34 ? 1.40 mg f gallic acid equivalents GAE/g extract dry matter DM but different composition of phenol compounds. Flavonols, anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols and phenolic acids were the main phenol classes found in the investigated fruit and leaf extracts. All extracts showed significant radical scavenging activity and a correlation with total phenol content (R2 = 0.9832). Significant antimicrobial activity was found against Gram-positive, followed by Gram-negative strains, and yeast in all tested extracts. Cornelian cherry fruit and leaf extracts, rich in phenolic content, with significant antiradical and antimicrobial activity, can be used as additives in food and medicaments.

The protective effect of the Cornus mas fruits (cornelian cherry) on hypertriglyceridemia and atherosclerosis through PPARα activation in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits have been used in traditional cuisine and in folk medicine in various countries. This study was conducted to evaluate the constituents and impact of cornelian cherry (C. mas L.) fruits lyophilisate on lipid levels, PPARα protein expression, atheromatous changes in the aorta, oxido-redox state, and proinflammatory cytokines in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. The HPLC–MS method was used for determining active constituents in cornelian cherry. In a subsequent in vivo study the protective effect of the cornelian cherry on diet-induced hyperlipidemia was studied using a rabbit model fed 1% cholesterol. Cornelian cherry (100mg/kg b.w.) or simvastatin (5mg/kg b.w.) were administered orally for 60 days. Two iridoids – loganic acid and cornuside – and five anthocyanins were identified as the main constituents of the cornelian cherry. The administering of the cornelian cherry led to a 44% significant decrease in serum triglyceride levels, as well as prevented development of atheromatous changes in the thoracic aorta. Cornelian cherry significantly increased PPARα protein expression in the liver, indicating that its hypolipidemic effect may stem from enhanced fatty acid catabolism. Simvastatin treatment did not affect PPAR-α expression. Moreover, the cornelian cherry had a significant protective effect on diet-induced oxidative stress in the liver, as well as restored upregulated proinflammatory cytokines serum levels. In conclusion, we have shown loganic acid to be the main iridoid constituent in the European cultivar of the cornelian cherry, and proven that the cornelian cherry could have protective effects on diet-induced hypertriglicerydemia and atherosclerosis through enhanced PPARα protein expression and via regulating oxidative stress and inflammation.

Ocular hypotensive properties of Cornus mas extract and loganic acid

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.

Hydro-methanolic extract of cornus MAS L. And blood glucose, lipid profile and hematological parameters of male rats.

Background:Cornus mas L, an olive-shaped red-colored single-seeded fruit, is used in traditional medicine in different parts of Europe and Asia.Objectives:In the present study, 40 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups, and the effects of 21 days of intraperitoneally (IP) administration of 50, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of C. mas hydro-methanolic extract on the rats hematological and biochemical parameters were investigated. The experimental study was carried out in Tabriz, Iran.Materials and Methods:The hematology and biochemical tests were performed by the Technicon H1 Hematology Analyzer and enzymatic methods, respectively.Results:The results indicated that all doses of the extract caused significant (P < 0.05) decreases in the hemoglobin distribution width (HDW) (2.3 ± 0.2 vs. 2.5 ± 0.2, P = 0.049) and platelet distribution width (PDW) (56.5 ± 1.8 vs. 63.9 ± 3.6, P = 0.001) of the treated groups vs. control group, whereas only high doses caused significant elevation in the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (30.3 ± 0.8 vs. 28.6 ± 0.6, P = 0.047), mean platelet volume (MPV) (5.0 ± 0.6 vs. 4.1 ± 0.3, P = 0.002), total platelet mass (PCT) (0.33 ± 0.07 vs. 0.26 ± 0.01, P = 0.050), and significant decrease in the red cell distribution width (RDW) (13.8 ± 0.4 vs. 14.7 ± 1.3, P = 0.048) of the treated groups vs. control group.Conclusions:Decreasing effect of the extract on platelet activity might classify it as an alternative for antiplatelet therapy in cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The results of this study suggested that further investigations with higher doses of C. mas fruit extract are necessary to obtain significant protective and nonprotective changes in hematological and biochemical parameters.