Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) Fruit Extract Lowers SREBP-1c and C/EBPα in Liver and Alters Various PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, LXR-α Target Genes in Cholesterol-Rich Diet Rabbit Model.

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits, abundant in iridoids and anthocyanins, are natural products with proven beneficial impacts on the functions of the cardiovascular system and the liver. This study aims to assess and compare whether and to what extent two different doses of resin-purified cornelian cherry extract (10 mg/kg b.w. or 50 mg/kg b.w.) applied in a cholesterol-rich diet rabbit model affect the levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα), and various liver X receptor-α (LXR-α), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) target genes. Moreover, the aim is to evaluate the resistive index (RI) of common carotid arteries (CCAs) and aortas, and histopathological changes in CCAs. For this purpose, the levels of SREBP-1c, C/EBPα, ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), ATP-binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1), fatty acid synthase (FAS), endothelial lipase (LIPG), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A), and adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2) in liver tissue were measured. Also, the levels of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor (Vaspin), and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) in visceral adipose tissue were measured. The RI of CCAs and aortas, and histopathological changes in CCAs, were indicated. The oral administration of the cornelian cherry extract decreased the SREBP-1c and C/EBPα in both doses. The dose of 10 mg/kg b.w. increased ABCA1 and decreased FAS, CPT1A, and RBP4, and the dose of 50 mg/kg b.w. enhanced ABCG1 and AdipoR2. Mitigations in atheromatous changes in rabbits' CCAs were also observed. The obtained outcomes were compared to the results of our previous works. The beneficial results confirm that cornelian cherry fruit extract may constitute a potentially effective product in the prevention and treatment of obesity-related disorders.

Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) Iridoid and Anthocyanin-Rich Extract Reduces Various Oxidation, Inflammation, and Adhesion Markers in a Cholesterol-Rich Diet Rabbit Model.

Atherogenesis leads to the development of atherosclerosis, a progressive chronic disease characterized by subendothelial lipoprotein retention and endothelial impairment in the arterial wall. It develops mainly as a result of inflammation and also many other complex processes, which arise from, among others, oxidation and adhesion. Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits are abundant in iridoids and anthocyanins-compounds with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. This study aimed to determine the effect of two different doses (10 mg and 50 mg per kg of body weight, respectively) of iridoid and anthocyanin-rich resin-purified Cornelian cherry extract on the markers that are important in the progress of inflammation, cell proliferation and adhesion, immune system cell infiltration, and atherosclerotic lesion development in a cholesterol-rich diet rabbit model. We used biobank blood and liver samples that were collected during the previous original experiment. We assessed the mRNA expression of MMP-1, MMP-9, IL-6, NOX, and VCAM-1 in the aorta, and the serum levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, CRP, PON-1, MCP-1, and PCT. The application of the Cornelian cherry extract at a dose of 50 mg/kg bw resulted in a significant reduction in MMP-1, IL-6, and NOX mRNA expression in the aorta and a decrease in VCAM-1, ICAM-1, PON-1, and PCT serum levels. The administration of a 10 mg/kg bw dose caused a significant decrease in serum ICAM-1, PON-1, and MCP-1. The results indicate the potential usefulness of the Cornelian cherry extract in the prevention or treatment of atherogenesis-related cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis or metabolic syndrome.

A Comparison of the Antiosteoporotic Effects of Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) Extracts from Red and Yellow Fruits Containing Different Constituents of Polyphenols and Iridoids in Osteoblasts and Osteoclasts.

Methods: Polyphenolic and iridoid constituents of extracts were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively using the ultraperformance liquid chromatography system coupled with a quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry. Primary cultured osteoblasts isolated from mouse calvarias and osteoclast-lineage primary cultured monocytes isolated from mouse bone marrow were used for the assessment of osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. In the osteoblast culture, cellular viability, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, ALP staining, and mRNA expression of Alpl and Runx2 were examined. In the osteoclast culture, the examined parameters were cellular viability, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity and staining, and mRNA expression of Nfatc1, Ctsk, and Acp. Results: A total of 41 main compounds of iridoids, anthocyanins, hydrolysable tannins, phenolic acids, and flavonols were identified in the three extracts. RED EXT1 contained most of the tested polyphenols and iridoids and was the only extract containing anthocyanins. YL EXT2 contained only one iridoid, loganic acid and gallic acid. YL EXT3 comprised a mixture of iridoids and polyphenols. RED EXT1, YL EXT 2, and to a lesser extent YL EXT3 promoted osteoblast differentiation increasing significantly ALP activity and the amount of ALP-positive stained cells. All extracts upregulated mRNA expression of Alpl and Runx2. RED EXT1 caused the most significant decrease in TRAP activity and the numbers of TRAP-positive multinucleated cells. RED EXT1 caused also the most significant downregulation of mRNA expression of osteoclast related genes Nfatc1, Ctsk, and Acp5. Extracts from yellow fruits, mostly YL EXT2 caused lower, but still significant inhibitory effect on TRAP and osteoclast related genes. Conclusions: The main conclusion of our study is that all three extracts, especially RED EXT1 from red cornelian cherry fruits, possess the antiosteoporotic potential and may be a promising phytomedicine candidate for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Chili-supplemented food decreases glutathione-S-transferase activity in Drosophila melanogaster females without a change in other parameters of antioxidant system.

OBJECTIVES: Many plant-derived anti-aging preparations influence antioxidant defense system. Consumption of food supplemented with chili pepper powder was found to extend lifespan in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. The present study aimed to test a connection between life-extending effect of chili powder and antioxidant defense system of D. melanogaster. METHODS: Flies were reared for 15 days in the mortality cages on food with 0% (control), 0.04%, 0.12%, 0.4%, or 3% chili powder. Antioxidant and related enzymes, as well as oxidative stress indices were measured. RESULTS: Female flies that consumed chili-supplemented food had a 40-60% lower glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity as compared with the control cohort. Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was about 37% higher in males that consumed food with 3% chili powder in comparison with the control cohort. Many of the parameters studied were sex-dependent. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of chili-supplemented food extends lifespan in fruit fly cohorts in a concentration- and gender-dependent manner. However, this extension is not mediated by a strengthening of antioxidant defenses. Consumption of chili-supplemented food does not change the specific relationship between antioxidant and related enzymes in D. melanogaster, and does not change the linkage of the activities of these enzymes to fly gender.

Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) Extracts Exert Cytotoxicity in Two Selected Melanoma Cell Lines-A Factorial Analysis of Time-Dependent Alterations in Values Obtained with SRB and MTT Assays.

Despite the fact that phytochemicals of Cornaceae species have long been discussed as possible auxiliary agents in contemporary treatment, the insights on their properties remain relatively scarce. This study focuses on Cornus mas L. (Cornelian cherry), the extracts of which are reported to exert a pleiotropic effect shown in both in vivo and in vitro studies. This study aimed to explore the cytotoxic effect of extracts from fruits of red (Cornus mas L. 'Podolski') and yellow (Cornus mas L. 'Yantarnyi' and 'Flava') Cornelian cherries on two melanoma cell lines (A375 and MeWo). The extracts were characterized in the context of the concentration of bioactive compounds of antioxidative properties. Cytotoxicity was investigated with the use of the following two assays: SRB and MTT. An additional, alternative protocol for the SRB assay was used in this study so as to account for possible bias. Cytotoxicity was assessed as a difference in the whole time series of cell viability, instead of analyzing differences in raw values (often found in the literature). Both extracts from Cornus mas L. induced cytotoxicity in both A375 and MeWo cell lines, although the response of these cells was different. Moreover, based on this study, there is no evidence for claiming a different magnitude of cytotoxicity between these two extracts.

Cornus mas L. Increases Glucose Uptake and the Expression of PPARG in Insulin-Resistant Adipocytes.

Cornus mas L., also known as cornelian cherry (CM), is a species that has long been cultivated in many different countries. In numerous scientific reports, cornelian cherry is used to treat numerous diseases and conditions. The presented study evaluated the effect of red and yellow Cornus mas L. extract on insulin sensitivity in adipocytes. 3T3-L1 fibroblasts as well as human SAT-derived and VAT-derived adipocytes were differentiated in vitro, and insulin resistance was induced using palmitic acid (16:0). The effect of CM fruit extract was analyzed in terms of glucose uptake and insulin signaling gene expression. In the glucose uptake test after insulin stimulation, a significant increase in glucose uptake was demonstrated in cells treated with CM fruit extracts. Furthermore, CM fruit extracts increased the expression of insulin signaling genes in adipocytes stimulated with insulin in control cells and adipocytes treated with CM extract. Additionally, a significant increase in peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARG) expression was observed in cells supplemented with CM extract. In conclusion, studies have shown that CM fruits can overcome insulin resistance and thus they have a positive effect on cell metabolism.

Proanthocyanidins as the main pancreatic lipase inhibitors in chokeberry fruits.

Pancreatic lipase inhibitors are recognized as important in strategies for the management of overweight and obesity. The phytocompounds in chokeberry fruit show multidirectional pro-health effects, including anti-obesity activity. The aims of this study were to fractionate and identify the phenolic compounds of chokeberry fruit phenolic-rich extract that are active as pancreatic lipase inhibitors. Phenolic compounds were fractionated using Sephadex LH-20 resin, followed by polyphenol profile analysis using chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods, while pancreatic inhibitory activity was determined using 4-methylumbelliferyl oleate and emulsified triolein as enzyme substrates. Among the six fractions isolated from extract, two fractions rich in highly polymerized proanthocyanidins showed the greatest ability to inhibit pancreatic lipase activity. In comparison, fractions containing mainly low-molecular-weight phenolic compounds, such as phenolic acids, flavonols and anthocyanins, were 11-64 times less active. The most active fraction showed a mixed mode of pancreatic lipase inhibition, as determined by Lineweaver-Burk plot analysis, and exhibited a cumulative effect with orlistat. This study shows that black chokeberry polyphenols, particularly highly polymerized procyanidins, can effectively inhibit pancreatic lipase activity determined by in vitro methods.

Biological Activity of Extracts of Red and Yellow Fruits of Cornus mas L.-An In Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity, Inhibitory Activity against α-Glucosidase, Acetylcholinesterase, and Binding Capacity to Human Serum Albumin.

Although extracts are broadly used in order to support the treatment of numerous diseases, only in a limited number of cases is the process of applying and establishing their mechanisms of action scientifically analyzed. Fruits of Cornelian cherry are an abundant source of iridoids, anthocyanins, flavonols and phenolic acids. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro bioactivity of red and yellow Cornelian cherry fruits' extracts. The biological potential of extracts, in a broad sense, involved antioxidant activity in relation to phosphatidylcholine liposomes, inhibitory ability against α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase enzymes, as well as interactions with human serum albumin. Studies showed that both extracts were more effective in protecting liposome membranes against free radicals produced by AAPH in an aqueous environment due to the fact that they can be better eliminated by the hydrophilic components of the extracts than those produced by UVB radiation. Extracts exhibited inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase and α-glucosidase, wherein loganic acid extract showed noncompetitive inhibition of the enzyme. Moreover, extracts binded to albumin mainly through hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces. Taken together, red and yellow cherry fruits' extracts exhibit diverse biological properties and can be exploited as a source of natural therapeutic agents.

Evaluation of Immunotropic Activity of Iridoid-Anthocyanin Extract of Honeysuckle Berries (Lonicera caerulea L.) in the Course of Experimental Trichinellosis in Mice.

Our experiment determined the immunotropic activity of a natural, iridoid-anthocyanin extract from honeysuckle berry (Lonicera caerulea L.) (LC). The extract was administered to mice infected with Trichinella spiralis, orally at a dose of 2 g/kg bw, six times at 24 h intervals (from day 3 prior to the infection to day 3 post-infection (dpi) with T. spiralis. At 5, 7, 14, and 21 dpi, samples of blood, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) were collected, and isolated lymphocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry. The splenocyte proliferation was estimated with MTT testing, and the intensity of intestinal and muscle infection was also studied. LC stimulated the local immune system by inducing lymphocyte proliferation in the spleen 7 dpi and altered the percentage and absolute count of B (CD19+) and T (CD3+, CD8+) cells 7, 14, and 21 dpi in the peripheral blood. LC extract affected the dynamics of expulsion of adult Trichinella from the intestines and prolonged the intestinal phase of the infection but did not change the number of larvae in the muscles. These results suggest that Lonicera caerulea L. fruit extract modulates murine cellular immune response during intestinal phase of T. spiralis infection but shows no antiparasitic activity.

Changes in Antioxidant Properties and Amounts of Bioactive Compounds during Simulated In Vitro Digestion of Wheat Bread Enriched with Plant Extracts.

Cereal preparation can be an excellent source of substances with proven health-promoting properties. Unfortunately, some types of bread, such as white flour bread, are devoid of many valuable nutrients. Therefore, it is necessary to look for ways to increase its density and nutritional value. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of stabilized plant extracts on the quality of bread, its antioxidant activity and polyphenol content, and to evaluate the stability of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity during in vitro digestion. The research material was the wheat bread baked with spray dried microcapsules of hawthorn bark, soybeans and onion husks in maltodextrin or inulin carriers. The addition of plant extracts resulted in the presence of phenolic compounds in the wheat bread, and its antioxidant activity significantly increased. There was no significant difference in antioxidant activity between breads containing microcapsules with different carriers. During in vitro digestion, procyanidins and isoflavones in bread were more resistant to the digestive processes than other compounds. The antioxidant activity during simulated digestion was the highest at the stage of gastric digestion, and its value depended on the extract used and the analytical method applied.

Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) Iridoid and Anthocyanin Extract Enhances PPAR-α, PPAR-γ Expression and Reduces I/M Ratio in Aorta, Increases LXR-α Expression and Alters Adipokines and Triglycerides Levels in Cholesterol-Rich Diet Rabbit Model.

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits possess potential cardiovascular, lipid-lowering and hypoglycemic bioactivities. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of resin-purified cornelian cherry extract rich in iridoids and anthocyanins on several transcription factors, intima/media ratio in aorta and serum parameters, which determine or are valuable indicators of the adverse changes observed in the course of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. For this purpose, male New Zealand rabbits were fed a diet enriched in 1% cholesterol for 60 days. Additionally, one group received 10 mg/kg b.w. of cornelian cherry extract and the second group 50 mg/kg b.w. of cornelian cherry extract. PPAR-α and PPAR-γ expression in the aorta, LXR-α expression in the liver; cholesterol, triglycerides, adipokines, apolipoproteins, glucose and insulin levels in serum; the intima and media diameter in the thoracic and abdominal aorta were determined. Administration of cornelian cherry extract resulted in an enhancement in the expression of all tested transcription factors, a decrease in triglycerides, leptin and resistin, and an increase in adiponectin levels. In addition, a significant reduction in the I/M ratio was observed for both the thoracic and abdominal aorta. The results we have obtained confirm the potential contribution of cornelian cherry extract to mitigation of the risk of developing and the intensity of symptoms of obesity-related cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders such as atherosclerosis or metabolic syndrome.

Exploring fruits from genus Prunus as a source of potential pharmaceutical agents - In vitro and in silico study.

Prunus fruits are recognized to be rich sources of polyphenols with health promoting effect. In this work we evaluated the phenolic profile and bioactivity, namely antioxidant capacity, antiproliferative effect in HT29, and inhibition capacity of α-glucosidase (α-Gls), α-amylase (α-Amy) and human dipeptidyl peptidase III (hDPP III) activities, of traditional Prunus fruits grown in Serbia. Fifteen Prunus samples were investigated and compared: common European plum and three old plum subspecies ('vlaskaca', damson plum and white damson), purple-leaf cherry plum, red and white cherry plum, sweet cherry, sweet cherry-wild type, sour cherry, steppe cherry, mahaleb cherry, blackthorn, peach, and apricot. Principal Component Analysis highlighted steppe cherry and blackthorn as Prunus species with the highest bioactive potential. In silico analysis pointed out rutinoside derivatives of cyanidin and quercetin as the most potent inhibitors of α-Gls, α-Amy and hDPP III enzymes. Quercetin 3-O-rutinoside showed the highest binding energy to α-Gls (-10.6 kcal/mol).

Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of Buckwheat Husks as a Material for Use in Therapeutic Mattresses.

Buckwheat husks are used in many therapeutic products such as pillows, mattresses, seats, etc. This material is proposed by producers for example for discopathy, back pain and head vasomotor disorders. Our studies evaluated the impact of using cotton mattresses with buckwheat husk fillings on people's health condition. The main research was carried out on the group of 60 people divided into 3 groups (1-people with skeletal system problems, 2-people spending a lot of time lying with the probability of pressure ulcer formation and 3-healthy people). In addition, different tests have been carried out on the possibility of colonization of mattresses by fungi, bacteria and arthropod pests, and rheological, chemical and flammability tests. The research material in the form of buckwheat husks was tested in a diverse way. All tests indicate high usefulness of husks for therapeutic activity. This material was contaminated with fungi, bacteria and pests at a very low level, related to the natural colonization of buckwheat nuts during harvest and storage. The quality of the husks was also confirmed in rheological, chemical and flammability studies. Finally, this has also been confirmed in surveys conducted on people with health problems. The analyses show that the buckwheat husk is an excellent material that can be used to fill prophylactic mattresses. This has been confirmed by the results of laboratory tests and opinions of respondents using mattresses filled with buckwheat husk.

Chemical Composition of 21 Cultivars of Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus) Fruit Cultivated in Poland.

Sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) is a very important fruit crop for producers as well as consumers. To obtain information on sour cherry fruit, we determined the sugar and organic acid composition and phenolic compound contents of twenty-one cultivars and genotypes of Prunus cerasus L. by HPLC quantification. Antioxidant capacity was determined by DPPH radical scavenging, reducing power (FRAP) and determination of substances reacting with Folin-Ciocalteu reagent (FCRS). The main organic acids in sour cherries were malic and malonic acids, and the main sugars were glucose and fructose. The highest sugar content was found in the "Lucyna" cultivar and the highest organic acids in "Paraszt Meggy" and "Suda Hardy". The richest in phenolic compounds were "Wielun 17", "Sokówka Nowotomyska", "Grosenkirch" "Sokówka Nowotomyska" "Grosenkirch" (anthocyanins, flavanols and total phenolics), and "Meteor" (phenolic acids). Flavan 3-ols were not quantified in every cultivar. "Dradem, "Turgieniewka", "Wróble", and "Nana" contained the smallest amounts of phenolic compounds. Antioxidant capacity was highly correlated with phenolic compound composition. According to principal component analysis (PCA), it was concluded that cultivars whose harvest maturity was medium to late contained more flavonols and anthocyanins and were characterized by higher antioxidant capacity than those whose harvest maturity was classified as early or early to medium.

Study of Antioxidant Activity of some Medicinal Plants Having High Content of Caffeic Acid Derivatives.

Recently, there has been increasing interest in medicinal plants, due to their content of health-promoting compounds, e.g., caffeic acids derivatives. Hence, the aim of this work was to study the antioxidant activity of extracts obtained from the following medicinal plants: caraway (Carum carvi L.), coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara L.), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale F.H.Wigg.), lovage (Levisticum officinale L.), tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.) and white mulberry (Morus alba L.), characterized by their high content of caffeic acid derivatives. The water-ethanolic extracts were characterized on average by about 9 times higher contents of caffeic acid derivatives level than water extracts. Both in water and water-ethanolic extracts, the dominant phenolic acid was 5-CQA (5-O-caffeoylquinic acid) and 3,4-diCQA (3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid), then CCA-1 (chicoric acid isomer 1), which appeared only in water-ethanolic extracts. Extracts from dandelion contained compounds such as CTA (caftaric acid), CCA-1 (chicoric acid isomer 1) and CCA-2 (chicoric acid isomer 2), which were not detected in other plant extracts examined in this work. The water-ethanolic extracts from coltsfoot and tarragon were characterized by a high content of di-caffeoylquinic acids, especially 3,4-diCQA and 3,5-diCQA, respectively. It has been stated that there is a positive correlation between caffeic acid derivatives and antioxidant activity (radical cation scavenging activity (ABTS) and radical scavenging activity (DPPH)), especially in water-ethanolic extract of medicinal plants.

Composition and Antibacterial Activity of Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliot, Cornus mas L. and Chaenomeles superba Lindl. Leaf Extracts.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the composition of leaf extracts from Aronia melanocarpa, Chaenomeles superba, and Cornus mas, and their antimicrobial activity against typical spoilage-causing and pathogenic bacteria found in meat and meat products. The highest total phenolic content (TPC) was detected in C. superba extract, followed by C. mas and A. melanocarpa extracts. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was measured by DPPH and ABTS assays. The lowest IC50 values were found for C. superba extract, followed by C. mas and A. melanocarpa extracts. LC-MS and HPLC analysis revealed that A. melanocarpa and C. superba extracts contained hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and flavonoids (mainly flavonols). Hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives were detected in the C. mas extract, as well as flavonols, ellagitannins, and iridoids. The antibacterial activity of the plant extracts was tested against Gram-negative bacteria (Moraxella osloensis, Pseudomonas fragi, Acinetobacter baumanii, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Salmonella enterica) and Gram-positive bacteria (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Brochothrix thermosphacta, Lactobacillus sakei, Listeria monocytogenes) using the microculture method. The extracts acted as bacteriostatic agents, decreasing the growth rate (µmax) and extending the lag phase (tlag). C. mas showed most potent antibacterial activity, as confirmed by principal component analysis (PCA).

Health Properties and Composition of Honeysuckle Berry Lonicera caerulea L. An Update on Recent Studies.

Lonicera caerulea L., also known as haskap or honeysuckle berry, is a fruit commonly planted in eastern Europe, Canada and Asia. The fruit was registered as a traditional food from a third country under European Union regulations only on December 2018. It is resistant to cold, pests, various soil acidities and diseases. However, its attractiveness is associated mostly with its health properties. The fruit shows anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity-important factors in improving health. These features result from the diverse content of phytochemicals in honeysuckle berries with high concentrations of phytocompounds, mainly hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids, flavanols, flavones, isoflavones, flavonols, flavanones and anthocyanins but also iridoids, present in the fruit in exceptional amounts. The content and health properties of the fruit were identified to be dependent on cultivar, genotype and the place of harvesting. Great potential benefits of this nutritious food are its ability to minimize the negative effects of UV radiation, diabetes mellitus and neurodegenerative diseases, and to exert hepato- and cardioprotective activity.

Microbiological, antioxidant and lipoxygenase-1 inhibitory activities of fruit extracts of chosen Rosaceae family species.

BACKGROUND: Extracts from the Rosaceae family fruits are rich in natural, biologically active polyphenols, but their antibacterial properties are still poorly understood. Therefore, we focused our research on their activity against uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains. This research also concerned the proof of their ability to reduce oxidative stress and modulate the activity of lipoxygenase-1 (LOX-1). It is well-known that plants represent a source of bioactive compounds whose antioxidant activity may be useful in protecting against oxidative damage in cells, which have been linked to the pathogenesis of many oxidative diseases. OBJECTIVES: The study determined the biological activity of methanol (ME) and water (WE) extracts rich in polyphenols from the hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.), dog rose (Rosa canina L.), quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.), and Japanese quince (Chaenomeles speciosa (Sweet) Nakai). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The antioxidant capacity was evaluated using 1,1diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH▪) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS+▪) radical scavenging methods. The inhibition of liposome membrane oxidation was studied using the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay. Lipoxygenase-1 inhibitory activity was measured using the spectrophotometric method. Bacterial growth was determined by evaluating the number of colony forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL). Hydrophobicity was established with salt aggregation hydrophobicity test (SAT). Swimming and swarming motilities were evaluated using soft-agar plates. Production of curli fimbriae was estimated on CFA agar. The P fimbriae were detected using the hemagglutination of erythrocytes. Adhesion of bacteria to human uroepithelial cells was assessed. The amount of biofilm was determined spectrophotometrically. RESULTS: We showed that most of these extracts are effective antioxidants and free radical scavengers, possess reasonable potential anti-inflammatory activity, reduce the adhesion of E. coli to uroepithelial cells, and reduce the ability of these bacteria to form biofilm. CONCLUSIONS: The extracts examined, showing very promising biological properties, seem to be able to join the list of substances that can be used as dietary supplements aimed at preventing, for example, urinary tract infections, or as support of drug treatment in many diseases.

Antidiabetic effects of extracts of red and yellow fruits of cornelian cherries (Cornus mas L.) on rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus.

The effects of extracts of red and yellow fruits of cornelian cherries have been evaluated in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus. Cornus mas L. active compounds were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS) in positive and negative ion modes and by HPLC-PDA, followed by the identification of iridoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids and flavonols. Rats with type 1 diabetes mellitus were orally dosed with the extracts in amounts of 20 mg kg-1 of body weight for 14 days. The cornelian cherry extracts lowered blood glucose and improved glucose tolerance. The treatments significantly decreased the amount of glycated hemoglobin (by 25%) and increased erythrocyte resistance to acid hemolysis. Importantly, only treatment with the extract of yellow fruits of the cornelian cherry increased the level of reduced glutathione and mean cell hemoglobin in diabetic rats. The active compounds of Cornus mas L. demonstrated the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects via the attenuation of hyperglycemia and inhibition of oxidative modifications of proteins and lipids, advanced glycation and oxidation protein formation or accumulation. The results suppose that cornelian cherries can be considered as a food supplement to alleviate diabetes mellitus and its complications.

Antidiabetic and Antioxidative Potential of the Blue Congo Variety of Purple Potato Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of purple potato extract of the Blue Congo variety (PP) on diabetes and its antioxidant activities after two-week administration tostreptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The activities of PP were evaluated at a dose of 165 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) by estimating biochemical changes in blood plasma and through a histopathological study of kidney, muscles, and liver tissue. We evaluated the effect of treatment with extract on glucose level, glycated hemoglobin, activities of enzymatic antioxidants (including superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase), and lipid peroxidation. Moreover, we determined advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), and the level of oxidative modified proteins (OMPs) as markers of carbonyl-oxidative stress in rats with diabetes. Using high-performance liquid chromatography, we identified five anthocyanins and six phenolic acids in the extract from Blue Congo with the dominant acylated anthocyanin as petunidin-3-p-coumaroyl-rutinoside-5-glucoside. The administration of Blue Congo extract lowered blood glucose, improved glucose tolerance, and decreased the amount of glycated hemoglobin. Furthermore, PP demonstrated an antioxidative effect, suppressed malondialdehyde levels, and restored antioxidant enzyme activities in diabetic rats. After administration of PP, we also noticed inhibition of OMP, AGE, and AOPP formation in the rats' blood plasma.