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.

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.

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.

Iridoids, Flavonoids, and Antioxidant Capacity of Cornus mas, C. officinalis, and C. mas × C. officinalis Fruits.

The fruits of Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis have been known and appreciated in folk medicine for years and have a high biological value, which is mainly connected with their polyphenols and iridoids content. However, hybrids of C. mas × C. officinalis have not been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the iridoids, anthocyanins, and flavonols content, and antioxidant capacity of Cornus mas, Cornus officinalis, and C. mas × C. officinalis. Iridoids and flavonoids were quantified by the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method. Antioxidant capacity (AC) was measured using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•), 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS•+), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) tests. Total phenolic content (TPC) was evaluated using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Among the C. mas cultivars and C. officinalis genotypes, there was considerable variation in the content of iridoids, flavonoids, and AC. Interspecific hybrids C. mas × C. officinalis contained more iridoids than C. mas and more anthocyanins than C. officinalis and additionally had higher AC and TPC than C. officinalis and most C. mas. AC, TPC, and the presence of iridoids, anthocyanins, and flavonols in hybrids C. mas × C. officinalis are reported for the first time. The Cornus species deserve special attention due to their highly biologically active substances, as well as useful medicinal properties.

Cornelian cherry extract ameliorates osteoporosis associated with hypercholesterolemia in New Zealand rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Results of animal studies show that a high-cholesterol diet increases bone resorption and decreases bone formation, thus leading to osteoporosis. Previously, we reported on the beneficial influence of Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruit on lipid profile in an animal model of diet-induced hipercholesterolemia. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence of Cornus mas L. extract and loganic acid (LA) on cholesterol-induced bone changes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 50 New Zealand rabbits. The animals were given either standard chow (group P) or the same standard chow enriched with 1% cholesterol (other groups). Additionally, the group CHOL+EX received Cornus mas L. extract, group CHOL+LA - loganic acid, and group CHOL+SIM - simvastatin. Serum concentration of bone turnover markers, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone micro-computed tomography (microCT) were assessed. RESULTS: In the CHOL group, a decrease in osteocalcin (OC) and an increase in C-terminated telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) levels were detected (CHOL vs P 0.674 ±0.159 ng/mL vs 1.003 ±0.297 ng/mL and 10.049 ±1.276 ng/mL vs 7.721 ±1.187 ng/mL, respectively). The EX and LA ameliorated cholesterol-induced changes in serum OC (0.857 ±0.160 ng/mL and 1.103 ±0.356 ng/mL, respectively) and CTX (7.735 ±1.045 ng/mL and 8.128 ±1.106 ng/mL, respectively). There was a significant decrease in femoral BMD in CHOL group (0.429 ±0.11 g/cm² vs 0.449 ±0.020 g/cm²). The EX and LA ameliorated those changes (0.458 ±0.016 g/cm² and 0.449 ±0.021 g/cm², respectively). The microCT revealed increased bone volume ratio (BV/TV) and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th.) in the CHOL+EX group. CONCLUSIONS: Cornus mas L. inhibited bone resorption and stimulated bone formation, thereby preventing the development of cholesterol-induced osteoporosis.

The iridoid loganic acid and anthocyanins from the cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruit increase the plasma l-arginine/ADMA ratio and decrease levels of ADMA in rabbits fed a high-cholesterol diet.

BACKGROUND: Although fruit and vegetable-rich diets have beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases, we have little knowledge of the impact of fruits and their constituents, iridoids and anthocyanins, on the l-arginine-ADMA-DDAH pathway. Our previous study demonstrated the modulation of those factors by the oral administration of the cornelian cherry fruit. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: We have assessed the effects of the oral administration of two main constituents isolated from the cornelian cherry fruit, iridoid loganic acid and anthocyanins, on l-arginine, its derivatives (ADMA, SDMA), metabolites (DMA, l-citrulline), and the hepatic DDAH activity and its isoform expression in rabbits fed a high-cholesterol diet. We have also analyzed eNOS expression in the thoracic aorta as well as the redox status in blood. STUDY DESIGN: In the present study, we used an animal model of diet induced atherosclerosis. For 60 days, white New Zealand rabbits were fed a standard diet, a 1% cholesterol enriched diet, or concomitantly with the investigated substances. l-arginine, ADMA, SDMA, DMA, and l-citrulline were assessed using the LC-MS/MS method. DDAH activity and redox parameters were analyzed spectrophotometrically. DDAH1 and DDAH2 isoform expressions were assessed by western blotting, mRNA expression of eNOS was quantified by real-time PCR. RESULTS: We demonstrated that the administration of loganic acid (20 mg/kg b.w.), and to a lesser extent of anthocyanins (10 mg/kg b.w.), caused an increase in the l-arginine level and the l-arginine/ADMA ratio. Also, both substances decreased ADMA, DMA, and l-citrulline, but not SDMA levels. Anthocyanins, but not loganic acid, enhanced the activity of DDAH in the liver. Anthocyanins also significantly enhanced both DDAH1 and DDAH2 expression, while loganic acid to a lesser extent enhanced DDAH1 but not DDAH2 expression. Both loganic acid and anthocyanins pronouncedly increased mRNA expression of eNOS in thoracic aortas. Both loganic acid and anthocyanins reversed the blood glutathione level depleted by dietary cholesterol. Cholesterol feeding decreased the blood GPx level, and the change was not reversed by anthocyanins or loganic acid. We did not observe any significant differences in the blood levels of MDA or SOD among the groups. CONCLUSION: Iridoids and anthocyanins may modulate the l-arginine-ADMA pathway in subjects fed a high-cholesterol diet.

Loganic acid and anthocyanins from cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits modulate diet-induced atherosclerosis and redox status in rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) is a plant growing in southeast Europe, in the past used in folk medicine. There are many previous publications showing the preventive effects of (poly)phenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins, on cardiovascular diseases, but there is a lack of studies comparing the effects of (poly)phenolics and other constituents of fruits. OBJECTIVES: We have attempted to determine if iridoids and anthocyanins from cornelian cherry fruits may affect the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the aorta as well as lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in the livers of cholesterol-fed rabbits. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fractions of iridoids and anthocyanins were analyzed using the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods. Loganic acid (20 mg/kg b.w.) and a mixture of anthocyanins (10 mg/kg b.w.) were administered orally for 60 days to rabbits fed with 1% cholesterol. Histopathological samples of the aortas and the livers were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde - MDA) and redox status (glutathione - GSH, glutathione peroxidase - Gpx and superoxide dismutase - SOD) were analyzed using spectrophotometrical methods. RESULTS: Both loganic acid (an iridoid) and a mixture of anthocyanins diminished the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the aorta. Both substances also diminished lipid peroxidation, measured as a decrease of MDA, and attenuated oxidative stress, measured as an increase of GSH in the livers depleted by cholesterol feeding. Unexpectedly, cholesterol feeding decreased the Gpx activity in the liver, which was reversed by both investigated substances. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that both iridoids and anthocyanins help prevent fed-induced atherosclerosis, and the consumption of fruits rich in these substances may elicit beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.

Antioxidant activities and phenolic compounds in fruits of various genotypes of American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana L.).

BACKGROUND: American persimmons (Diospyros virginiana L.) are known as a widespread cultivar which were traditionally used by Native Americans as a food source, and since ancient times have been used in folk medicine. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity and phenolic content of Diospyros virginiana genotypes. METHODS: The content of the total antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds from the fruits of the American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana L.) of six genotypes were compared. Antioxidant activity (AOA) was measured using three different photometric methods – DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and FRAP (ferric-reducing antioxidant power). Total phenolic content (TPC) was evaluated using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent assay. RESULTS: The results for AOA (μMol Trolox/g) determined by the DPPH method varied from 51.68 (DV-05) to 100.87 (DV-03), those obtained by the ABTS method varied from 65.40 (DV-05) to 142.26 (DV-03), and those obtained by the FRAP method varied from 45.06 (DV-05) to 109.30 (DV-03). The results for TPC varied from 590.75 ±27.98 mg/100 g (DV-05) to 1325.12 ±77.30 mg/100 g (DV-03). The highest results for AOA and TPC were achieved for the fruits of genotypes DV-03 and DV-05. A positive linear correlation was found between antioxidant activity and total phenolic content in the examined plant material. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that all fruit extracts exhibited strong antioxidant activities, which generally correlated positively with the total phenolic content. This study demonstrates the potential of the fruits of Diospyros virginiana grown in Ukraine as a possible source of valuable polyphenol content, with high anti- oxidant activities and health-promoting properties. The high contents of phenolic compounds and significant linear correlation between the values of the concentration of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity indicated that these compounds contributed to the strong antioxidant activity.

Bioactive Compounds in Cornelian Cherry Vinegars.

We analyzed the effect of Cornelian cherry varieties differing in fruit color ('Yantaryi'-yellow fruits, 'Koralovyi'-coral fruits, 'Podolski'-red fruits) and the production method on the physicochemical and antioxidative properties of Cornelian cherry vinegars, and on their content of iridoids and polyphenols. Acetic fermentation was conducted by two methods: I) single-stage (spontaneous) acetic fermentation, without inoculation with microorganisms, and II) two-stage fermentation in which the first stage involved the use of Saccharomyces bayanus-Safspirit fruit yeast for alcoholic fermentation, and the second one included spontaneous acetic fermentation. Acetic acid, glycerol, individual iridoids, phenolic acids, flavonols, and anthocyanins were quantified by a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The antioxidative activity was determined based on the following tests: 2,2-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH•), 2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS•+), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), while the total polyphenols content was determined using the Folin-Ciocialteu (F-C) reagent test. Both the Cornelian cherry variety and vinegar production method affected the antioxidative properties as well as concentrations of iridoids and polyphenols in the finished product. The concentration of total polyphenols (F-C) in vinegars ranged from 326.60 to 757.27 mg gallic acids equivalents (GAE)/100 mL vinegar, whereas the antioxidative activity assayed with the DPPH• and FRAP methods was the highest in the vinegars produced from the coral and red varieties of Cornelian cherry with the two-stage method. Loganic acid predominated among the identified iridoids, reaching a concentration of 185.07 mg loganic acid (LA)/100 mL in the vinegar produced in the two-stage fermentation from the coral-fruit variety. Caffeoylquinic acid derivatives were the main representatives among the identified phenolic compounds. The results of this study demonstrate Cornelian cherry vinegars to be rich sources of biologically-active iridoids and phenolic compounds with antioxidative properties.

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 AIMS: Cardiovascular 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. METHODS: Our experiment followed the model used in our previous study, in which rabbits were fed 1% cholesterol. RESULTS: We 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. CONCLUSIONS: Our 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.

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

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.