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.

Cornus mas L. Extract Targets the Specific Molecules of the Th17/Treg Developmental Pathway in TNBS-Induced Experimental Colitis in Rats.

Given that one of the crucial events in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease is the loss of homeostasis between Th17 and Treg cells, targeting the specific molecules of the Th17/Treg axis developmental pathway is a promising strategy for inflammatory bowel disease prevention and treatment. The current study aimed to assess the impact of cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) extract, rich in iridoids and polyphenols known for their potential anti-inflammatory activity, at two doses (20 or 100 mg/kg) on the crucial factors for Th17/Treg cell differentiation in the course of experimental colitis and compare this action with that of sulfasalazine. This study was conducted on the biobank colon tissue samples collected during the previous original experiment, in which colitis in rats was induced by trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). The levels of IL-6, RORγt, total STAT3, p-STAT3, and Foxp3 were determined by ELISA. The expression of PIAS3 mRNA was quantified by qPCR. Cornelian cherry extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg counteracted the TNBS-induced elevation of IL-6, RORγt, and p-STAT3 levels and a decrease in Foxp3 level and PIAS3 mRNA expression, while given concomitantly with sulfasalazine was more effective than sulfasalazine alone in reversing the TNBS-induced changes in IL-6, RORγt, total STAT3, p-STAT3, Foxp3 levels, and PIAS3 mRNA expression. The beneficial effect of cornelian cherry extract on experimental colitis may be due to its immunomodulatory activity reflected by the influence on factors regulating the Th17/Treg axis.

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.

Molecular and Immunological Identification of Low Allergenic Fruits among Old and New Apple Varieties.

About 50-70% of patients allergic to birch pollen suffer from sensitization after apple ingestion. Apple allergenicity was established in only few varieties. Studies were performed on apple fruits of 21 traditional and nine modern varieties organically, intensively, or integratively produced. The aim of the study was to assess whether the factors like cultivation method, maturity stage, genotype, or type of tissue place an impact on the allergenic potential of apples. To answer these questions, we used semiquantitative real-time PCR, ELISA, and immunoblotting. Apple allergen genes present divergent expression across apple cultivars. Expression of the Mal d 1.06A correlates with the Mal d 1 level and is affected by the cultivation method and maturity of the fruit. The content of the main allergen Mal d 1 varied widely across cultivars. Interestingly, in our study, the Gala variety presented a low Mal d 1 concentration regardless of the cultivation method. Based on the Mal d 1.06A expression, the Mal d 1 protein content, and the immunoreactivity assay, the Kandil Sinap, Kosztela, Rumianka from Alma-Ata, Kantówka Gdanska, Reinette Coulon, and Gala cultivars emerged as potentially hypoallergenic apple cultivars. Our study allowed distinguishing between potentially low, medium, and highly allergenic varieties.

Cornus mas L. Stones: A Valuable By-Product as an Ellagitannin Source with High Antioxidant Potential.

The stone of Cornus mas L. remains the least known morphological part of this plant, whereas the fruit is appreciated for both consumption purposes and biological activity. The stone is considered to be a byproduct of fruit processing and very little is known about its phytochemical composition and biological properties. In this study, the complete qualitative determination of hydrolyzable tannins, their quantitative analysis, total polyphenolic content, and antioxidant properties of the stone of C. mas are presented for the first time. The 37 identified compounds included the following: various gallotannins (11), monomeric ellagitannins (7), dimeric ellagitannins (10), and trimeric ellagitannins (7). The presence of free gallic acid and ellagic acid was also reported. Our results demonstrate that C. mas stone is a source of various bioactive hydrolyzable tannins and shows high antioxidant activity which could allow potential utilization of this raw material for recovery of valuable pharmaceutical or nutraceutical substances. The principal novelty of our findings is that hydrolyzable tannins, unlike other polyphenols, have been earlier omitted in the evaluation of the biological activities of C. mas. Additionally, the potential recovery of these bioactive chemicals from the byproduct is in line with the ideas of green chemistry and sustainable production.

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.

Characteristics of Biologically Active Compounds in Cornelian Cherry Meads.

In this study, we investigated the effect of Cornelian cherry cultivars differing in fruit color ("Yantaryi"-yellow fruits, "Koralovyi"-coral fruits, "Podolski"-red fruits) on physicochemical characteristics, antioxidative properties, and contents of iridoids and polyphenols in meads with the addition of juices made of their fruits. "Trójniak" type meads (1:2 honey to water volume) were manufactured from multifloral honey, to which Cornelian cherry fruit juice was added before fermentation. Concentrations of individual iridoids and polyphenols were determined using HPLC analysis with a thermostat refractometric detector, model RID-10A. The total polyphenol content was determined based on testing with Folin⁻Ciocalteu (F-C) reagent, whereas the antioxidative properties were determined using DPPH• (2,2-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl), ABTS•⁺ (2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays. Cultivar of Cornelian cherry fruits influenced both the antioxidative properties and the concentrations of polyphenols and iridoids. The highest concentration of total polyphenols (F-C), accounting for 898.7 mg gallic acid (GAE)/L, was determined in the mead with juice made of red fruits; this mead was also characterized by the strongest antioxidative capabilities measured with ABTS•⁺ and FRAP assays. Among the iridoids determined in the Cornelian cherry meads, loganic acid was found to prevail and its highest concentration, reaching 77.8 mg loganic acid (LA)/L mead, was determined in the mead with the coral-fruit juice. Study results indicate that Cornelian cherry meads have a high content of biologically active iridoids and phenolic acids which display valuable antioxidative properties.

Iridoids, Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Edible Honeysuckle Berries (Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica Sevast.).

Iridoid and polyphenol profiles of 30 different honeysuckle berry cultivars and genotypes were studied. Compounds were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS) in positive and negative ion modes and quantified by HPLC-PDA. The 50 identified compounds included 15 iridoids, 6 anthocyanins, 9 flavonols, 2 flavanonols (dihydroflavonols), 5 flavones, 6 flavan-3-ols, and 7 phenolic acids. 8-epi-Loganic acid, pentosyl-loganic acid, taxifolin 7-O-dihexoside, and taxifolin 7-O-hexoside were identified in honeysuckle berries for the first time. Iridoids and anthocyanins were the major groups of bioactive compounds of honeysuckle constituents. The total content of quantified iridoids and anthocyanins was between 128.42 mg/100 g fresh weight (fw) ('Dlinnoplodnaya') and 372 mg/100 g fw ('Kuvshinovidnaya') and between 150.04 mg/100 g fw ('Karina') and 653.95 mg/100 g fw ('Amur'), respectively. Among iridoids, loganic acid was the dominant compound, and it represented between 22% and 73% of the total amount of quantified iridoids in honeysuckle berry. A very strong correlation was observed between the antioxidant potential and the quantity of anthocyanins. High content of iridoids in honeysuckle berries can complement antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds.

Suitability of the probiotic lactic acid bacteria strains as the starter cultures in unripe cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fermentation.

This study examines the influence of lactic acid fermentation on iridoid and polyphenolic compounds in unripe Cornus mas L. fruits. Fermentation was carried out at room temperature over 6 weeks. Eight versions of the fermentation process were conducted: with inoculation by microflora isolated from black olives, Lb. brevis 18 M, Lb. casei 0919, Lb. paracasei 920, Lb. rhamnosus 0900, Lb. rhamnosus 0908, and spontaneous fermentation with and without summer savory (Satureja hortensis). The polyphenolic compounds, iridoids and antioxidant activities were examined in the products obtained. After fermentation, the polyphenols detected were: gallic acid and one of its derivatives, protocatechuic and ellagic acids, neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acids, and a chlorogenic acid derivative. Loganic acid and cornuside were found to be present in both the fermented fruits and the brines. The tested microorganisms produced varying amounts of lactic acid and had varying degrees of impact on the content of biologically active compounds. Lb. rhamnosus 908 proved to be the most effective strain. Unripe cornelian cherries fermented with probiotic strains could be used as an innovative pro-health product.

The Health-Promoting Quality Attributes, Polyphenols, Iridoids and Antioxidant Activity during the Development and Ripening of Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.).

This study defined the physicochemical attributes, composition, and antioxidant capacity of four Polish cultivars of cornelian cherry (CC) at six stages of development and ripening. A total of 52 metabolites were identified by UPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS and quantified by HPLC-PDA. In general, phenolic acids, hydrolyzable tannins, flavonols, iridoids, antioxidant activity, organic acids, and vitamin C decreased, while anthocyanins, malic acid, sugars, and titratable acidity increased. For the first time, we determined the evolution of the CC chemical properties and the metabolic behavior and quantified the individual compounds, and groups of compounds during ripening, in particular gallotannins, ellagitannins, iridoids, and organic acids. The main novelty of our study is that CC is a valuable resource for utilization at different degrees of maturity. We showed that unripe fruits in particular deserve valorization, as they contained the highest content of total bioactive phytocompounds (5589.1-6779.6 mg/100 g dw)-primarily phenolic acids > iridoids > tannins-and the highest antioxidant capacity. The intermediate stages were the most abundant in vitamin C (341.1-495.6 mg/100 g dw), ellagic acid (5.9-31.6 mg/100 g dw), gallotannins (47.8-331.1 mg/100 g dw), and loganic acid (1393.0-2839.4 mg/100 g dw). The ripe fruits contained less bioactive phytocompounds (1403.7-1974.6 mg/100 g dw)-primarily iridoids > phenolic acids > tannins > anthocyanins-and the lowest antioxidant capacity. On the other hand, ripe fruits showed the highest content of anthocyanins (30.8-143.2 mg/100 g dw), sugars (36.4-78.9 g/100 g dw), malic acid (5.5-12.2 g/100 g dw), and, favorably for the nutritional applications, the highest sugar-to-acids ratio (3.0-6.4). Our work illustrates in detail that quality attributes and the content of health-promoting phytocompounds in CC depend on the ripening stage and on the cultivar. These results advance the scientific knowledge about CC. Our findings can be helpful to select the optimal properties of CC for the development of diverse functional foods and phytopharmaceuticals applied in the prevention of civilization diseases.

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.

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.

Changes in the Antioxidative Activity and the Content of Phenolics and Iridoids during Fermentation and Aging of Natural Fruit Meads.

The aim of the study was to investigate changes in the content of biologically active compounds during the fermentation and aging of natural meads with the addition of three Cornelian cherry juices from three cultivars: 'Koralovyi', 'Podolski' and 'Yantarnyi', in the amount of 10% v/v. After the fermentation process the content of gallic and ellagic acids significantly increased, in relation to wort. Whereas the greatest losses were observed among unstable anthocyanins. The three-month aging process also reduced the content of the analyzed compounds except for ellagic acid, the content of which increased by up to 90%. The content of biologically active compounds, including iridoids and antioxidant phenolics, are constantly changing in the process of fermentation and aging of fruit meads. The studies proved that the addition of Cornelian cherry juice allows significantly enriched classic meads with new biologically active compounds, such as: exceptional iridoids (loganic acid, cornuside, loganine, sweroside), flavonols, phenolic acids and anthocyanins.

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.

Potential valorization of Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) stones: Roasting and extraction of bioactive and volatile compounds.

This study aimed to characterize the antioxidant potential, bioactive and volatile compounds of the stones from fruits of Cornus mas. Both fresh and roasted stones show a high antioxidant potential (166.48-509.74 µmol TE/g dw stones), which significantly depends on the cultivars. The roasted stones preserved 43.6% (DPPH; 'Raciborski') to 97.2% (FRAP; 'Alesha') of the antioxidant activity of the non-roasted stones. In the stones, two iridoids and ellagic acid were determined. During roasting, loganic acid remained stable, whereas cornuside was completely degraded. The analyses showed a 30-fold increase in the concentration of ellagic acid and in the formation of two of its derivatives. The major aroma compound of the roasted stones was furfural, but we also identified 18 pyrazine derivatives. This study is the first attempt to valorize Cornelian cherry stones via roasting. The roasted stones can be a coffee substitute, or aromatic and bioactive additions to cereal coffees.

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.

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.

Cornelian Cherry Iridoid-Polyphenolic Extract Improves Mucosal Epithelial Barrier Integrity in Rat Experimental Colitis and Exerts Antimicrobial and Antiadhesive Activities In Vitro.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Inflammatory bowel disease pharmacotherapy, despite substantial progress, is still not satisfactory for both patients and clinicians. In view of the chronic and relapsing disease course and not always effective treatment with adverse effects, attempts to search for new, more efficient, and safer substances are essential and reasonable. This study was designed to elucidate the impact of cornelian cherry iridoid-polyphenolic extract (CE) and loganic acid (LA) on adherent-invasive E. coli growth and adhesion in vitro and to assess the effect of pretreatment with CE or LA on the course of intestinal inflammation in rat experimental colitis compared with sulfasalazine. METHODS: Antibacterial and antiadhesive activities of CE and LA were assessed using microdilution, Int407 cell adherence, and yeast agglutination assays. The colitis model was induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid. Studied substances were administered intragastrically for 16 days prior to colitis induction. Body weight loss; colon index; histological injuries; IL-23, IL-17, TNF-α, and chemerin levels; and STAT3, Muc2, and TFF3 mRNA expression were evaluated. RESULTS: Only CE exerted antimicrobial and antiadhesive activities in vitro and alleviated colonic symptoms. CE coadministrated with sulfasalazine was more effective than single compounds in reversing increased concentrations of TNF-α, IL-17, and chemerin and decreased Muc2 mRNA expression. CONCLUSIONS: CE exerted a protective effect against experimental colitis via impaired mucosal epithelial barrier restoration and intestinal inflammatory response attenuation and given concomitantly with sulfasalazine counteracted colitis in a more effective way than sulfasalazine alone, which indicates their synergistic interaction. The beneficial effect of CE may also be due to its bacteriostatic and antiadhesive activities.

Physicochemical and antioxidative properties of Cornelian cherry beer.

The aim of this study was to determine the possibility of the use of Cornelian cherry (CC) juices in brewing technology. We analyzed basic physicochemical properties, concentration of polyphenols and iridoids, and antioxidative activity of brewed beer. The concentration of total polyphenols (F-C) in CC beer ranged from 398.1 to 688.7 mg GAE/L beer. The antioxidative activity measured with the DPPH and FRAP assays was the highest in the beer with the addition of juice from red-fruit CC cultivar. Among the identified iridoids, loganic acid was the predominating compounds and its highest concentration, accounting for 184.6 mg LA/L beer, was found in the beer with juice made of coral-fruit CC cultivar. The identified polyphenols included anthocyanins and flavonol derivatives. The novelty of this study was to brewed beers containing compounds from the group of iridoids.