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

The ameliorative effect of carvacrol on sodium arsenite-induced hepatotoxicity in rats: Possible role of Nrf2/HO-1, RAGE/NLRP3, Bax/Bcl-2/Caspase-3, and Beclin-1 pathways

Arsenic is a toxic environmental pollutant heavy metal, and one of its critical target tissues in the body is the liver. Carvacrol is a natural phytocompound that stands out with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties. The current study aims to investigate the protective feature of carvacrol against sodium arsenite-induced liver toxicity. Thirty-five Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into five groups: Control, Sodium arsenite (SA), CRV, SA + CRV25, and SA + CRV50. Sodium arsenite was administered via oral gavage at a dose of 10 mg/kg for 14 days, and 30 min later, CRV 25 or 50 mg/kg was administered via oral gavage. Oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy damage pathways parameters, and liver tissue integrity were analyzed using biochemical, molecular, western blot, histological, and immunohistological methods. Carvacrol decreased sodium arsenite-induced oxidative stress by suppressing malondialdehyde levels and increasing superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase activities, and glutathione levels. Carvacrol reduced inflammation damage by reducing sodium arsenite-induced increased levels of NF-κB and the cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, RAGE, and NLRP3) it stimulates. Carvacrol also reduced sodium arsenite-induced autophagic (Beclin-1, LC3A, and LC3B) and apoptotic (P53, Apaf-1, Casp-3, Casp-6, Casp-9, and Bax) parameters. Carvacrol preserved sodium arsenite-induced impaired liver tissue structure. Carvacrol alleviated toxic damage by reducing sodium arsenite-induced increases in oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagic damage parameters in rat liver tissues. Carvacrol was also beneficial in preserving liver tissue integrity.

Therapeutic Potential of Cornus Genus: Navigating Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Clinical Studies, and Advanced Delivery Approaches

The genus Cornus (Cornaceae) plants are widely distributed in Europe, southwest Asia, North America, and the mountains of Central America, South America, and East Africa. Cornus plants exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidative, antiproliferative, cytotoxic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory activities. These plants are exploited to possess various phytoconstituents such as triterpenoids, iridoids, anthocyanins, tannins and flavonoids. Pharmacological research and clinical investigations on various Cornus species have advanced significantly in recent years. Over the past few decades, a significant amount of focus has also been made into developing new delivery systems for Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis. This review focuses on the morphological traits, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and clinical studies on extracts and active constituents from plants of Cornus genus. The review also highlights recent novel delivery systems for Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis extracts to promote sustained and targeted delivery in diverse disorders. The overwhelming body of research supports the idea that plants from the genus Cornus have therapeutic potential and can be investigated in the future for treatingseveral ailments.

Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activity of Cornus mas L. and Crataegus monogyna Fruit Extracts

The present study evaluated three green extraction methods, accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and laser irradiation extraction (LE), for the polyphenolic compounds and vitamin C extraction of Cornus mas L. and Crataegus monogyna fruit extracts. The polyphenols and vitamin C of extracts were quantified using HPLC-DAD, and the total phenolic content, flavonoid content, antioxidant activity (DPPH and reducing power), and antidiabetic activity were also studied. The antidiabetic activity was examined by the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and in vitro on a beta TC cell line (β-TC-6). The results showed significant differentiation in the extraction yield between the methods used, with the ASE and LE presenting the highest values. The C. mas fruit extract obtained by ASE exhibited the best antioxidant activity, reaching an IC50 value of 31.82 ± 0.10 µg/mL in the DPPH assay and 33.95 ± 0.20 µg/mL in the reducing power assay. The C. mas fruit extracts obtained by ASE and LE also have the highest inhibitory activity on enzymes associated with metabolic disorders: α-amylase (IC50 = 0.44 ± 0.02 µg/mL for the extract obtained by ASE, and 0.11 ± 0.01 µg/mL for the extract obtained by LE at combined wavelengths of 1270 + 1550 nm) and α-glucosidase (IC50 of 77.1 ± 3.1 µg/mL for the extract obtained by ASE, and 98.2 ± 4.7 µg/mL for the extract obtained by LE at combined wavelengths of 1270 + 1550 nm). The evaluation of in vitro antidiabetic activity demonstrated that the treatment with C. mas and C. monogyna fruit extracts obtained using ASE stimulated the insulin secretion of β-TC-6 cells, both under normal conditions and hyperglycemic conditions, as well. All results suggest that C. mas and C. monogyna fruit extracts are good sources of bioactive molecules with antioxidant and antidiabetic activity.

The Impact of Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials

This meta-analysis aimed to summarise clinical evidence regarding the effect of supplementation with cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) on different cardiometabolic outcomes. An extensive literature survey was carried out until 10 April 2024. A total of 415 participants from six eligible studies were included. The overall results from the random-effects model indicated that cornelian cherry supplementation significantly reduced body weight (standardised mean difference [SMD] = -0.27, confidence interval [CI]: -0.52, -0.02, p = 0.03), body mass index (SMD = -0.42, CI: -0.73, -0.12, p = 0.007), fasting blood glucose (SMD = -0.46, CI: -0.74, -0.18, p = 0.001), glycated haemoglobin (SMD = -0.70, CI: -1.19, -0.22, p = 0.005), and HOMA-IR (SMD = -0.89, CI: -1.62, -0.16, p = 0.02), while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly increased (SMD = 0.38, CI: 0.10, 0.65, p = 0.007). A sensitivity analysis showed that cornelian cherry supplementation significantly reduced total plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and insulin levels. Cornelian cherry supplementation did not significantly affect waist circumference and liver parameters among the participants. Considering these findings, this meta-analysis indicates that supplementation with cornelian cherry may impact diverse cardiometabolic risk factors among individuals considered to be at a high risk.

Effects of Cornus mas L. on anthropometric and biochemical parameters among metabolic associated fatty liver disease patients: Randomized clinical trial

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cornus mas L. (Cornelian cherry, CM) fruits have been utilized for decades in numerous European and Asian countries as traditional cuisine and folk medicine. CM has antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and hypolipidemic activities due to its rich bioactive compounds, and CM fruits and other parts have been used for the prevention and treatment of a diverse variety of diseases in folk medicine. Obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation are strongly associated with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), therefore, CM may be hope for MAFLD patients.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of lyophilized CM fruit powder with/without diet therapy on biochemical parameters and anthropometric measurements in patients with MAFLD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 87 patients with MAFLD and 21 healthy individuals. Patients were randomly assigned into 4 groups: group-1 receiving 30 g/d lyophilized CM fruit powder plus diet therapy, group-2 receiving only diet therapy, group-3 receiving only 30 g/d lyophilized CM fruit powder, and group-4 had not undertaken any pharmacological treatment and diet therapy or lyophilized CM fruit powder for 8 weeks. Biochemical parameters, and anthropometric measurements at baseline and after the intervention were taken.

RESULTS

After 8 weeks of intervention, a significant decrease in body weight, body mass index, body fat mass, waist and hip circumferences, fasting blood glucose, insulin, hbA1c, liver enzymes, total triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol were found in group-1, 2 and 3.

CONCLUSION

Lyophilized CM fruit powder in addition to diet therapy and only diet therapy had a positive and similar effect on anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters in MAFLD patients. Furthermore, only lyophilized CM fruit powder improved glycemic parameters. Therefore, lyophilized CM fruit powder may be beneficial for adult patients with MAFLD.

The Nephroprotective Effect of Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) and Rowanberry (Sorbus aucuparia L.) in Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity on Wistar Rats with Emphasis on the Evaluation of Novel Renal Biomarkers and the Antioxidant Capacity in Correlation with Nitro-Oxidative Stress

In spite of its well-known nephrotoxicity, gentamicin is nonetheless routinely used in humans and animals. However, no adjuvant treatments have been implemented to mitigate this harmful effect. Given this concern, medicinal plants represent a significant reservoir of natural antioxidants that could potentially reduce the renal oxidative stress induced by gentamicin. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to investigate the nephroprotective properties of Cornus mas and Sorbus aucuparia fruits in an experimental model of nephrotoxicity. The 3-week study was performed on male Wistar rats, which were randomly divided into six experimental groups, being subcutaneously treated with 50 mg/kg gentamicin and orally given Cornus mas and Sorbus aucuparia extracts, in doses of 40 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg, respectively. Antioxidant therapy significantly improved the nitro-oxidative stress parameters as well as the specific renal biomarkers KIM-1 and iNAG, demonstrating a considerable renal tubular protective impact. These outcomes were reinforced by biochemical and histopathological enhancements. Nevertheless, neither of the tested extracts succeeded in substantially diminishing BUN levels. Additionally, CysC did not significantly decline following extracts treatment, suggesting that the remedies did not effectively protect renal glomeruli against gentamicin stress. Future studies are required in order to determine the underlying mechanisms of these berries.

Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Cytoprotective Effects of Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) Fruit Extracts

Cornus mas L. is characterized by an increased quantity of bioactive compounds, namely polyphenols, monoterpenes, organic acids, vitamin C and lipophilic compounds such as carotenoids, being anciently used in the treatment of various diseases. This paper’s objectives were to characterize the phytochemical profile of Cornus mas L. fruits and to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytoprotective effects on renal cells exposed to gentamicin. As such, two ethanolic extracts were obtained. The resulting extracts were used to assess the total polyphenols, flavonoids and carotenoids through spectral and chromatographic methods. The antioxidant capacity was assessed using DPPH and FRAP assays. Due to the high content of phenolic compounds analyzed in fruits and the results obtained regarding antioxidant capacity, we decided to further use the ethanolic extract to investigate the in vitro antimicrobial and cytoprotective effects on renal cells stressed with gentamicin. The antimicrobial activity was assessed using agar well diffusion and broth microdilution methods, with great results regarding Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The cytotoxic activity was assessed using MTT and Annexin-V assays. According to the findings, extract-treated cells had a higher cell viability. However, at high concentrations, viability was shown to decline, most likely due to the extract and gentamicin’s additive effects.

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.

Centella asiatica extract protects against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity via targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis

This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of Centella asiatica (CA) on cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity and to clarify the underlying mechanism by biochemical, molecular, immunohistochemical, and histopathological analyses. Rats were pre-treated with two doses of CA (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) for 14 consecutive days. Then, on the 15th day, hepatotoxicity was induced by a single cisplatin injection (10 mg/kg i.p.). On the 18th day, the rats were euthanized. CA effectively alleviated cisplatin-induced hepatic injury via reduction in AST, ALT, and ALP enzymes and a decrease in oxidative stress (decreased MDA and ROS, and increased SOD, CAT, and GSH). CA also mitigated the inflammatory damage by the inhibition of TNF-α, IL-1β, and NF-κB. The liver expression of caspase-3 and Bax was downregulated, while Bcl-2 was upregulated. Moreover, immunohistochemical results confirmed the recovery with CA by downregulation of iNOS and 8-OHdG expression. These results showed that with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities, CA could help alleviate the hepatotoxic effects of cisplatin chemotherapy.

The effect of (Cornus mas L.) fruit extract on liver function among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver: A double-blind randomized clinical trial

This double-blind randomized clinical trial aimed to investigate impact of Cornus mas L. fruit extract (CMFE) on liver function in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Fifty patients were randomly assigned into the CMFE and placebo groups to receive 20 ml of the extract or placebo for 12 weeks, respectively. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, cytokeratin 18 (CK-18) levels, and steatosis and fibrosis scores were examined before and after the intervention. Although, a significant decrease was observed in CK-18 levels among the CMFE group (288.80 ± 85.40 vs. 235.66 ± 60.38; p = .001) after 12 weeks, no significant difference was found between the two groups. Moreover, a significant increase in fibrosis score in the placebo group (8.20 (6.35-9.40) vs. 8.40 (7.70-13.00); p = .03) as well as a significant difference in this marker (CMEF: 7.64 (6.30-8.25); placebo: 8.40 (7.70-13.00); p = .02) and its changes (CMEF: 0.60 (-1.00-1.07); placebo: 0.80 (-0.25-3.95); p = .02) were found between the groups after 12 weeks. No significant effect was noted on other variables. Therefore, consuming CMFE might have some beneficial effects on liver function markers in NAFLD. However, more studies are required in this area.