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.

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.

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.) 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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