cornus mas

Cornus mas, commonly known as the Cornelian cherry or European cornel, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to southern Europe and southwest Asia. It has been used for over a thousand years in traditional medicine systems across Europe and Asia. The fruits, leaves, flowers, seeds, and bark of Cornus mas are rich in bioactive compounds including anthocyanins (notably cyanidin 3-O-galactoside and pelargonidin 3-O-galactoside), iridoids (such as loganic acid and cornuside), flavonoids (quercetin and kaempferol derivatives), phenolic acids, vitamins (C, E, B1, B2), minerals (iron and calcium), rutin, oxalic acid and other antioxidants[1][4][8]. The plant exhibits multiple pharmacological activities such as antioxidant[1][4][8], anti-inflammatory[1][5], antidiabetic[2][4][5], hypolipidemic/antihyperlipidemic[4][5], hepatoprotective[3][4], antimicrobial/antibacterial[6][8], antiparasitic[1], anticancer/cytoprotective effects[1]. Mechanistically these effects are attributed to its ability to scavenge free radicals; modulate inflammatory pathways including inhibition of NF-κB activity; improve lipid profiles via PPAR-α activation; support vascular health through endothelium-dependent nitric oxide signaling; reduce blood glucose levels likely by improving pancreatic function; protect liver cells from oxidative damage; inhibit microbial growth. Traditionally it has been used for diarrhea,[1] gastrointestinal disorders,[7] fever,[3] malaria,[3] kidney stones,[3] urinary tract infections,[3] cancer prevention/support,[1] bleeding disorders,[1] heat stroke/sunstroke,[5] anemia/rickets/measles/chickenpox/digestion problems/sore throats/wounds/colitis/stomach ulcers.[6] Cornus mas is not an approved pharmaceutical drug but is widely consumed as a dietary supplement or functional food ingredient.

Other names

Cornelian cherryCornelian cherry dogwoodEuropean cornelZoghal Akhteh