Biological Activity of Extracts of Red and Yellow Fruits of Cornus mas L.—An In Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity, Inhibitory Activity against α-Glucosidase, Acetylcholinesterase, and Binding Capacity to Human Serum Albumin

Abstract

Although extracts are broadly used in order to support the treatment of numerous diseases, only in a limited number of cases is the process of applying and establishing their mechanisms of action scientifically analyzed. Fruits of Cornelian cherry are an abundant source of iridoids, anthocyanins, flavonols and phenolic acids. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro bioactivity of red and yellow Cornelian cherry fruits’ extracts. The biological potential of extracts, in a broad sense, involved antioxidant activity in relation to phosphatidylcholine liposomes, inhibitory ability against α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase enzymes, as well as interactions with human serum albumin. Studies showed that both extracts were more effective in protecting liposome membranes against free radicals produced by AAPH in an aqueous environment due to the fact that they can be better eliminated by the hydrophilic components of the extracts than those produced by UVB radiation. Extracts exhibited inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase and α-glucosidase, wherein loganic acid extract showed noncompetitive inhibition of the enzyme. Moreover, extracts binded to albumin mainly through hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces. Taken together, red and yellow cherry fruits’ extracts exhibit diverse biological properties and can be exploited as a source of natural therapeutic agents.

Iridoid- and flavonoid-enriched fractions ofCornus sanguineaandCornus masexert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and inhibit key enzymes in the treatment of metabolic disorders

“…Recently, the bioactivity of a decoction of red and yellow C. mas fruits was estimated through their ability to protect the lipid membrane from oxidation by free radicals through the fluorimetric method using free radical inducers (UVB radiation and AAPH). 33 Both decoctions of dried fruits showed higher protection against free radicals induced by AAPH than that produced by UVB radiation.…”