The Effects of Natural Iridoids and Anthocyanins on Selected Parameters of Liver and Cardiovascular System Functions

Abstract

The old adage says, “you are what you eat.” And although it is a banality repeated by many with a grain of salt, it also has quite a bit of truth in it, as the products we eat have a considerable impact on our health. Unfortunately, humanity is eating worse from one year to another, both in terms of product quality and eating habits. At the same time, it is brought up frequently that plant products should form the basis of our diet. This issue was also reflected in the new version of the food pyramid. Iridoids and anthocyanins are groups of plant compounds with proven beneficial effects on health. Both groups affect the cardiovascular system and the liver functions. Although many mechanisms of action and the therapeutic effects of these compounds have already been learned, intensive animal and clinical research is still underway to explore their new curative mechanisms and effects or to broaden our knowledge of those previously described. In this article, we review the effects of natural iridoids and anthocyanins on selected parameters of liver and cardiovascular system functions.

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

“…Several studies based on in vitro and in vivo assays revealed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic activities of cornelian cherry iridoid-polyphenolic extract (CE) and its compounds, especially loganic acid (LA). The bulk of research indicated that the beneficial effects of cornelian cherry fruits on various physiological parameters are due to the presence of polyphenols and iridoids [ 13 – 15 ].…”

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

“…This fact probably justifies the traditional applications of cornelian cherry [ 2 , 8 ]. Recently, several in vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, anti-atherosclerotic, antimicrobial, and anticancer activity of the fruits [ 3 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ].…”

The Impact of Anthocyanins and Iridoids on Transcription Factors Crucial for Lipid and Cholesterol Homeostasis

“…Structurally, anthocyanins are aliphatic or aromatic three-ring compounds with one or more sugar molecules, and sometimes with a sugar attached aryl group. The colored aglycons are the anthocyanidins (usually cyanidin, pelargonidin or delphinidin) [ 33 ] ( Figure 1 ). Fruits, which contain anthocyanins, are the sources of 90% of their habitual consumption [ 34 ].…”

“…Cyanidin is natural compound abundant in fruits and vegetables, i.a. hawthorn, hibiscus or blueberry [ 33 ]. Jia et al [ 13 ] showed that cyanidin is a direct ligand for both LXRα and LXRβ.…”