Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.): Insight into its Phytochemistry and Bioactivity

Cornus mas L. (Cornelian cherry) (family Cornaceae) is one of the important medicinal plants with a rich phytochemical profile. It is an ornamental plant with edible fruits possessing therapeutic and nutritional values. The fruits have been used in folk medicine since ancient times. They are red-colored, pear-shaped, oval, and sour taste and are often used in the form of beverages, marmalade, and jams, as well as utilized in the cosmetic industry. Phytochemicals reported for C. mas are phenolic acids, flavonoids, organic acids, anthocyanins, tannins, fatty acids, iridoids, and carotenoids. Especially, the fruits are rich in anthocyanins, vitamin C, and phenolic compounds. The extracts and compounds from C. mas have been investigated for antimicrobial, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiatherosclerotic, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, anti-colitis, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and nephroprotective activities. The objective of the present review is to summarize the recent studies on the phytoconstituents of C. mas and their biological effects.