Cornelian cherry improves cardiometabolic outcomes: Study

The researchers from Romania and Germany conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and included six eligible studies incorporating a total of 415 participants. 

“The results of the current meta-analysis suggested that supplementation with cornelian cherry may contribute to beneficial effects on certain risk factors linked to cardiometabolic diseases,” they wrote in the journal Nutrients.​ “Incorporating cornelian cherry supplementation into weight management programs could enhance the effectiveness of these interventions, particularly for overweight or obese individuals.”

The overall results from the literature assessment indicated that cornelian cherry supplementation significantly reduced body weight, body mass index, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly increased with cornelian cherry supplementation. 

Cornelian cherry ​

The WHO reports that non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiometabolic diseases, are projected to represent 77% of the global disease burden​ by 2030.

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.​) has been used traditionally to treat various ailments and is gaining attention as it is rich in bioactive compounds​ such as (poly)phenols (anthocyanins, flavonols, phenolic acids and tannins), iridoids and triterpenoids.

Some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have evaluated how supplementation with cornelian cherry affects various cardiometabolic risk factors and have highlighted the potential benefits of cornelian cherry fruits in reducing the risk factors linked to cardiometabolic diseases. 

However, according to the researchers of the new study, no meta-analysis has assessed the overall impact of cornelian cherry supplementation across these trials.

Reduced cardiometabolic risk factors​

The researchers conducted a search of the Embase, Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science databases through April 10, 2024, using keywords ‘cornus mas’ or ‘cornelian cherry’ and ‘trial’. 

The inclusion criteria for the studies were: supplementation with cornelian cherry fruit, powder or extract as part of the intervention; an RCT with either a crossover or parallel trial design, with a minimum duration of at least two weeks; the inclusion of adult participants, excluding pregnant individuals; and an evaluation of the effects of cornelian cherry on cardiometabolic risk factors.

Primary outcomes included low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and body mass index (BMI). 

Secondary outcomes included body weight (BW), waist circumference (WC), insulin levels, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT).

The study found that cornelian cherry supplementation can reduce BW and BMI​, however, WC results were inconsistent and sensitive to study variations.

It was also found that supplementation increased HDL-C levels​, and sensitivity analyses suggested potential reductions in TG, TC or LDL-C levels. The researchers hypothesized that the anthocyanins and iridoids in cornelian cherries might contribute to lipid metabolism improvements by enhancing fatty acid catabolism and promoting cholesterol efflux.

Supplementation significantly improved​ FBG, HbA1c and HOMA-IR, as well as reduced insulin levels. The researchers suggested that previous animal studies support these findings and indicated enhanced insulin signaling and inhibition of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes as the mechanism of action. 

One study investigated the impact of cornelian cherry on blood pressure​, showing significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However, the research noted that evidence in this area is still limited. 

They suggested that cornelian cherry supplementation showed promise in improving various cardiometabolic risk factors but that further rigorous studies are needed to confirm these effects and their long-term clinical relevance. 

Journal: Nutrients​ 
“The Impact of Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas​ L.) on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials”
doi: 10.3390/nu16132173​
Authors: Frumuzachi, O. et al.