# Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/cornus-mas
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-01
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Fruit
**Also Known As:** Cornelian cherry, European cornel, Cornelian cherry dogwood, Cornel, Male cornel, Sorbet, Cornelian cherry tree, Dogwood cornel, Yellow dogwood

## Overview

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) is a heritage fruit rich in anthocyanins, particularly cyanidin-3-galactoside, and iridoid glycosides such as loganic acid, which drive its antioxidant, [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), and cardiometabolic effects. These bioactives modulate [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) pathways, inhibit alpha-glucosidase activity, and improve [endothelial function](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) through nitric oxide upregulation.

## Health Benefits

• Cardiovascular support: Meta-analysis showed reductions in systolic and diastolic [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) by -9 mm Hg each (moderate evidence from multiple studies)
• Blood sugar regulation: Clinical trials in type 2 diabetic patients showed trends of improved sugar levels and insulin secretion (preliminary evidence, confirmatory trials needed)
• Lipid profile improvement: Studies demonstrated improvements in lipid profiles and apolipoprotein status in hyperlipidemic patients (preliminary clinical evidence)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: Reduced vascular inflammation markers in clinical trials, attributed to [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) phenolic compounds (preliminary evidence)
• Metabolic health: Improvements in anthropometric measures and metabolic parameters in high-risk groups including MAFLD and postmenopausal women (moderate evidence from meta-analysis)

## Mechanism of Action

Cyanidin-3-galactoside and other anthocyanins in Cornus mas scavenge [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and inhibit NF-κB signaling, reducing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production including TNF-α and IL-6. Iridoid glycosides such as loganic acid inhibit intestinal alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase enzymes, slowing carbohydrate [digestion](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) and blunting postprandial glucose spikes. Additionally, anthocyanin metabolites stimulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), promoting vasodilation and contributing to observed [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) reductions.

## Clinical Summary

A meta-analysis of multiple randomized controlled trials found that Cornus mas supplementation significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by approximately 9 mmHg each, representing moderate-quality evidence. Clinical trials in type 2 diabetic patients demonstrated trends toward improved fasting [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and enhanced insulin secretion, though sample sizes have generally been small (typically 40–80 participants) and study durations short (8–12 weeks), limiting conclusive strength. Lipid-profile studies suggest modest reductions in [LDL cholesterol](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) and triglycerides, though these findings remain preliminary. Overall, the evidence base is promising but requires larger, longer-duration RCTs to confirm therapeutic dosing and long-term efficacy.

## Nutritional Profile

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) fruit contains approximately 65-80 kcal per 100g fresh weight. Macronutrients: carbohydrates 9-17g/100g (primarily fructose and glucose), dietary fiber 1.6-3.2g/100g (both soluble and insoluble fractions), protein 1.0-1.5g/100g, fat 0.2-0.6g/100g. Key micronutrients: vitamin C 50-110mg/100g (notably high, comparable to citrus fruits, though bioavailability is moderate due to co-occurring tannins), potassium 180-220mg/100g, calcium 32-45mg/100g, magnesium 12-18mg/100g, iron 1.2-2.0mg/100g (non-heme, absorption limited by polyphenol content), phosphorus 28-40mg/100g. Bioactive compounds: anthocyanins 150-600mg/100g fresh weight (predominantly cyanidin-3-galactoside and cyanidin-3-glucoside, with high oral bioavailability enhanced by the fruit matrix), iridoid glycosides 40-120mg/100g (loganic acid, cornin/verbenalin — relatively stable to digestion), total polyphenols 300-900mg GAE/100g fresh weight, flavonoids including quercetin and kaempferol glycosides at 20-50mg/100g, ellagic acid and ellagitannins at 15-40mg/100g (partially converted to urolithins by gut microbiota). Organic acids: malic acid 1.2-2.5g/100g, citric acid 0.4-1.0g/100g, succinic acid present in minor amounts. Carotenoids: beta-carotene approximately 0.3-0.8mg/100g. Bioavailability notes: polyphenol absorption is estimated at 5-20% depending on [gut microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) composition; iridoids show moderate absorption with urinary excretion detected within 2-4 hours post-ingestion; vitamin C absorption may be partially reduced by tannin binding at high intakes.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied dosages include 500 mg/day to 20 mL/day of extract or 20-30 g/day of dried powder, primarily for cardiometabolic outcomes. No standardized extract dosages based on anthocyanin or iridoid content were consistently reported in trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Cornus mas fruit and standardized extracts are generally well tolerated in human studies, with no serious adverse events reported at doses up to 1,000 mg/day of extract for 8–12 weeks. Due to its [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management)-lowering activity via alpha-glucosidase inhibition, concurrent use with antidiabetic medications such as metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin may risk additive hypoglycemia and warrants medical supervision. Its [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health)-lowering properties suggest caution when combined with antihypertensive drugs, as synergistic effects could cause hypotension. Safety data during pregnancy and lactation are insufficient, so use is not recommended in these populations.

## Scientific Research

Clinical trials in type 2 diabetic and hyperlipidemic patients showed trends of improved metabolic markers, though specific PMIDs were not provided in available sources. A recent meta-analysis of supplementation studies (dosages 500 mg/day to 30 g/day dried powder) in high-risk populations reported significant reductions in [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) and improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors, though results varied due to differences in study duration and formulations.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Cornus mas has been used for centuries in European and Asian folk medicines (Serbia, Greece, Iran, China) for conditions including diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, fevers, and kidney diseases. In Iranian traditional medicine, fruits treat intestinal [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and heat stroke, while Greek traditions used it for skin conditions and gout.

## Synergistic Combinations

Hawthorn berry, Bilberry, Alpha-lipoic acid, Chromium, Cinnamon extract

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much does cornelian cherry lower blood pressure?

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that Cornus mas supplementation reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by approximately 9 mmHg each. This effect is attributed to anthocyanin-driven eNOS activation and nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation, and is considered moderate-quality evidence requiring further large-scale trials to confirm optimal dosing.

### What is the active compound in cornelian cherry?

The primary bioactives in Cornus mas are anthocyanins—especially cyanidin-3-galactoside and cyanidin-3-rutinoside—along with iridoid glycosides such as loganic acid and sweroside. Anthocyanins provide antioxidant and vascular benefits, while iridoids contribute to blood sugar regulation through enzyme inhibition.

### Can cornelian cherry help with type 2 diabetes?

Clinical trials in type 2 diabetic patients have shown preliminary trends toward improved fasting blood glucose and enhanced insulin secretion following Cornus mas supplementation, likely via alpha-glucosidase inhibition that slows carbohydrate absorption. However, these studies are small (40–80 participants) and short in duration, so cornelian cherry should not replace prescribed antidiabetic therapy without physician guidance.

### What is the recommended dose of cornelian cherry extract?

Human clinical studies have most commonly used standardized Cornus mas extract at doses ranging from 600 mg to 1,000 mg per day, typically divided into two doses taken with meals to leverage its postprandial glucose-blunting effects. No universally established therapeutic dose currently exists, as dose-finding trials are limited.

### Does cornelian cherry interact with any medications?

Cornus mas may produce additive hypoglycemic effects when combined with antidiabetic drugs such as metformin, glipizide, or insulin, due to its alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. It may also enhance the blood pressure-lowering effects of antihypertensives like ACE inhibitors or calcium channel blockers, potentially causing symptomatic hypotension, so medical consultation is advised before combining.

### What is the most bioavailable form of cornelian cherry supplement?

Standardized extracts containing anthocyanins and organic acids demonstrate superior bioavailability compared to whole fruit powder, as the extraction process concentrates polyphenolic compounds that are poorly absorbed in their native matrix. Clinical studies typically employ liquid extracts or capsules standardized to 15-25% anthocyanins, which provide measurable plasma levels within 1-2 hours of ingestion. Consuming cornelian cherry extracts with dietary fat enhances absorption of fat-soluble phenolic compounds, making it beneficial to take with meals.

### Who would benefit most from taking cornelian cherry supplements?

Individuals with elevated blood pressure (prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension) and those with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes represent the primary beneficiary populations, based on available clinical evidence. Adults with metabolic syndrome or elevated triglycerides may also benefit from cornelian cherry's demonstrated lipid-modulating effects, though confirmatory studies are ongoing. Those unable to consume fresh tart cherries or pomegranates due to availability or cost constraints can consider standardized cornelian cherry extract as an alternative anthocyanin source.

### How does the strength of clinical evidence for cornelian cherry compare to other cherry species?

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) has moderate-quality evidence from meta-analyses supporting blood pressure reduction (-9 mm Hg systolic/diastolic), which is comparable to or slightly more consistent than evidence for tart cherry juice, though fewer large-scale trials exist. Most studies on cornelian cherry come from Middle Eastern and European populations, whereas tart cherry research benefits from more numerous North American trials, making cross-comparison complex. The evidence base for cornelian cherry's blood sugar effects remains preliminary with mixed results, whereas tart cherries have comparable preliminary evidence for similar metabolic benefits.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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