Description
What is Cornus officinalis extract?
Cornus officinalis extract is derived from Cornus officinalis Sieb. The extract is obtained from the dried ripe fruit pulp (mesocarp), commonly known as "Shan Zhu Yu." Its primary bioactive constituents include iridoid glycosides — notably morroniside and loganin — along with triterpenoids such as ursolic acid, polysaccharides, flavonoids, and tannins. It is not only a traditional Chinese medicine but also recognized by the state as a "homology of medicine and food" resource.
Main Effects
Neuroprotection and Cognitive Improvement: Cornus officinalis extract has been shown to effectively improve learning and memory abilities in cognitive impairment model mice induced by β-amyloid protein and other factors.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects: Cornus officinalis extract can significantly enhance the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (such as SOD and GSH-Px) while reducing the levels of inflammatory cytokines, thereby alleviating oxidative damage and inflammatory responses in tissues and cells.
Regulation of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism: Cornus officinalis has the potential to lower blood glucose and blood lipid levels, and shows certain ameliorative effects on diabetes and its complications (such as diabetic retinopathy).
Immunomodulation and Antitumor Activity: The core component, Cornus officinalis polysaccharide, is also considered to possess various bioactivities, including anti-aging and antibacterial effects.
Application Scenarios
Pharmaceutical Field: As a traditional Chinese medicine, it is used to treat various conditions associated with "liver and kidney deficiency" in traditional Chinese medicine theory, such as soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, dizziness and tinnitus, spermatorrhea, and frequent urination. Modern research also provides scientific evidence for its use in adjunctive therapy for cognitive impairment and diabetic complications.
Health Foods and Dietary Supplements: As a "homology of medicine and food" substance, it is often developed into health foods with functions such as antioxidant activity, blood glucose support, and immune enhancement.
Functional Foods and Cosmetics: Owing to its antioxidant and skin-protective properties, it is being researched and developed as a food antioxidant, immunomodulator, and as an additive in cosmetic products with anti-photoaging and skin-repair functions.