Cerebrovascular and antihyperlipidemic properties of sour cherry (Prunus cerasus) fruit

Abstract

Background: Ischemic diseases are major global health burden, contributing significantly to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders, with ischemic stroke being a leading cause. The main risk factors for ischemia are vascular wall damage, atherosclerosis progression, lipid metabolism disturbances, and increased platelet aggregation. Current medications targeting these mechanisms may lead to side effects, especially when they are used for prevention, driving interest in plant-derived compounds with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular benefits. Sour cherry (Prunus cerasus) has attracted attention for its high levels of polyphenols, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and organic acids, known for their blood pressure-regulating, anti-inflammatory, and sleep-modulating properties. These compounds protect the vascular system by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. Investigation of sour cherry cerebrovascular and anti-hyperlipidemic properties may contribute to integrating plant-based therapies into existing cardiovascular treatment strategies, offering new opportunities for disease prevention and management.

Objectives: The purpose of this observation was to investigate the antihyperlipidemic activity and discover the new cerebrovascular effects of sour cherry fruits.

Results: Obtained data evidenced that cholesterol levels in blood samples after 7 days of fruit intake were decreased by 2.74±1.52% compared with baseline parameters (day 0). Continued sour cherry fruit intake for 14 days led to further reduction in cholesterol levels by 8.1±3.30%, nearly three times exceeding the reduction level registered on day 7. Assessment of sour cherry fruits on triglyceride levels showed a significant reduction on days 7 and 14 by 17.86 ± 5.57% and 21.01 ± 9.25%, respectively, compared to baseline. No notable changes were observed in high-density lipoprotein 

(HDL) levels following sour cherry fruit intake. In contrast, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels decreased by 8.1 ± 4.24% after 14 days of consumption compared with control values.

         Registration of brain blood flow enabled the discovery of cerebrovascular activity in sour cherry fruits. It is noteworthy that its ability of sour cherry fruits to increase the cerebral blood flow (CBF) appears especially in case of cerebral blood flow impairment. Thus, under the normal condition, cerebral blood flow after intraperitoneal injection of 2.5 g/kg freeze-dried sour cherry fruit solution was not changed significantly. After the ligation of right common carotid artery, when CBF was decreased by 31.07±3.96% (p<0.05) intraperitoneal administration of the freeze-dried sour cherry fruits solution (2.5 g/ kg) was accompanied by the elevation of CBF, being above from occlusion levels by 13.6±5.19% ( p<0.05) at 30 minutes, and by 33.8±6.06% -at 80 minutes, compared to occlusion values. Notably, by the end of the experiment, CBF levels exceeded not only the occlusion level by 40.04±12.51%, as well as the baseline level. 

Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that sour cherry fruits possess cerebrovascular and antihyperlipidemic activity, as based on their ability to improve impaired cerebral blood flow and reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These results highlight the potential of sour cherry as a natural and effective plant-based agent for reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors, including hypercholesterolemia.  

Keywords: common carotid artery occlusion, new cerebrovascular activity, lipid spectrum changes, freeze-dried sour cherry.