Cornus mas
Cornelian-cherry
Cornus mas, commonly known as cornelian cherry, is a deciduous shrub cherished for its vibrant spring blooms and nutritious red drupes. Traditionally used in herbal medicine, its fruits and bark possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties, making it a versatile botanical for supporting digestive health and seasonal immunity.
- Scientific name: Cornus mas
- Family: Cornaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Cornus mas, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, falling under the order Cornales. Finally, it is a member of the family Cornaceae and the genus Cornus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Cornales | WCVP |
| Family | Cornaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Cornus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Cornus mas, is referred to by various regional names across different languages. In vector (vec), it is called Cornołaro, while in Polish (pl), it is known as dereń jadalny. In the Lbe language (lbe), the name is Жунав, and in Bar (bar), it is referred to as Diandling. Finally, in Hungarian (hu), the plant is commonly called húsos som.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| vec | Cornołaro | Wikidata |
| pl | dereń jadalny | Wikidata |
| lbe | Жунав | Wikidata |
| bar | Diandling | Wikidata |
| hu | húsos som | Wikidata |
| ce | Стов | Wikidata |
| de | Kornelkirsche | Wikidata |
| sq | Thana | Wikidata |
| sh | Drijen | Wikidata |
| hsb | Zažny drěn | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, commonly known as Cornus mas, exhibits a specific range across Northern Europe. Its presence can be noted within the borders of Denmark and Great Britain. Furthermore, the species is distributed throughout the landscapes of Ireland. It also thrives in the northern reaches of Norway. Finally, its geographical footprint extends into the territories of Sweden.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as Cornelian cherry, offers various parts that are of medicinal and culinary interest. In the spring, the shrub produces delicate yellowish flowers that are among the first to bloom. As the season progresses, it develops small, oval fruits that turn a deep crimson color when ripe. The edible pulp within these drupes is highly valued for its antioxidant properties and tart flavor. Additionally, while the leaves are primarily used for shade or aesthetic purposes, the entire fruit is often processed into syrups or preserves to support digestive health.- Total parts
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 7
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| fruits | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pulp | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruit | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flowers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Cornus mas has 19 reported phytochemicals identified across 24 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include anthocyanins, flavonoid, flavonoids, iridoids, loganin.
- Total chemicals
- 19
- Scientific sources
- 24
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| anthocyanins | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| iridoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| loganin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cardamonin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chlorogenic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cornuside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ellagic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ellagic acid arabinoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Cornus mas has 9 reported activities identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Anticoagulant, Antidiabetic, Antihyperlipidemic, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticoagulant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihyperlipidemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitumor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Nephroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Cornus mas has 33 reported medicinal uses identified across 38 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include atherosclerosis, cancer, diabetes mellitus, diarrhea, dyslipidemia.
- Total uses
- 33
- Scientific sources
- 38
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| atherosclerosis | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diabetes mellitus | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diarrhea | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dyslipidemia | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Obesity | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anticoagulant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |