Antioxidative and antiviral properties of flowering cherry fruits (Prunus serrulata L. var. spontanea)

Am J Chin Med. 2010;38(5):937-48. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X10008366.

Abstract

The phenolic compounds of many fruits have been known to be efficient cellular protective antioxidants. In this study, antioxidative and antiviral properties of flowering cherry cultivars (Prunus yedoensis, Prunus sargentii, Prunus lannesiana, and Prunus cerasus) in Korea were investigated. The antioxidant property was assayed for specific activities including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) hydroxy radical scavenging activity, reducing power capacity, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) like activity. In addition, antiviral activity was determined by inhibition studies on the infection cycle of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), measured as minimum concentration of cherry extracts that inhibited 50% of cytopathic effect (CPE) on PEDV. Our results show that the four varieties of cherries contain substantially high antioxidants and antiviral activities. In particular, P. cerasus contains higher antioxidants and antiviral activities as well as polyphenolic content than other varieties. Our data indicate that Korean native cherry cultivars could be beneficial supplements of dietary antioxidants and natural antiviral agents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Biphenyl Compounds / metabolism
  • Flavonoids / analysis
  • Flavonoids / pharmacology*
  • Fruit
  • Phenols / analysis
  • Phenols / pharmacology*
  • Picrates / metabolism
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Polyphenols
  • Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus / drug effects*
  • Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus / pathogenicity
  • Prunus / chemistry*
  • Superoxide Dismutase / metabolism

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Biphenyl Compounds
  • Flavonoids
  • Phenols
  • Picrates
  • Plant Extracts
  • Polyphenols
  • 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl
  • Superoxide Dismutase