Cornus officinalis Fruit in the Modulation of Aging-Related Cellular Pathways: a short review

Abstract

The fruits of Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. (Corni Fructus) have a long history of use in East Asian traditional medicine, particularly for managing weakness and age-related functional decline. Recent experimental evidence has suggested that its biological activities correspond to key features of cellular aging. This review summarizes current preclinical findings on the ability of Corni Fructus to modulate biological processes associated with cellular aging, focusing on redox homeostasis, mitochondrial function, inflammatory signaling, and cellular quality control pathways. Corni Fructus contains abundant iridoid glycosides, particularly morroniside and loganin, which are considered to be its primary bioactive compounds. Studies have indicated that these compounds reduce oxidative stress by decreasing excessive reactive oxygen species and enhancing the antioxidant defense systems of the body. Furthermore, Corni Fructus constituents help maintain mitochondrial integrity by stabilizing mitochondrial membrane potential, limiting oxidative stress within mitochondria, and supporting cellular energy metabolism. Modulation of inflammation is another important aspect, as suppression of nuclear factor-kappa B and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways has been associated with decreased production of proinflammatory mediators associated with senescence-related secretory phenotypes. Emerging evidence also suggests that Corni Fructus may influence autophagy and mitophagy mechanisms, contributing to cellular stress adaptation. Together, these multitarget actions maintain cellular homeostasis and mitigate key drivers of cellular aging. Although direct evidence linking Corni Fructus to canonical senescence endpoints remains limited, existing findings provide a mechanistic basis for its potential relevance to modulating aging- and senescence-associated cellular processes. Further studies using aging-relevant models and direct senescence measures are necessary to better understand its translational potential.