Rukiye ZENGİN, Melike VURMAZ, Zeynep MARAŞ, Yılmaz UĞUR, Özge AYBAR, Selim ERDOĞAN
İnönü Üniversitesi Sağlık Hizmetleri Meslek Yüksek Okulu Dergisi - 2026;14(2):498-509
This study provides a comprehensive characterization of the phytochemical profile, mineral composition, and biological potential of Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) flowers, a plant part that has remained significantly under-investigated compared to its fruits. A distinct phenolic fingerprint, identified using LC-Orbitrap-HRMS, was dominated by ellagic acid (102.36 mg/kg DW), syringic acid (99.97 mg/kg DW), and the flavanone glycoside neohesperidin (97.85 mg/kg DW). Elemental analysis via ICP-OES revealed a nutritionally dense matrix with exceptional accumulation of calcium and potassium. Furthermore, the total alkaloid content was determined to be a substantial 4.87%, suggesting significant pharmacological relevance. In vitro antimicrobial assays demonstrated that the methanolic flower extract exhibited selective inhibitory efficacy against Gram-positive pathogens, with the highest activity observed against Listeria monocytogenes (11.2 mm), followed by Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. The flower extract showed no efficacy against E. coli, presumably due to the restrictive nature of the Gram-negative outer membrane. These findings establish C. mas flowers as a potent source of bioactive molecules and essential minerals, highlighting their high potential as high-value ingredients for functional foods.
