Effect of Cornelian cherries on brain nitric oxide synthase activity in obese Zucker rats

Due to their significant antioxidant capabilities, Cornelian cherries have a positive effect on cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, atherosclerosis and, most recently, neurodegenerative diseases. We aimed to study the effects of three varieties of Cornelian cherries on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in brain cortex and cerebellum of obese rats. Male obese Zucker rats were divided into the control group and groups treated with Cornelian cherry varieties like Wild Type, Koralovij Marka, and Radost (5 g/kg/day, n = 6 in each group) for 6 weeks. Blood pressure and body weight were determined. NOS activity was measured by the formation of [3H]-L-citrulline from [3H]-L-arginine. None of the varieties was able to lower blood pressure. Koralovij Marka decreased body weight of obese Zucker rats. Only Wild Type increased NOS activity in both brain cortex and cerebellum. In conclusion, varieties of Cornelian cherries had different effect on brain NOS activity, which may be relevant in the selection of natural antioxidant substances against different neurodegenerative diseases.