Effects of the Cornelian Cherry Supplementation on the Selected Physiological Parameters in Marathon Runners

Growing body of evidence indicates favorable effects of Cornus mas (Cornelian cherry) supplements on cardiometabolic risk, including the improvement of HDL and glycemic indices, in line with vascular benefits. Experimental data feature bioactives from Cornelian cherry as potential modulators of vascular function and blood pressure, plausibly via endothelial nitric oxide-related pathways, with possible downstream effects on autonomic reflex control; nevertheless, such links in humans remain poorly explored to date, especially in terms of endurance training and hypoxia tolerance.

In this cross-over, placebo-controlled study, a group of healthy amateur long-distance runners underwent two stages of a four-week dietary intervention (separated by four weeks of washout period), receiving Cornelian cherry lyophilisate or placebo. Each supplementation stage was accompanied by the comprehensive evaluation of the cardio-respiratory parameters and endothelial function.