Crataegus pinnatifida is a plant that has been evidenced to possess medicinal properties. In particular studies show that a number of health effects may relate to consumption of various parts of the plant including protection from heart disease and mood disorders. The medicinal effects of the fruits may originate from the high concentration of antioxidant phytochemicals it possesses. These antioxidants confer free radical quenching activity on the fruit. One group of antioxidants isolated from the Crataegus pinnatifida fruit are flavonoids including the main constituent hyperoside. Analysis of the antioxidant effects of the flavonoid content of Crataegus pinnatifida shows that they can confer anti-inflammatory effects and this may be through reduced activity of nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase enzyme systems. As inflammation is pivotal to the development of cardiovascular disease and mood disorders, this anti-inflammatory effect may explain the protection the plant confers from these conditions.
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