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Antioxidant

Black Cherry Extract (Prunus serotina)

Also known as: tart cherry extract, sour cherry, Prunus serotina fruit extract, black cherry concentrate

C
Evidence

Black cherry extract is rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols with preliminary evidence supporting benefits for exercise recovery, sleep quality, and inflammation management. Most clinical support exists for tart cherry varieties, though black cherry shares similar phytochemical profiles.

Primary uses

  • Exercise recovery and muscle soreness
  • Sleep quality support
  • Anti-inflammatory support
  • Antioxidant protection

How it works

  • Anthocyanin-mediated antioxidant activity
  • Melatonin presence supporting circadian rhythm
  • Reduced inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α)
  • Uric acid reduction potentially benefiting gout management

Dosage

Typical range
300–600 mg daily (equivalent to 6,000–12,000 mg whole fruit at 20:1 concentration)
Timing
Evening for sleep support; post-exercise for recovery support
With food
May be taken with or without food; taking with food may reduce potential stomach upset
Duration
Benefits typically require 2–4 weeks of consistent use; some sleep studies show acute benefit within 1–2 hours
Special populations
Pregnant/nursing women should consult healthcare provider; those with cyanide sensitivity (rare) should avoid

Forms

  • Concentrated extract (20:1)· 70/100
  • Powder· 70/100
  • Liquid concentrate· 70/100
  • Capsule· 70/100

Safety

Common side effects

  • Generally well-tolerated
  • Mild gastrointestinal upset possible at high doses
  • Headache (rare)

Contraindications

  • Warfarin or anticoagulant use (high anthocyanin content may potentiate effect; medical supervision recommended)
  • Severe kidney disease (high polyphenol metabolism)

Evidence notes

Black cherry extract itself has limited direct RCT evidence. Related tart cherry research (Montmorency variety) shows moderate evidence for recovery and sleep, but black cherry (Prunus serotina) clinical data is sparse. Grade reflects preliminary support rather than strong clinical confirmation.

Grade C: Mostly observational or small trials; mechanism is plausible but unproven at scale.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider.