Antioxidant
Black Cherry Extract (Prunus serotina)
Also known as: tart cherry extract, sour cherry, Prunus serotina fruit extract, black cherry concentrate
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.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Black Cherry Extract (Prunus serotina) product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Transparent Labs Post Workout Supplement | 90 A | $1.67 |
| 2 | Olly Muscle Recovery Sleep | 79 B+ | $0.80 |
| 3 | Bluebonnet Nutrition SLEEP SUPPORT | 76 B+ | $0.63 |
| 4 | Bluebonnet Nutrition PAIN & INFLAMMATION SUPPORT | 72 B | $0.95 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Black Cherry Extract (Prunus serotina) should I take?
The typical range is 300–600 mg daily (equivalent to 6,000–12,000 mg whole fruit at 20:1 concentration). Benefits typically require 2–4 weeks of consistent use; some sleep studies show acute benefit within 1–2 hours
When should I take Black Cherry Extract (Prunus serotina)?
Evening for sleep support; post-exercise for recovery support. May be taken with or without food; taking with food may reduce potential stomach upset.
Which form of Black Cherry Extract (Prunus serotina) is best?
Concentrated extract (20:1). Other forms in the catalog: Powder, Liquid concentrate, Capsule.
Is Black Cherry Extract (Prunus serotina) safe?
Commonly reported: Generally well-tolerated, Mild gastrointestinal upset possible at high doses, Headache (rare).
Which Black Cherry Extract (Prunus serotina) supplement scores highest?
Transparent Labs Post Workout Supplement, at 90/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
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)
Products containing Black Cherry Extract (Prunus serotina)
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Black Cherry Extract (Prunus serotina) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
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.
Related in Antioxidant
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.