Herbal Extract
Tart Cherry (Prunus cerasus)
Also known as: Sour Cherry, Montmorency Cherry, VitaCherry®, Tart Cherry Extract
A fruit-derived extract rich in anthocyanins and melatonin with evidence supporting improvements in sleep quality, duration, and athletic recovery. The Montmorency variety is most commonly studied.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Tart Cherry (Prunus cerasus) 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 Tart Cherry (Prunus cerasus) should I take?
The typical range is 8-12 oz juice equivalent per day, or 480-1200 mg standardized extract. Benefits typically observed after 7-14 days of consistent use; optimal with 2+ weeks
When should I take Tart Cherry (Prunus cerasus)?
1-2 hours before bed (to align with melatonin content). Can take with or without food.
Which form of Tart Cherry (Prunus cerasus) is best?
Tart Cherry concentrate. Other forms in the catalog: Tart Cherry extract powder, VitaCherry® branded extract.
Is Tart Cherry (Prunus cerasus) safe?
Commonly reported: Minimal; well-tolerated, Juice forms may cause mild GI effects in sensitive individuals.
Which Tart Cherry (Prunus cerasus) 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
- Sleep quality and duration
- Sleep latency reduction
- Athletic recovery
- Antioxidant support
How it works
- Endogenous melatonin content (0.135 mcg per ounce of juice)
- Anthocyanin antioxidant effects
- Potential COX inhibition (anti-inflammatory)
- Circadian rhythm support
Dosage
- Typical range
- 8-12 oz juice equivalent per day, or 480-1200 mg standardized extract
- Timing
- 1-2 hours before bed (to align with melatonin content)
- With food
- Can take with or without food
- Duration
- Benefits typically observed after 7-14 days of consistent use; optimal with 2+ weeks
- Special populations
- Generally well-tolerated; diabetics should monitor carbohydrate content of juice forms
Forms
- Tart Cherry concentrate· 70/100
- Tart Cherry extract powder· 70/100
- VitaCherry® branded extract· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Minimal; well-tolerated
- Juice forms may cause mild GI effects in sensitive individuals
Contraindications
- None established
Products containing Tart Cherry (Prunus cerasus)
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Tart Cherry (Prunus cerasus) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Multiple RCTs show modest but consistent improvements in sleep duration (26-84 min increase) and sleep efficiency; anthocyanin and melatonin content well-characterized.
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Related in Herbal Extract
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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.