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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology: Synergistic Inhibition of Interleukin-6 Production in Adipose Stem Cells by Tart Cherry Anthocyanins and Atorvastatin
- Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology: Synergistic Inhibition of Interleukin-6 Production in Adipose Stem Cells by Tart Cherry Anthocyanins and Atorvastatin
- Journal of Medicinal Food: Combinatorial Treatment of Tart Cherry Extract and Essential Fatty Acids Reduces Cognitive Impairments and Inflammation in the MU-P75 Saporin-Induced Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease
- Journal of Medicinal Food: Combinatorial Treatment of Tart Cherry Extract and Essential Fatty Acids Reduces Cognitive Impairments and Inflammation in the MU-P75 Saporin-Induced Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease
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Benefits of Tart Cherry Extract
Tart cherry extract is derived from a cherry variety known as tart or sour cherry. This fruit extract is typically made by combining the fruit with a solvent such as a consumable alcohol and letting the combination infuse in a cool, dark place for a time. The process results in an intense flavoring that is often used in cooking and baked foods. This potent extract -- available in liquid, powder or capsule form -- also has potential health benefits.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Anthocyanin Boost
Eating foods rich in anthocyanins is linked to decreased risk for certain diseases such as cancer. Anthocyanins are the pigments that give red, purple or blue fruits and vegetables their color. An article published in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" in 2006 noted dietary anthocyanin-rich tart cherry extract may help increase the effectiveness of certain cancer medications in reducing chemotherapy side effects and in protecting against colon cancer 4.
- Eating foods rich in anthocyanins is linked to decreased risk for certain diseases such as cancer.
Antioxidant Power
What Are the Benefits of Xanthones?
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Tart cherry extract is packed with antioxidants -- powerful substances that protect your body against free radicals, which are unstable molecules that damage healthy cells. A University of Michigan Health System study announced in 2007 revealed that animals that received the powder form of tart cherry in their diet showed lower free radical stress than animals on a similar diet that didn't receive the extract. According to Steven Bolling, University of Michigan cardiac surgeon, the potential for protective effects from antioxidant-rich foods and food extracts is a promising area of research.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Inflammation has been lined to the development of chronic diseases such as heart disease. An article published in "Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology" in 2012 noted that a study investigating the effectiveness of tart cherry extract against an inflammation-inducing substance -- interleukin-6 -- found that tart cherry extract effectively decreased inflammation 1.
Supports Brain Health
The Best Foods to Eat for Inflammation
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Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, result in progressive memory loss, brain neuron loss and an increase in free-radical damage. A study published in the "Journal of Medicinal Food" in 2013 researching the effects of antioxidants and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids on Alzheimer's disease revealed that tart cherry extract, along with fish and emu oils, protected brain tissue from inflammation and loss of brain neurons in mice 5. The study suggests that this combination has the potential to help reduce cognitive decline in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
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References
- Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology: Synergistic Inhibition of Interleukin-6 Production in Adipose Stem Cells by Tart Cherry Anthocyanins and Atorvastatin
- The Denver Post: Well-Preserved: How to Make Baking Extracts
- Natural News: Natural Health News and Scientific Discoveries: Seven Ways to End Joint Pain, Arthritis and Gout Using Cherries
- Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry: Dietary Anthocyanin-Rich Tart Cherry Extract Inhibits Intestinal Tumorigenesis in APCmin Mice Fed Suboptimal Levels of Sulindac
- Journal of Medicinal Food: Combinatorial Treatment of Tart Cherry Extract and Essential Fatty Acids Reduces Cognitive Impairments and Inflammation in the MU-P75 Saporin-Induced Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease
- Cherry juice, tart. USDA FoodData Central. April 1, 2019
- Apple and cherry juice, pure, unsweetened. University of Sydney Glycemic Index Research Service. Updated November 26, 2019
- Kuehl KS, Perrier ET, Elliot DL, Chesnutt JC. Efficacy of tart cherry juice in reducing muscle pain during running: a randomized controlled trial. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2010 May 7;7:17. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-7-17
- Howatson G, McHugh MP, Hill JA, Brouner J, Jewell AP, van Someren KA, Shave RE, Howatson SA. Influence of tart cherry juice on indices of recovery following marathon running. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2010 Dec;20(6):843-52. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0838.2009.01005.x
- Levers K, Dalton R, Galvan E, Goodenough C, O'Connor A, Simbo S, Barringer N, Mertens-Talcott SU, Rasmussen C, Greenwood M, Riechman S, Crouse S, Kreider RB. Effects of powdered Montmorency tart cherry supplementation on an acute bout of intense lower body strength exercise in resistance trained males. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015 Nov 16;12:41. doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0102-y
- Levers K, Dalton R, Galvan E, et al. Powdered tart cherry supplementation demonstrates benefit on markers of catabolism and muscle soreness following an acute bout of intense lower body resistance exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2014;11(Suppl 1):P31. Published 2014 Dec 1. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-11-S1-P31
- Traustadóttir T, Davies SS, Stock AA, et al. Tart cherry juice decreases oxidative stress in healthy older men and women. J Nutr. 2009;139(10):1896-1900. doi:10.3945/jn.109.111716
- Kelley DS, Adkins Y, Laugero KD. A review of the health benefits of cherries. Nutrients. 2018 Mar 17;10(3):368. doi: 10.3390/nu10030368
- Chai SC, Davis K, Zhang Z, Zha L, Kirschner KF. Effects of tart cherry juice on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in older adults. Nutrients. 2019;11(2):228. Published 2019 Jan 22. doi:10.3390/nu11020228
- Chai SC , Davis K , Wright RS , Kuczmarski MF , Zhang Z . Impact of tart cherry juice on systolic blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in older adults: a randomized controlled trial. Food Funct. 2018 Jun 20;9(6):3185-3194. doi:10.1039/c8fo00468d
- Lynn A, Mathew S, Moore CT, Russell J, Robinson E, Soumpasi V, Barker ME. Effect of a tart cherry juice supplement on arterial stiffness and inflammation in healthy adults: a randomised controlled trial. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2014 Jun;69(2):122-7. doi:10.1007/s11130-014-0409-x
- Pigeon WR, Carr M, Gorman C, Perlis ML. Effects of a tart cherry juice beverage on the sleep of older adults with insomnia: a pilot study. J Med Food. 2010;13(3):579-583. doi:10.1089/jmf.2009.0096
- Howatson G, Bell PG, Tallent J, Middleton B, McHugh MP, Ellis J. Effect of tart cherry juice (Prunus cerasus) on melatonin levels and enhanced sleep quality. Eur J Nutr. 2012 Dec;51(8):909-16. doi:10.1007/s00394-011-0263-7
- How Fat Affects Gout. Arthritis Foundation.
- Martin KR, Coles KM. Consumption of 100% tart cherry juice reduces serum urate in overweight and obese Adults. Curr Dev Nutr. 2019;3(5):nzz011. Published 2019 Feb 25. doi:10.1093/cdn/nzz011
- Chen PE, Liu CY, Chien WH, Chien CW, Tung TH. Effectiveness of cherries in reducing uric acid and gout: A systematic review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:9896757. Published 2019 Dec 4. doi:10.1155/2019/9896757
- Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome. American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Updated March 21, 2019
- I Swallowed A Cherry Pit! Are Stone Fruit Pits Poisonous? Poison Control. National Capitol Poison Center.
- What You Need to Know About Juice Safety. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Updated 10/30/2017
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Writer Bio
Karen Curinga has been writing published articles since 2003 and is the author of multiple books. Her articles have appeared in "UTHeath," "Catalyst" and more. Curinga is a freelance writer and certified coach/consultant who has worked with hundreds of clients. She received a Bachelor of Science in psychology.