Cherry (prunus)

Table of Contents

Other names

Tart Cherry
Sweet Cherry
Cherry Fruit Extract
Cherry Juice Powder

Synopsis

Cherry refers to the fruit of trees in the genus Prunus, most commonly sweet cherry (Prunus avium) and sour or tart cherry (Prunus cerasus). While cherries are widely consumed as a nutritious food, their flesh, juice, and extract have been increasingly recognized for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, sleep-supportive, and joint-protective properties. Tart cherries in particular are valued in natural medicine for their role in muscle recovery, gout relief, and melatonin content.

Nutritional and bioactive components include:

  • Anthocyanins – powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
  • Melatonin – naturally supports circadian rhythm and sleep
  • Vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and polyphenols – support heart, skin, and immune health
  • Cyanidin and quercetin – contribute to pain modulation and anti-aging effects

Health benefits and uses of cherry (especially tart cherry) include:

  • Reducing muscle soreness and exercise-induced inflammation
  • Supporting joint health and relieving pain in conditions like gout and osteoarthritis
  • Improving sleep quality due to natural melatonin content
  • Protecting cardiovascular health by lowering LDL oxidation and supporting blood pressure balance
  • Combating oxidative stress and cellular aging through rich antioxidant activity

Cherry is consumed as:

  • Fresh or dried fruit
  • Juice or juice concentrate (especially tart cherry for therapeutic use)
  • Extracts in capsules or powders, often standardized to anthocyanin content

Historical Use:

Cherries have been cultivated since ancient Greek and Roman times, valued both for their flavor and digestive benefits. In traditional European folk medicine, cherries were used to stimulate appetite, ease indigestion, and relieve arthritis symptoms. Native American tribes also used wild cherries to treat coughs and fevers (particularly Prunus serotina, or wild cherry bark).

Tart cherry’s role in reducing uric acid levels and easing gout pain has been documented since the mid-20th century, and it continues to be researched for its benefits in inflammatory and metabolic conditions.

Today, cherry—especially in its tart, concentrated form—is widely used in sports recovery, sleep aid, joint health, and functional antioxidant supplements, offering a natural approach to pain, inflammation, and restorative wellness.

Uses: Health Conditions

Gout (Traditional)

Body Systems

Muscles (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Joints (Traditional)
Parasympathetic Nervous System (Traditional)
Sympathetic Nervous System (Traditional)