Black Cherry Fruit Extract Concentrate
Also known as: Black cherry fruit extract, Tart cherry extract, Dark sweet cherry extract, Cherry concentrate, Prunus avium extract, Prunus cerasus extract, Prunus avium/Prunus cerasus extract
Overview
Black cherry fruit extract concentrate is derived from cherries, primarily tart (Prunus cerasus) or dark sweet (Prunus avium) varieties. It is a rich source of anthocyanins and other polyphenols, which are responsible for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This supplement is commonly used for its potential benefits in cardiovascular health, inflammation reduction, metabolic support, and management of gout. Research indicates a moderate level of maturity, with an increasing number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses supporting its various health claims. The extract is available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and liquid concentrates, and is valued for its natural bioactive compounds.
Benefits
Black cherry fruit extract offers several evidence-based benefits. For **cardiovascular and metabolic health**, supplementation with dark sweet cherry extract has been shown to reduce diastolic blood pressure by approximately 4.5 mmHg compared to placebo in obese adults over 30 days, with greater reductions observed in those with higher BMI (though not statistically significant in subgroup analysis) [1]. A meta-analysis of RCTs also found that tart cherry juice consumption favorably affected fasting blood glucose levels, suggesting potential benefits for cardio-metabolic risk factors [3]. The extract also demonstrates significant **anti-inflammatory effects**, with dark sweet cherry supplementation decreasing inflammation markers in obese adults [1]. Furthermore, systematic review evidence indicates that cherry ingestion effectively **reduces uric acid levels and the incidence/severity of gout** [4]. While some interest exists in cognitive benefits, a systematic review and meta-analysis found limited and inconsistent evidence for cognitive or mood improvement, with only a borderline effect on psychomotor speed (standardized mean difference −0.37, p=0.05) [2].
How it works
The primary mechanisms of action for black cherry fruit extract are attributed to its rich content of anthocyanins and other polyphenols. These compounds exert potent **antioxidant effects** by scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress throughout the body. Their **anti-inflammatory effects** are mediated through the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulation of key inflammatory pathways, such as NF-κB. Improvements in endothelial function and vasodilation are thought to contribute to the observed reductions in blood pressure. Effects on glucose metabolism may involve enhanced insulin sensitivity and modulation of enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. While anthocyanins are absorbed and metabolized, their bioavailability is moderate, with metabolites likely playing a significant role in their overall biological activity.
Side effects
Black cherry fruit extract is generally considered safe for consumption, with no serious adverse events reported in reviewed randomized controlled trials. Common side effects are rare, mild, and typically involve minor gastrointestinal discomfort. There are no documented significant drug interactions or contraindications in the current literature. However, specific safety data for special populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women and children, are insufficient to make firm recommendations. Individuals with known allergies to cherries or other Rosaceae family fruits should exercise caution. As with any supplement, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation, especially for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications. Long-term safety data beyond several months of use are limited.
Dosage
Effective dosages of black cherry fruit extract vary across studies and depend on the specific formulation and intended use. For example, studies have utilized 30 mL of tart cherry juice concentrate daily or equivalent anthocyanin doses, such as 320 mg per day. The duration of supplementation in trials typically ranges from one week to six months, with observable benefits often appearing after several weeks of consistent use. Optimal dosing requires further standardization, and considerations regarding bioavailability suggest that dividing daily doses may enhance absorption and efficacy. It is important to follow product-specific instructions or consult a healthcare professional for personalized dosage recommendations, especially when targeting specific health conditions. There are no clearly defined upper limits, but adherence to recommended dosages is advised.
FAQs
Is black cherry extract effective for blood pressure?
Yes, evidence supports modest reductions in diastolic blood pressure in obese adults after about one month of supplementation with dark sweet cherry extract [1].
Does it help with gout?
Yes, cherry consumption has been shown to reduce uric acid levels and the incidence and severity of gout flares [4].
Are there cognitive benefits?
Evidence for cognitive or mood improvement from cherry supplementation is weak and inconsistent; no strong conclusions can be drawn at this time [2].
Is it safe long-term?
Current data suggest safety in short-to-medium term use (up to several months). However, comprehensive long-term safety data are limited.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9920461/ – This randomized controlled trial involving 60 obese adults demonstrated that dark sweet cherry extract significantly decreased diastolic blood pressure by 4.52 mmHg and reduced inflammation markers over 30 days compared to placebo. The study had good methodology, adequate controls, and significant p-values, despite a small sample size and short duration.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41430-022-01138-x – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 studies found limited evidence for cognitive or mood improvement from cherry supplementation. A borderline benefit was observed for psychomotor speed (SMD −0.37, p=0.05). The review was of moderate quality but noted heterogeneity among studies and small effect sizes.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36038032/ – A high-quality systematic review and meta-analysis of multiple RCTs on tart cherry juice found favorable effects on fasting blood glucose levels and other cardio-metabolic risk factors. The findings were consistent across studies, though the authors noted a need for longer-term RCTs to confirm these benefits.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2019/9896757 – This systematic review of 6 studies on gout patients concluded that cherry ingestion reduces uric acid levels and the incidence of gout flares. The review was of moderate quality and highlighted the consistent clinical relevance of cherry consumption for gout management, despite variable study protocols and a small number of included studies.
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