Overview

Tart cherry (Prunus cerasus), also commonly called tart cherry, is a fruit. The Montmorency tart cherry is the most popular type grown in the U.S.

Tart cherry fruit contains chemicals that might reduce swelling and act as antioxidants. Some tart cherry products are marketed for specific health purposes, but up to 97% of tart cherries grown are used in cooking and baking.

People commonly use tart cherry for muscle soreness after exercise, improving athletic performance, high blood pressure, and other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • Athletic performance. Taking tart cherry by mouth might somewhat improve muscle strength and endurance.
There is interest in using tart cherry for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Tart cherry fruit and fruit juice are commonly consumed in foods. Tart cherry fruit extract or powder is possibly safe when taken short-term. Some people might have diarrhea after taking tart cherry products. There isn't enough information to know if tart cherry stems are safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Tart cherry fruit and fruit juice are commonly consumed in foods. Tart cherry fruit extract or powder is possibly safe when taken short-term. Some people might have diarrhea after taking tart cherry products. There isn't enough information to know if tart cherry stems are safe or what the side effects might be. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Tart cherry fruit is commonly consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if medicinal amounts of tart cherry fruit or stems are safe. Stay on the safe side and stick to tart cherry fruit in food amounts.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for TART CHERRY overview.

Dosing

Tart cherry is available in many different forms, including the whole fruit, juice, juice concentrate, powder, and extract. Tart cherry juice is commonly consumed by adults in doses of 240-480 mL by mouth daily. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.