Cherry: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications

Anti-inflammatory

Clinical, animal, and in vitro research have shown that cherries have anti-inflammatory effects. Indeed, some in vitro research suggests that tart cherries inhibit cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 (enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins in the body). Other in vitro studies also show that cherry seed extract inhibits TNF alpha and interleukin-8 in the cells of patients with diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis compared to control cells.

Antioxidant

Cherry has significant antioxidant properties. These effects are attributed to the presence of polyphenols and anthocyanins responsible for the red color of the skin and flesh. Although the antioxidant activity of the juice is not superior to that of some supplements such as vitamin C, it is nevertheless notable. Cherry juice also shows potential in inhibiting enzymes related to diabetes, which could be beneficial for the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

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Hypoglycemic

Animal research shows that cherry can decrease blood sugar levels by increasing the activity of PPAR-gamma (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors), which is the mechanism by which thiazolidinedione-based drugs (an antidiabetic treatment) are supposed to act. They work by binding to PPARs-Gamma. Remember that PPAR-gamma are a group of nuclear receptor proteins that function as transcription factors regulating gene expression. PPARs play an essential role in glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism. However, clinical research conducted in healthy adults and patients with metabolic syndrome show that daily consumption of cherry juice does not lower fasting blood glucose levels compared to a placebo. Other clinical studies conducted in healthy adults show that daily intake of cherries for 30 days does not affect insulin or glycated hemoglobin levels.

Cardiovascular

Cherry seed extracts stimulate the production of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an enzyme that protects tissues, including cardiac tissues, against oxidative and cellular stress factors. Other animal research shows that cherry seeds improve heart function and decrease infarct size in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

Hypolipidemic

Animal research shows that cherry could improve lipid levels by increasing the activity of PPAR-gamma (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors). PPARs play an essential role in glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism.

Analgesic

Animal research shows that cherry anthocyanins reduce pain, with efficacy similar to indomethacin. The anti-inflammatory activity of cherry may explain these analgesic effects.

Uricosuric effect

Some clinical research shows that taking a specific cherry product reduces serum urate levels and increases urinary urate excretion in healthy patients, suggesting that cherry could be beneficial in treating gout. However, the mechanism of this effect is not yet clear. The mechanisms by which cherry could reduce gout symptoms include reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and exerting anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting cyclooxygenase activity and scavenging nitric oxide radicals.

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Sedative

Cherries may have an effect on insomnia due to their melatonin content and their anti-inflammatory properties that can influence pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in sleep regulation.

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