Cherry: benefits, dosage, contraindications

Anti-inflammatory

Clinical, animal and in vitro research has shown that the cherry has anti-inflammatory effects. Indeed, some in vitro research suggests that tart cherries inhibit cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 (the enzymes that catalyze 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 cells from patients with diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis compared to control cells.

Antioxidant

The 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 certain 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 studies show that cherry may lower blood glucose by increasing PPAR-gamma activity (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors), which is the mechanism by which thiazolidinedione-based drugs (an antidiabetic treatment) are thought to act. Indeed, they act by binding to PPAR-gamma. It should be noted 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 shows that daily consumption of cherry juice does not reduce fasting blood glucose compared with a placebo. Other clinical studies conducted on healthy adults show that daily intake of cherries for 30 days does not affect insulin levels or glycated hemoglobin.

Cardiovascular

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

Lipid-lowering

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

Analgesic

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

Uricosuric effect

Some clinical research shows that taking a specific cherry product decreases serum urate levels and increases urinary urate excretion in healthy patients, which suggests that cherry could be beneficial in the treatment of gout. However, the mechanism of this effect is not yet clear. 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 because of their anti-inflammatory properties, which can influence pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in sleep regulation.

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