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Tart cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) extracts are plant extracts rich in polyphenolic compounds, particularly anthocyanins, which exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These bioactives may help reduce plasma urate and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, supporting cardiovascular and the management of hyperuricemia. Processing and formulation methods can influence tart cherry products stability and efficacy. To evaluate the effects of a standardized tart cherry extract on plasma urate and CRP levels. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, 10 healthy subjects (n = 10; 6 male, 4 female, age: 34.9 ± 6.6 years, height: 155.3 ± 2.9 cm, weight: 67.1 ± 5.2 kg) consumed 500 mg of a European tart cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) extract powder or placebo for 4 wk, with a 14-day washout between treatment. Venous blood samples were collected at baseline and at 2-, 4-, and 8-h post-ingestion on day 1, as well as at 8 h post-ingestion on day 28, and were analyzed for plasma urate and CRP concentrations. Acute administration did not alter CRP or urate concentrations. Chronic supplementation significantly reduced CRP by 23.0% (- 1.36 ± 0.44 mg/L) and urate by 37.4% (-2.62 ± 0.44 mg/dL) compared to placebo (both p < 0.001). Four weeks of daily supplementation with 500 mg of tart cherry extract significantly reduced systemic inflammation and urate levels in healthy adults, supporting its potential as a polyphenol-rich, foodbased strategy for managing low-grade inflammation and hyperuricemia.

BACKGROUND: Tart cherry supplementation has been shown to enhance recovery from strenuous exercise due to its antioxidant properties. The majority of these studies used tart cherry juice, with a significant calorie content. The primary purpose of this study was to assess whether powdered tart cherry extract with minimal calorie content reduces oxidative stress and enhances recovery following intense resistance exercise. METHODS: Thirteen men (mean age: 26.2 ± 5.3 years; height: 184.3 ± 8.2 cm; weight: 92.9 ± 15.6 kg) performed a demanding resistance exercise protocol consisting of 6 sets of 10 repetitions of barbell back squat with 80% 1RM. The protocol was performed once following 7 days of 500 mg of tart cherry extract and once following placebo. Serum protein carbonyl (PC) content, creatine kinase activity (CK) and creatine kinase myocardial band content (CK-MB) were used to assess oxidative stress, skeletal and cardiac muscle damage respectively. Muscle soreness was assessed by visual analog scale. Physical performance was measured by countermovement jump power and handgrip dynamometer strength. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in PC in the placebo (PL) condition when compared to the Tart Cherry (TC) condition at Immediate Post (IP) (PL: 0.4 ± 0.3 vs. TC: - 0.4 ± 0.2 nmol∙mg- 1; p < 0.001), 1 h (PL: 0.3 ± 0.3 vs. TC: - 0.7 ± 0.3 nmol∙mg- 1; p < 0.001) and 24 h (PL: 0.1 ± 0.4 vs. TC: - 0.3 ± 0.5 nmol∙mg- 1; p = 0.010). There was a significant increase in CK activity in PL when compared to the TC at IP (PL: 491.1 ± 280 vs. TC: 296.3 ± 178 U∙L- 1; p = 0.008) and 3 h (PL: - 87 ± 123 vs. TC: 43.1 ± 105.3 U∙L- 1; p = 0.006). There was a significant (p = 0.003) increase in CKMB concentration in PL when compared to the TC (PL: 21.6 ± 12.4 vs. TC: - 0.3 ± 11.8 ng∙ml- 1; p = 0.006) at 1 h post. There was a significant increase in handgrip strength in TC when compared to PL (PL: - 2 ± 5.1 vs. TC: 1.7 ± 3 kg; p = 0.017) at 24 h post. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that tart cherry extract reduced oxidative stress and markers of muscle and cardiac damage following intense resistance exercise. This occurred along with a prevention of the decrease in handgri

Studies have shown positive correlations between inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the development of chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease by activating C-reactive protein (CRP). Both atorvastatin calcium (lipitor) as well as flavonoid rich fruit such as tart cherry demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory effects on IL-6 secretion. In this study, we investigated whether tart cherry extract or specific anthocyanins contained in the tart cherry show synergistic anti-inflammatory effects with lipitor. Results showed that LPS-induced adipose stem cell secretion of IL-6 reduced with the addition of tart cherry extract, a mixture of tart cherry anthocyanins, and pure tart cherry cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, lipitor and C3G exhibited synergistic effects in reducing LPS-induced IL-6 secretion from adipose stem cells. In conclusion, these results support potential benefits of using dietary phytochemicals in conjunction with pharmacological therapies to decrease adipose inflammation, drug doses, and ultimately, drug-induced adverse effects. Published by Elsevier GmbH.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported the use of complementary therapies to reduce the risk of gout attacks. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of cherries in reducing uric acid levels associated with gout. METHODS: We searched for relevant studies on PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library without restrictions on language from inception until August 15, 2019. The risk of bias was evaluated using the PRISMA statement and checklist, and the methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. RESULTS: The six studies included in this systematic review reported decreases in the incidence and severity of gout following the ingestion of cherries. Gout patients regularly ingesting cherry extract/juice reported fewer gout flare ups than those patients who did not supplement their diets with cherry products. Overall, we observed a positive correlation between the consumption of tart cherry juice and a decrease in serum uric acid concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence supports an association between cherry intake and a reduced risk of gout attacks. Note however that we were unable to conduct effective meta-analysis due to a lack of relevant studies and a high degree of variation in the methodologies and metrics used in previous studies. Further comprehensive trials or long-term follow-up studies will be required to evaluate the efficacy of cherry intake in treating patients with gout or hyperuricemia.

Antioxidants play an essential role in human health by reducing damage caused by free radicals. Total polyphenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents and the antioxidant capacity of two sour cherry cultivars (Cigánymeggy, Oblacsinszka) grown under conventional and organic production systems were evaluated over two consecutive years at different stages of ripening. Results showed that the concentrations of different antioxidant compounds varied during ripening, but more significant differences were observed between the growing seasons, whereas no significant differences were found between the investigated genotypes or cultivation methods. In 2024, total polyphenol values during the harvest period ranged from 1116.33 to 1874.39 mg GAE/100 g DM, while in 2025 they ranged from 909.81 to 1668.96 mg GAE/100 g DM. Polyphenol profile analysis showed that the main polyphenolic compounds of sour cherries, including cyanidin-3-glucosylrutinoside, cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, and cyanidin-3-sophoroside, were detected in both years, indicating that the major anthocyanin components were consistently present despite harvesting year effects.

X-disease, caused by "Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni," poses a significant economic threat to the stone fruit industry, causing the removal of vast cherry acreage in Washington State. The most abundant vector in these orchards is the leafhopper Colladonus reductus (Van Duzee). Growers need season-long preventative alternatives to insecticides for a robust integrated pest management program. Thus, this study evaluated the efficacy of protective netting as a barrier to C. reductus. Between 2024 and 2025, 3 field trials were conducted testing 4 types of netting (20% shade, 30% shade, Mesh 25, and Mesh 50) against a non-covered control. Trials were established in 2 cherry orchards with high levels of X-disease phytoplasma infection. Molecular analysis of the ambient vector population confirmed a 73% and 56% infection rate with 'Ca. P. pruni' at each orchard, respectively, highlighting severe disease pressure. Small enclosures (1.2 × 0.6 m) containing 5 potted Prunus trees (sweet cherry and peach) were monitored using yellow and clear sticky cards for C. reductus presence. Fine-mesh exclusion netting reduced C. reductus abundance by over 99%, and shade netting consistently caused a 90% reduction. These findings demonstrate a successful proof of concept that netting can serve as a physical barrier to leafhopper vectors that transmit X-disease phytoplasma. Netting should be examined in a commercial orchard setting and for effects on pathogen transmission. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America 2026.

5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is an endogenous amino acid and a precursor of chlorophyll synthesis. Studies have shown that it can promote fruit development and improve quality characteristics such as sweetness, acidity, and flavor. Therefore, in this study, 'Meizao' sweet cherry trees were used as test materials, and different concentrations of 5-ALA (50, 100, 150 mg/L) were sprayed during the fruit expansion period to determine their effects on fruit quality. Based on principal component analysis, the fruit quality under 5-ALA treatment was comprehensively evaluated, and the best concentration for improving the fruit quality of 'Meizao' sweet cherry was selected to explore its effect on fruit volatile metabolites. The results showed that exogenous spraying of 100 mg/L 5-ALA had the best effect on improving cherry fruit quality. The contents of sucrose, fructose, glucose, and soluble sugar in cherry fruit were significantly increased by 203.33%, 174.12%, 109.32%, and 54.20% compared with the control, while the contents of malic acid and ascorbic acid were decreased by 56.10% and 40.61%. At the same time, the anthocyanin content decreased significantly by 64.47% compared with the control, whereas the contents of flavonoids, total phenols, and tannins increased by 114.62%, 7.80%, and 1.67%, respectively. The application of 5-ALA significantly increased the mass fraction of volatile metabolites in 'Meizao' cherry fruits, mainly elevating the levels of aliphatic hydrocarbons and ketones. This enrichment enhanced related aroma attributes such as wood, fruit, vanilla, and sweet flavors. The highest enrichment was found in the plant secondary metabolite pathway. Key compounds annotated in this pathway included: N-heptylidene-2,8-diazaspiro[4.5]decane; 2,8-dimethyl-2,8-diazaspiro[4.5]decane; 6-methyl-7-oxa-8-azabicyclo[4.2.1]non-8-ene; 1-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)ethanone; octanal; N-heptylidene-methanamine; and 7-methyl-4-indancarboxylic acid. Consequently, The 'Meizao' sweet cherries developed a special aroma with woody, fruity, herbal, citrus, sweet, oily, plant-like, and floral characteristics. © 2026. The Author(s).

To clarify the stages of leaf growth and development, the young leaf stage was identified at 0-20 d after emergence (DAE). The functional stage was at 20-100 DAE, with the highest functional point at 80 DAE. The leaf aging stage occurred at 100-220 DAE. During the functional stage of leaf development, optimal photosynthetic parameters and anatomical structures were achieved; the leaf area (LA) was at its largest, and the thickening rate of the palisade parenchyma was the fastest. The palisade parenchyma and LA were closely related to photosynthetic characteristics. Stomatal opening and closing, and stomatal density were greater in the functional stage than in the early stage. Both decreased during the aging stage, and the net photosynthetic rate decreased. Copyright: © 2026 Ai et al.

Sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) exhibits remarkable phenotypic and genetic diversity, historically classified into morello and amarelle groups based on fruit pigmentation. However, the genetic foundations of these categories remain unclear. Here, we combine 10 SSR loci with S-RNase genotyping to evaluate genetic diversity, phylogenetic relationships, and population structure across 27 Hungarian and internationally relevant sour cherry cultivars. The marker panel proved highly informative, yielding 78 SSR alleles and 17 S-alleles, with a multilocus probability of identity of 3.97 × 10-7. Phylogenetic reconstruction, minimum spanning networks, Bayesian clustering, and PCoA consistently resolved five genetically coherent groups that largely reflect known breeding histories and regional selection rather than fruit color classes. High- and low-anthocyanin cultivars frequently co-occurred within clades, demonstrating that pigmentation does not track genome-wide relatedness. To investigate proximate molecular mechanisms, we profiled flavonoid-pathway gene expression in contrasting accessions (VN-1 and 'Pipacs 1'). VN-1 exhibited strong late-ripening induction of structural genes and MYB10, whereas 'Pipacs 1' showed attenuated late activation and higher early expression of ANR, LAR, and UFGT, suggesting divergent transcriptional regulation and pathway flux between the two genotypes. Together, these results indicate that fruit color variation is largely independent of the multilocus relatedness patterns captured by our marker set, and is likely influenced by lineage-specific regulatory differences.

Wild rosaceous species may act as reservoirs for viruses infecting cultivated stone fruits. In this study, we surveyed wild cherry (Prunus avium) populations in forested areas of Tunisia in spring 2024. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) of pooled leaf samples revealed viral genomic fragments related to members of the genus Robigovirus. Here, we report the identification, complete genome sequencing, and preliminary prevalence assessment of a novel RNA virus from wild cherry, tentatively named wild cherry-associated virus (WCaV). The 8,254-nt genome comprises five canonical open reading frames (ORFs) exhibiting the typical organization of Robigovirus. These ORFs encode an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (228.2 kDa), three triple gene block proteins (24.6, 12.4, and 7.2 kDa, respectively), a coat protein (28.8 kDa), and an overlapping hypothetical protein (ORF5a; 14.5 kDa). Phylogenetic inference, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mapping, and recombination analyses indicate that WCaV constitutes a genetically distinct lineage within the genus. Field surveys showed limited local prevalence, consistent with a single-strain infection. Overall, this work broadens the known diversity of Robigovirus and provides the first molecular evidence of a novel Robigovirus infecting wild P. avium in Tunisia. © 2026. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

This study aimed to investigate the dynamic changes in the quality characteristics, microbial community diversity, functional annotation and metabolic pathways of sweet cherries stored at 25 °C for 0, 1, 3, 5 or 7 days. The results showed that the quality characteristics of sweet cherries gradually deteriorated with increasing storage time, and the abundance of Proteobacteria increased gradually. Mucoromycota appeared on D3 group, which may be one of the main microbial groups causing sweet cherry rot. In addition, 3D principal coordinate analysis showed that the species composition of sweet cherries stored for 1 day and fresh cherries was highly similar. The results of the Bray-Curtis distance analysis indicate a significant trend towards separation in species composition from the third day of storage. Moreover, KEGG annotations of metabolites and enzymes suggest that glycolysis and pyruvate metabolism are important in the storage of sweet cherries. Meanwhile, the pathway diagram shows that the main substances maintaining the pathway are pyruvate kinase and pyruvate dehydrogenase, which are detected in groups D5 and D7 groups. This study examines the changes in microbial communities and functional annotations that occur during the storage of sweet cherries after harvest. This provides a theoretical basis for developing new, efficient antibacterial agents for storing sweet cherries.

Soil salinity severely impacts plant growth and productivity. C3H-type zinc finger transcription factors (TFs) are known to play crucial roles in abiotic stress responses, but their functional characterization in fruit trees like sweet cherry remains limited. Here, we identified the C3H-type zinc finger protein (ZFP) family in the sweet cherry (Prunus avium) genome and characterized a salt-responsive member, PaZFP20 (Prunus avium zinc finger protein 20). PaZFP20 expression was strongly induced by salt stress, and the protein exhibited potent transactivation activity in yeast, confirming its identity as a transcriptional activator. To decipher its biological function, we constitutively overexpressed PaZFP20 in the model tree Populus 84 K. Under salt stress, transgenic lines displayed superior growth, less leaf abscission, and a striking proliferation of adventitious roots. Physiological and biochemical assays revealed reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and higher activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT) in transgenic plants. Transcriptomic analyses unveiled a sophisticated regulatory network orchestrated by PaZFP20. It reprogrammed the expression of key genes involved in indoleacetic acid (IAA) and jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis and signaling, concomitant with a significant accumulation of IAA and JA hormones. These findings highlight the potential of PaZFP20 as a valuable genetic resource for improving salt tolerance in woody plants.

Fruit size and weight are valuable characteristics for cherry breeders, mainly because of their higher market price. Several molecular markers have been developed in recent years and have been correlated with fruit weight. In cherries, FW_G2a was identified as a promising hotspot for fruit size and weight characteristics. Two markers flanking that region were taken into consideration in this study. The local sweet and sour cherry collection in Érd, Hungary, was analyzed using molecular markers to identify possible correlations between the markers and phenotypes. The duration of phenotypic observations varied from 3 years in sour cherry to 5 years in sweet cherry. In our study, we observed correlations between fruit size and weight and the molecular markers of our germplasm collection. We confirmed the previously published association of haplotypes 190-255 and 192-233 with large and small fruit size, respectively, in sweet cherry. Individual alleles of both markers were identified, showing moderate to strong correlations with large and small fruit size in sweet cherry. In tetraploid sour cherry, a higher number of unique allelic combinations were found due to the higher level of ploidy compared to sweet cherry. Individual alleles were detected with moderate positive correlations with fruit size, while one allele showed a strong negative correlation with fruit dimension-related traits. These markers were found to be useful for the characterization of fruit size characteristics, for population selection and for the differentiation of the Hungarian germplasm collection.

Introduction: Two small, preliminary pilot studies report that 2 weeks of daily tart cherry juice consumption (half of the dose in the morning, half of the dose at night) may increase sleep quantity (assessed via a sleep diary or 1 night of polysomnography) in older adults with insomnia. A study of longer duration, with doses closer to bedtime, and daily objective monitoring of sleep via a wearable device may potentiate the observed impact of tart cherry juice intake on sleep. With the proposed changes to the study protocol, it is paramount to evaluate the study's feasibility. Methods: The current study is a single-site, randomized, double-blind, cross-over pilot study in 20 older adults with self-reported insomnia. Eligible individuals will be randomly assigned to consume 16 oz. of tart cherry juice/day or placebo juice for 4 weeks each, separated by a 3-week washout period. Information on study feasibility, including recruitment rate, retention rate, safety, compliance, and study practicality, will be collected, as well as pre- and post-arm evaluations of sleep quantity/quality and biomarkers related to melatonin, cortisol, serotonin, and inflammation. Discussion: Identification of a dietary intervention that improves sleep quantity and quality may serve as a novel and feasible approach for older adults who suffer from insomnia. If successful, such a strategy would help mitigate the plethora of health consequences associated with poor sleep.

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a highly appreciated fruit species for consumption but susceptible to climate change-induced weather, such as heavy rainfall, which catastrophically compromises yield and commercial fruit quality. Brassinosteroids (BRs) represent a novel biologically safe class of hormones that have been shown to increase plant resilience against these adversities and enhance crop yield and fruit quality in some fruit species. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the potential efficacy of the preharvest foliar spray treatments with 24-epibrassinolide (24-BL) at 0.01, 0.1 and 1 µM on crop yield, cracking incidence and fruit quality of 'Sunburst' and 'Skeena' sweet cherry cultivars, during two seasons with different weather conditions (2022 and 2023). Results revealed that 24-BL treatments improved fruit growth, fruit weight, and increased commercial crop yield, especially at 0.1 µM during the first season. Notably, in 2023, when extreme rainfall occurred, 24-BL at 0.01 and 0.1 µM significantly decreased cracking incidence by up to 50% for 'Skeena'. Additionally, firmness, red colour and bioactive compounds, such as total phenolics and total anthocyanins, were also found at higher levels in fruits from 24-BL-treated trees compared to controls, in both cultivars and years. In conclusion, the foliar spray application of 24-BL at 0.01 µM and, especially at 0.1 µM, can be a useful and eco-friendly tool to reduce cracking incidence, improve crop yield and enhance sweet cherry quality traits regardless of environmental negative events, such as heavy rainfall. Importantly, the enhancement of bioactive compounds would promote additional antioxidant properties and enhance health benefits to consumers.

Fruit coloration, a critical determinant of sweet cherry marketability, is primarily governed by light-induced anthocyanin accumulation, yet the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the WRKY transcription factor family in sweet cherry (Prunus avium), identifying 54 PavWRKY genes that were phylogenetically classified into three major groups (I, II, and III). Comparative and syntenic analyses revealed that segmental duplication events primarily drove the expansion of this gene family, with strong collinearity observed between sweet cherry and other rosaceous species. Through expression profiling under light and bagging treatments across three developmental stages, we identified PavWRKY30 as a key light-responsive candidate specifically induced by light exposure. Transient overexpression of PavWRKY30 in bagged (light-deprived) cherry fruits significantly promoted anthocyanin and flavonoid accumulation, accompanied by upregulated expression of multiple anthocyanin biosynthetic genes including PavF3'H, PavDFR, PavANS, and PavUFGT, as well as the light signaling component PavHY5. Mechanistically, yeast one-hybrid, dual-luciferase reporter, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that PavWRKY30 directly binds to the W-box cis-element in the PavF3'H promoter and activates its transcription. Our findings establish PavWRKY30 as a pivotal light-responsive transcriptional activator that orchestrates anthocyanin biosynthesis through direct regulation of PavF3'H and reveal a novel PavWRKY30-PavF3'H regulatory module. This work provides new insights into the transcriptional control of light-induced fruit pigmentation and identifies a promising genetic target for improving fruit quality in sweet cherry breeding programs.

Volatileomics and machine learning characterized cherry juice volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to compare flavor differences and identify processing-suitable varieties, with in-depth analysis of aroma formation in Lapins. Aldehydes and esters were primary differential volatile compounds (DVCs) in cherry juice. Through orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), neural network modeling and odor activity value (OAV) analysis, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, butyl propanoate, butanoic acid and rose oxide were identified as key DVCs, with highest OAVs in Lapins. Based on the DVCs and OAV results of different varieties of cherry juice, it was determined that Lapins had the most prominent aroma. The mechanism of aroma formation was analyzed, which involved the metabolism of pyruvic acid, amino acids, fatty acids and carotenoids. This study established a framework for DVC characterization and multimodal aroma analysis, enabling data-driven processing optimization and variety selection. These will advance cherry valorization pathways, enhancing resource efficiency and agricultural circularity.

The sweet cherry has become a commercially significant fruit crop, yet its cultivation in Xinjiang is severely constrained by saline-alkali soils. To address this, selecting salt-tolerant rootstocks is vital for sustainable crop production in salinized soils. This study investigated the physiological and biochemical responses of five major rootstock cultivars ('Mahaleb CDR-1', 'Gisela 6', 'Colt', 'Daqingye', and 'Krymsk5') to a gradient of NaCl stress (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300 mmol·L-1) under controlled environmental conditions. Key osmoprotectants and antioxidant systems showed a consistent trend across genotypes: the contents of soluble sugars, proteins, and proline, along with the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD), initially increased under moderate stress but subsequently declined as salinity stress intensified. Specifically, CAT activity peaked at 150 mmol·L-1 NaCl in most genotypes, with significant increases ranging from 33.9% ('Gisela 6' at 100 mmol·L-1) to 45.52% ('Colt' at 150 mmol·L-1) compared to controls. SOD activity also reached maxima at 150 mmol·L-1 in most cultivars, increasing by 11.30% to 19.38% relative to controls, while POD activity exhibited peak values at 150-200 mmol·L-1, with increases of 4.12% to 10.45%. Notably, proline (PRO) accumulation peaked at 150 mmol·L-1 NaCl, with 'Mahaleb CDR-1' demonstrating the highest concentration (29.81 μg·g-1) and 'Colt' the lowest (25.85 μg·g-1). Conversely, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, an indicator of membrane lipid peroxidation, increased progressively with increasing salinity. The cultivar 'Colt' exhibited the most severe membrane damage. Its MDA content under 300 mmol·L-1 NaCl stress was 80.84% higher than that under the control condition (0 mmol·L-1 NaCl). These results demonstrate that under moderate salt stress, the rootstocks activated adaptive responses, as evidenced by elevated osmoprotectant levels and enzymatic activity, which were ultimately suppressed under severe conditions. A comprehensive analysis of all physiological and biochemical indices allowed for a clear ranking of salt tolerance: 'Mahaleb CDR-1' > 'Daqingye' > 'Krymsk5'

The sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) is an important fruit species in Eastern Europe due to its multiple uses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ripening-stage-dependent compositional changes in some Hungarian-bred sour cherry varieties ("amarelle" type 'Korai pipacs', "morello" types 'Érdi bőtermő' and 'Újfehértói fürtös'), with a special view on biologically active compounds (anthocyanins, polyphenols, vitamin C, melatonin), organic acids, sugars, and antioxidant characteristics. The measured soluble solid content varied within a narrower range than reported in the literature, whereas the total acid content and soluble solid content were consistent with previous data. As the analyses were based on samples from a single year (2022), potential year-to-year variability should be considered when interpreting the results. The "morello" type varieties reached a higher amount of different sugar compounds than the "amarelle" type variety. Among the examined organic acid compounds, malic acid was detected in the highest quantity (176.75 to 669.44 mg 100 mL-1). The vitamin C data (5.74 to 13.46 mg 100 mL-1) had similarity to the literature data. The "amarelle" type 'Korai pipacs' reached the highest antioxidant content (131.11 mM AS L-1) in the third picking time. Among the naturally occurring pigments the "morello" type, straining sour cherries reached a higher amount (113.71 µg mL-1 in 'Érdi bőtermő' and 59.4 µg mL-1 in 'Újfehértói fürtös' of cyanidin glucosides), than the observed "amarelle" type (23.42 µg mL-1 in 'Korai pipacs' of cyanidin glucosides). Melatonin was detected in all examined varieties (1.56 to 13.25 ng mL-1).

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) exhibits relatively low genetic diversity because of the self-compatibility of some varieties and repeated crossings of the same genotypes. High-quality markers are therefore needed for their reliable discrimination. However, the most currently used simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers offer only limited resolution for genotyping purposes. Here, thirty new highly polymorphic SSR markers were extracted from whole-genome sequences of 299 sweet cherry genotypes. Then, 16 highly polymorphic SSR markers were selected, multiplexed into one PCR, and successfully verified on a collection containing 294 unique genotypes. Compared with the set of 16 SSR markers recommended by the European Cooperative Programme for Plant Genetic Resources (ECPGR) for sweet cherry genotyping, our newly developed system has a seven orders of magnitude lower probability of the random identity of two genetically distinct samples than the ECPGR set (10-19 vs. 10-12). This higher resolution not only enables more precise genotyping but can also be successfully used for parentage or population analyses. This new and unique one-tube approach for sweet cherry genotyping will substantially simplify genotyping workflows, minimize errors, and save labor, time, and cost.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can rebalance growth-defense trade-offs in plants. However, the temporal molecular mechanisms underlying sustained growth promotion in woody fruit crops, particularly cherry (Prunus avium), remain largely unclear. This study inoculated Gisela 6 sweet cherry seedlings with three PGPR strains (Rahnella Y17, Arthrobacter Y37, and Bacillus megaterium P6). Phenotypic and physiological traits were assessed at 60 days (d), while targeted phytohormone metabolomics and root transcriptomes were profiled at 30 and 40 d post-treatment. Our results demonstrated that all three PGPR strains enhanced plant growth, photosynthetic capacity, and root architecture, with Y37 demonstrating superior biomass promotion. Phytohormone dynamics featured consistent ABA (abscisic acid) suppression, coupled with an early elevation of GA (gibberellin) and auxin followed by subsequent cytokinin accumulation. Notably, Y37 uniquely enriched jasmonate intermediates. Comparative transcriptomic analysis uncovered strain-specific trajectories, with integrated co-expression analysis defining modules associated with early metabolism and later structural remodeling. Key hub genes were identified as involved in hormone regulation and cell wall synthesis. Collectively, these findings suggest that Y37 drives a temporal partitioning from metabolic priming to architectural reinforcement by reallocating carbon and tuning hormone pathways, thereby underpinning superior growth and resilience. This study provides novel insights into PGPR-based strategies for sustainable cherry production.

Plant growth regulator 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) delays the ripening of many climacteric fruits and vegetables. However, the effect of 1-MCP has been studied to a lesser extent on non-climacteric fruit, showing variable results in delaying their ripening. In the present experiment the effects of using different doses: 1, 2, 4 uL of 1-MCP per liter in the form of Vidre+ stickers (Fresh Inset) compared to control (without 1-MCP) on the quality parameters and shelf life of cv. Kordia and Regina was evaluated. One Liter clamshells of freshly picked sweet cherries were placed into a plastic bag for 24 h. After that, all clamshells were placed into a storage chamber (2–3 °C, 90–95% relative air humidity). The best results in terms of weight loss, stem browning, firmness and fruit quality after storage was obtained with samples treated with 1-MCP. Similar relationships were obtained with regard to the concentration of Vitamin C, total polyphenols, anthocyanins and the antioxidant activity FRAP. Compared to the Kordia cv., the Regina cv. was characterized by smaller losses and smaller changes in other parameters during storage.

BACKGROUND: Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a high-value fruit crop, but its commercial success is often limited by poor pigmentation, reduced firmness, and short shelf life. This study evaluated the effects of preharvest applications of prohexadione-calcium (1.5 L ha-1) on fruit quality and storage performance in lowland and hilly orchards in northern Italy. RESULTS: Fruit size, weight, firmness, soluble sugars, organic acids, and nutraceutical compounds were measured at harvest and after 14 days of cold storage (2 °C, 75% RH). The firmness of the treated fruits from the hilly orchards was consistently higher and remained stable during storage, while the control fruits experienced an increase in firmness due to dehydration. Prohexadione-calcium also had an impact on the metabolic composition: in the lowland orchards, the sugars in treated fruits increased, whereas they decreased in the controls, and the opposite trend was observed in the hilly site. The organic acids showed varying responses depending on the site, but generally, the treated fruits retained more tartaric acid and maintained more stable sugar-acid ratios during storage. The nutraceutical qualities were better preserved in the treated fruits, especially at harvest in the hilly site and after 7 days in the lowland site. CONCLUSION: Prohexadione-calcium enhanced firmness and nutraceutical stability, improving the postharvest quality of sweet cherries across different growing conditions. © 2026 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. © 2026 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Organ abscission is essential for optimal reproduction, yet its regulation in perennial woody plant species is poorly understood. To investigate how abscission is spatially and temporally regulated during reproduction, we analyzed five sequential abscission events in the cherry species Prunus × yedoensis (Cerasus × yedoensis, Somei-Yoshino) and Prunus sargentii var. verecunda (Bunhong-Beot): abscission of the petals, calyces, flower pedicels, fruit pedicels, and peduncles. The abscission zone of the calyx formed de novo upon activation, whereas other abscission zones were pre-formed but developmentally arrested. Localized ethylene responsiveness reactivated these zones, promoting cell division, differentiation of residuum and secession cells on either side of the abscission zone, and lignin deposition in some cases. This progression was accompanied by reactive oxygen species accumulation and pH shifts. We observed species-specific differences during early floral abscission: P. yedoensis shed petals rapidly in a pollination-independent manner, whereas P. sargentii retained petals on unpollinated flowers, which later abscised with the pedicel, potentially extending the fertilization window. Both species employed a post-fertilization developmental gate via fruit pedicel abscission to selectively eliminate small, slow-growing fruits. These findings reveal that Prunus species coordinate a hierarchical abscission program functioning as a multilayered reproductive filter, progressively refining investment decisions to determine the final fruit set. © The Author(s) 2025. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Nanjing Agricultural University.

Exercise-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) are required for mitochondrial and hypertrophic adaptations, creating a practical trade-off: antioxidant strategies may support short-term performance and recovery yet blunt training signals when mis-timed or over-dosed. We performed a structured narrative review informed by transparent database searches of MEDLINE, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus (2000-2025), prioritizing human intervention studies and using mechanistic evidence to interpret plausibility. Evidence was mapped by antioxidant class, dose, timing, training modality, and context. Across trials, chronic high-dose vitamins C/E taken close to key sessions are most consistently associated with attenuation of redox-sensitive signaling, whereas food-first polyphenols and selected bioactives (e.g., tart cherry/anthocyanins, pomegranate, and curcumin) more often support recovery when positioned away from adaptation-critical workouts, without clear evidence of impaired training gains. N-acetylcysteine can acutely improve tolerance to repeated high-intensity exercise, but effects during prolonged training remain uncertain and appear context-dependent. We propose Redox-Adaptive Periodization, aligning antioxidant class, dose, and timing with the primary objective (adaptation vs. immediate readiness) and environmental constraints, and we outline methodological priorities to advance precision redox management.

PURPOSE: This review synthesizes evidence on tart cherry juice supplementation for recovery after exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and develops an expert-informed applied framework for sports nutrition practice. METHODS: This evidence-informed narrative review, supported by a structured literature search, prioritized peer-reviewed human experimental studies (especially randomized placebo-controlled trials), with systematic reviews and meta-analyses used for contextualization. The outcomes included delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS)/perceived recovery, neuromuscular recovery (strength/power), and biochemical indices of muscle damage and inflammation. The interpretation considered training status, exercise model (eccentric, endurance, intermittent), supplement form, timing architecture, and assessment windows. RESULTS: The proposed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms did not consistently translate into functional benefits in different contexts. Favorable signals are more frequent for soreness and perceptual outcomes, whereas strength/power findings are mixed and condition-dependent, and biochemical responses are heterogeneous and difficult to interpret in isolation. Several controlled trials have reported null effects, indicating potential limitations to efficacy related to population characteristics, protocol design, dosing/composition, and outcome timing. CONCLUSION: Tart cherry juice is best interpreted as a context-dependent adjunct during high recovery-pressure periods (e.g., congested fixtures, short turnarounds, travel) rather than as a universal daily intervention. Given the theoretical concerns regarding adaptation blunting with chronic antioxidant exposure and limited long-term data, a periodized approach is warranted. Further, potential sponsorship/publication bias should be considered when translating the evidence into practice.

Amid growing consumer interest in the health benefits of anthocyanins, the market for anthocyanin-based dietary supplements has expanded substantially. However, data on product composition and health claims in the Australian online market remains limited. This study characterises anthocyanin-based dietary supplements available online in Australia (July-August 2024), examining product origin, botanical sources, formulation, extract concentration, delivery formats, anthocyanin content disclosure, health claims, serving sizes and pricing patterns. Among the 121 products analysed, bilberry, elderberry, and tart cherry were the most commonly used anthocyanin sources, collectively representing 47% of the market. Capsules were the dominant delivery format (86%), and reported extract concentrations varied widely, with lower ratios (1-10:1) being most prevalent. Only 18% of products disclosed anthocyanin content (0.1-36%), with bilberry supplements accounting for the majority of reported values. Health claims were present on 69% of products and varied by source, with bilberry products most frequently promoting vision health, elderberry emphasising immune support, tart cherry targeting joint and exercise recovery, and cranberry focusing on urinary tract health. Declared extract (mg per serving) ranged from 10 mg to >1500 mg. Pricing varied substantially across products (AUD 0.02-7.40 per gram; mean AUD 0.78/g), with bilberry supplements consistently among the most expensive. Overall, these findings highlight considerable variability in formulation, disclosure, and health claim practices, underscoring the need for improved transparency and evidence-aligned representation of anthocyanins as bioactive pigments in the Australian nutraceutical market.

This systematic review examined the association between tart cherry consumption and sleep disorders. Tart cherries contain active compounds such as melatonin and anthocyanins that may be effective in improving sleep quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of tart cherry consumption on sleep quality and duration, sleep efficiency, melatonin levels, inflammation, and oxidative stress. A systematic review was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and EMBASE databases in January 2025 without time restrictions. English-language interventional studies that examined the effect of tart cherry consumption on sleep, inflammation, and neurotransmitter synthesis were included, and studies related to other chronic diseases were excluded. In total, seven interventional studies were included in the review. Three studies reported significant improvements in sleep indicators such as sleep duration, sleep efficiency, or sleep onset time. Three studies also reported an increase in melatonin levels after tart cherry consumption. Two studies also reported a decrease in inflammatory markers such as CRP and MDA. However, there were large differences in dose, duration of intervention, and characteristics of the participating populations. Although tart cherry consumption may be effective in improving sleep quality, reducing inflammation, and increasing antioxidant capacity, the available evidence is still limited and heterogeneous. To demonstrate clinical efficacy and clarify the mechanisms of action, high-quality, carefully designed clinical trial studies in diverse populations are essential. © 2025 The Author(s). Food Science & Nutrition published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

The Montmorency tart cherry (Prunus cerasus L., MTC) polyphenols may contribute to reduced inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers in the body. However, a comprehensive polyphenolic profile of MTC products is lacking. This study provides a comparative analysis of the polyphenolic distribution of individual anthocyanins, flavonols, flavanols, hydroxycinnamic acids, and hydroxybenzoic acids in five MTC products (frozen raw fruit, freeze-dried powder, sweet dried fruit, unsweetened dried fruit, juice concentrate). Twenty-three polyphenols were detected, and 21 were positively identified. Results from three replicates indicate that frozen raw MTC has the most total polyphenolics. Juice concentrate, unsweetened dried MTC, freeze-dried MTC powder, and sweet dried MTC contained 26%, 40%, 60%, and 77% fewer total polyphenolics than frozen raw MTC. Hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols, and anthocyanins predominated, accounting for 87-99% of total polyphenols in MTC products. Chlorogenic acid, rutin, cyanidin-3-sophoroside, feruloquinic acid, ferulic acid, and coumaric acid isomers were noteworthy polyphenolics. Hydroxycinnamic acids predominated in sweet dried (82%), unsweetened dried (74%), juice concentrate (66%), and frozen-raw (54%) MTC. Flavonols predominated in freeze-dried MTC powder (52%). Anthocyanins, particularly cyanidin glycosides, were important polyphenolics in frozen-raw cherries (18%) but less so in other MTC products. These findings highlight the variability in polyphenols in MTC products and emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate MTC products for specific health benefits.

Effective post-exercise recovery is vital for optimizing athletic performance, focusing on muscle repair, glycogen replenishment, rehydration, and inflammation management. This review explores the evolving trend from traditional supplements, such as protein, carbohydrates, creatine, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), toward functional foods rich in bioactive compounds. Evidence highlights the benefits of functional foods like tart cherry juice (anthocyanins), turmeric-seasoned foods, and sources of omega-3 fatty acids, including fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, for mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, probiotics and prebiotics support gut health and immune function, which are integral to effective recovery. Personalized nutrition, informed by genetic and metabolic profiling, is examined as a promising approach to tailor recovery strategies. A systematic search across PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar (2000-2024) identified studies with high empirical rigor and relevance to recovery outcomes. Findings underscore the need for further research into nutrient interactions, dosage optimization, and long-term effects on athletic performance. Integrating functional foods with personalized nutrition presents a comprehensive framework for enhanced recovery, greater resilience to physical stress, and sustained performance in athletes.

Horiuchi, Masahiro, and Samuel J. Oliver. Post-exercise hypotension after exercising in hypoxia with and without tart cherry supplementation. High Alt Med Biol. 26:63-69, 2025. Background: This study investigated the effects of hypoxic exercise with and without tart cherry (TC) supplementation on post-exercise hypotension (PEH). Method: In a randomized order, 12 healthy young adults (9 men and 3 women) completed cycle exercise to exhaustion (1) in normoxia without any supplementation (Norm), (2) in hypoxia (13% O2) with placebo (Hypo), and (3) in hypoxia with TC supplementation (Hypo + TC). Supplements were supplied for 5 days pre-trial (TC was 200 mg anthocyanin per day for 4 days and 100 mg on day 5). Results: Cycle exercise total energy expenditure was greater in Norm than Hypo and Hypo + TC (p < 0.001) with no difference between Hypo and Hypo + TC (p = 0.41). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) decreased during recovery in all trials (main effect of time, p < 0.001), with no difference in PEH between the trials (p > 0.05, change [Δ] in MAP from pre-exercise at 60 minutes recovery, mean difference, Norm Δ-4.4 mmHg, Hypo Δ-6.1 mmHg, and Hypo + TC Δ-5.2 mmHg). Cardiac baroreflex sensitivity decreased during recovery in all trials (p < 0.001) and was lower in Hypo than Norm and Hypo + TC (main effect of trial, p = 0.02). Conclusion: PEH was not increased after exercise in hypoxia, with or without TC supplementation, compared with exercise in normoxia.

Metabolic conditions, such as gout, can result from elevated uric acid (UA) levels. Consuming high-purine meals increases UA levels. Therefore, people with hyperuricemia typically must avoid ingesting such foods. Polyphenols have been shown to reduce uric acid levels and tart cherries (TCs) are a rich source of phenolic and anthocyanin compounds. This proof-of-concept study evaluated whether ingesting TCs with a purine-rich meal affects the uricemic response. Methods: A total of 25 adults (15 males and 10 females, 85.0 ± 17 kg, 40.6 ± 9 years, 29.1 ± 4.9 kg/m2) with elevated fasting UA levels (5.8 ± 1.3 mg/dL) donated a fasting blood sample. In a randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced manner, participants ingested capsules containing 960 mg of a placebo (PLA) or concentrated TC powder containing 20.7 mg of proanthocyanins with a serving of hot soup (10 g of carbohydrate, 2 g protein, and 1 g fat) containing 3 g of purines (1 g of adenosine 5'-monophosphate, 1 g of disodium 5'-guanylate, and 1 g of disodium 5'-inosinate). Blood samples were obtained at 0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 min after ingestion to assess changes in uric acid levels and pharmacokinetic profiles. Cell blood counts, a comprehensive metabolic panel, cytokines, inflammatory markers, and subjective side effects ratings were analyzed on baseline (0 min) and post-treatment (240 min) samples. Participants continued consuming two capsules/day of the assigned treatment for one week and then repeated the experiment. Participants observed a 14-day washout and then repeated the experiment while ingesting the alternate treatment. Data were analyzed using general linear model (GLM) statistics with repeated measures, pairwise comparisons, and percentage change from baseline with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: No statistically significant interaction effects or differences between treatments were seen in uric acid levels or PK profiles. Analysis of percent changes from baseline revealed that TC ingestion reduced the blood glucose levels following the ingestion of the high-purine meal (-4.2% [-7.7, -0.7], p = 0017). Additionally, there was some evidence that TC ingestio

Antioxidants are among the common components of sports nutrition designed to counteract oxidative stress that develops during intense physical activity. One of the promising antioxidants are anthocyanins which belong to polyphenolic compounds of plant origin (class of flavonoids). The purpose of the research was to analyze the results of prospective controlled studies on the effect of anthocyanins on physical performance, and to consider the possible molecular mechanisms of their action. Material and methods. Sources were searched in PubMed, Google Scholar, and CyberLeninka databases of peer-reviewed scientific literature without restrictions on the year of publication using the following keywords: anthocyanins, physical performance, recovery, sport and exercise nutrition, oxidative stress, inflammation. Results. The main data set on the effects of anthocyanins in athletes was obtained using extracts of blackcurrant and Montmorency tart cherry. Volunteers received anthocyanins at a dose of 86-547 mg per day for 1 to 10 days with subsequent evaluation of their performance in cycling, running and fitness activities. The possibility of favorable effect of anthocyanins on physical performance and acceleration of its recovery after exertion has been shown. The source, dose and duration of intake did not significantly influence the established effects of anthocyanins. Acting as exogenous regulators of metabolism, anthocyanins can activate several mechanisms of performance enhancement, including influence on antioxidant and immune status and apoptosis intensity. Anthocyanins prevent the formation of reactive oxygen species, neutralize electrophilic compounds by direct interaction or through activation of Nrf2 factor, which regulates the transcription of antioxidant enzyme genes. The basis of the anti-inflammatory action of anthocyanins is their ability to inhibit MARK and NF-κB mediated signal transduction. Inclusion of bilberry and blackcurrant extract in the diet prevented the intensification of myocyte apoptosis and suppression of cellular immunity induced by exhausting exercise. An additional mechanism of anthocyanin action on physical performance may be an increas

Previous studies have shown tart cherry (TC) to improve exercise performance in normoxia. The effect of TC on hypoxic exercise performance is unknown. This study investigated the effects of 5 days of tart cherry (TC) or placebo (PL) supplementation on hypoxic exercise performance. Thirteen healthy participants completed an incremental cycle exercise test to exhaustion (TTE) under two conditions: (i) hypoxia (13% O2) with PL and (ii) hypoxia with TC (200 mg anthocyanin per day for 4 days and 100 mg on day 5). Pulmonary gas exchange variables, peripheral arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2), deoxygenated hemoglobin (HHb), and tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy in the vastus lateralis muscle were measured at rest and during exercise. Urinary 8-hydro-2′ deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) excretion was evaluated pre-exercise and 1 and 5 h post-exercise. The TTE after TC (940 ± 84 s, mean ± standard deviation) was longer than after PL (912 ± 63 s, p < 0.05). During submaximal hypoxic exercise, HHb was lower and StO2 and SpO2 were higher after TC than PL. Moreover, a significant interaction (supplements × time) in urinary 8-OHdG excretion was found (p < 0.05), whereby 1 h post-exercise increases in urinary 8-OHdG excretion tended to be attenuated after TC. These findings indicate that short-term dietary TC supplementation improved hypoxic exercise tolerance, perhaps due to lower HHb and higher StO2 in the working muscles during submaximal exercise.

BACKGROUND: Polyphenol-rich fruit supplements are commonly consumed by recreationally active and athletic populations because of their proposed benefits to both exercise performance and recovery from prior exercise. While it has been proposed that 300 mg of polyphenols pre-exercise enhances performance and 1000 mg per day accelerates recovery from muscle damage, it is difficult for consumers to optimize their intake because the polyphenol content of most fruit supplements is not available. Therefore, this study aimed to profile the phenolic and anthocyanin content and in vitro antioxidant capacity of a range of polyphenol-rich fruit supplements on sale in the UK. METHODS: Ten polyphenol-rich fruit supplements (six cherry, two pomegranate, one blueberry, and one New Zealand blackcurrant) commonly consumed by athletes were analyzed for total phenols (Folin-Ciocalteu method), total anthocyanins (pH differential method), and in vitro antioxidant capacity (ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). RESULTS: The ten tested supplements varied markedly per serving in total phenolics (range: 13.8-1007.3 mg/gallic acid equivalents), anthocyanin content (range: 0.19-40.52 mg/cyanidin-3-glucoside), ORAC (range: 150-10,072 µmol of trolox equivalents), and FRAP (range: 72-14,320 µmol of Fe2+ equivalents). Different brands of tart cherry concentrate also exhibited a marked variation in their content of total phenolics (208-591 mg/GAE), anthocyanins (1.5-23.7 mg/cyd-3-glu), and antioxidant capacity (FRAP: 1724-4489 µmol of Fe2+ equivalents; ORAC: 6015-10,072 µmol of TE per serving) per serving. CONCLUSION: As expected, supplements based on different fruits contained different quantities of anthocyanins and polyphenols. However, there was also a substantial variation within different brands of tart cherry supplements. Because limited compositional information is available on the labels of most fruit-based supplements, the data in this article will enable consumers to select the required volume of the ten tested supplements to meet suggested recommendations for polyphenol intake to enhance performance (300 mg pre-exercise) and accelera

Background: Sleep disturbances are linked with cardiovascular and metabolic disease as well as poor body composition. Aim: To investigate the use of tart cherry supplements, which are high in antioxidants and may contain melatonin, on parameters of health such as sleep, body composition, cellular health, and blood pressure (BP). Methods: Forty-four participants had completed sleep record data and were included in this analysis. Participants consumed either two 240 ml bottles per day of Montmorency tart cherry (MTC) juice or placebo or two capsules per day of powdered MTC or placebo for 30 days. Participants tracked their sleep daily via questionnaire and completed body composition and BP assessments at baseline, 14 days, and 30 days after supplementation. Results: There were no significant differences in sleep time or quality between groups, though both increased over 30 days. The capsule groups had significantly lower body mass (BM) 14 days versus baseline for placebo group (p = 0.01, mean difference: 0.70 kg) and at 30 days versus 14 days in MTC group (p = 0.02, mean difference: 0.75 kg). No other differences in body composition or cellular health were found. BP was unaffected by MTC supplementation over 30 days. Despite the potential benefits of antioxidants and melatonin, we did not find improvements in sleep time or quality, cellular health or BP in participants consuming MTC for 30 days, though BM decreased in capsule groups. Conclusion: These results conflict with previous data on MTC and sleep and BP, therefore further investigation is warranted.

Montmorency tart cherries (MC) have been found to modulate indices of vascular function with interventions of varying duration. The objective of this preliminary study was to identify the chronic effects of MC supplementation on vascular function and the potential for urinary metabolomics to provide mechanistic evidence. We performed a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomised study on 23 healthy individuals (18M, 7F) that consumed 30 ml MC or a placebo twice daily for 28 days. Whole body measures of vascular function and spot urine collections were taken at baseline and after supplementation. There were no significant changes to vascular function including blood pressure and arterial stiffness. Urinary metabolite profiling highlighted significant changes (P < 0⋅001) with putative discriminatory metabolites related to tryptophan and histidine metabolism. Overall, MC supplementation for 28 days does not improve indices of vascular function but changes to the urinary metabolome could be suggestive of potential mechanisms. © The Author(s) 2021.

BACKGROUND: Tart Montmorency cherries (MC) have been shown to be rich in anthocyanins and other phytochemicals known to have anti-inflammatory properties and influence pathways that might improve cardiometabolic health. However, there is limited evidence for the longer-term use of tart cherries on these indices. The aim of the current study was to investigate the influence of MC concentrate on cardiometabolic health indices following a 3-month supplementation period. METHODS: Fifty middle-aged adults (34 males and 16 females; mean ± SD age: 48 ± 6 years and BMI: 27.6 ± 3.7 kg/m2) completed a randomised, placebo-controlled parallel study in which they either received MC or an isocaloric placebo. Participants drank 30 mL of their allocated treatment twice per day for 3 months. Vascular function (blood pressure [BP], heart rate [HR], pulse wave velocity and analysis [PWV/A], and flow mediated dilation [FMD]) as well as indices of metabolic health (insulin, glucose, lipid profiles, and high sensitivity C reactive protein) were measured following an overnight fast before and after the 3 months. RESULTS: No effect of the intervention between the groups was observed for vascular function or metabolic health variables following the intervention (p > 0.05). However, MC concentrate was shown to be safe and well-tolerated and, importantly, did not have any deleterious effects on these outcomes. In conclusion, MC has no influence on cardiometabolic indices in middle-aged adults.

Tart cherries (TC) are a rich source of polyphenols that elicit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. As a consequence, the effects of TC derived supplements on markers of human health, exercise performance and sleep have been investigated. Supplementation protocols have been highly variable across studies and the dose of bioactive compounds used has often been poorly characterized. Specific and non-specific analytical methods were employed for measuring the total polyphenol and anthocyanin content in TC supplements. This review critically analyses the supplementation protocols and the analytical methods used for the characterization of TC supplements, culminating in recommendations for good practice in the analysis and reporting of the polyphenol content and profile of TC products. A literature search was conducted using PubMed/Medline and Web of Science up to May 4th, 2020, including studies published in all years prior. Only articles written in English that provided a TC dietary supplement as opposed to fresh whole TC were included in this review. Forty-three studies were identified as eligible and included for analysis in this review. The studies investigated the effects of TC supplementation on various aspects of human health, exercise recovery and performance and sleep. Twenty studies conducted an analysis of TC supplement and reported total polyphenol/anthocyanin content. Six studies did not report the polyphenol content of the TC supplement used. Seventeen studies reported the TC supplement polyphenol content but this was derived from previously published studies and presumably different supplement batches. The duration of the supplementation protocol ranged from acute supplementation to 84 days, meanwhile the total polyphenol and anthocyanin dose ranged from 143 to 2,140 mg/day and 15 to 547 mg/day, respectively. Due to the variety of specific and non-specific analytical methods used, the relative efficacy of different doses and polyphenol blends cannot reliably be extrapolated from critical analysis of the literature. Future studies should conduct an analysis of the study supplement batch. In addition to analysis and reporting of total polyphenol

Greater than one-third of adults in the United States have metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of risk factors highly associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases. Premature vascular dysfunction in MetS may lead to accelerated age-related atherogenesis and arterial stiffening, thereby increasing cardiovascular risk. Montmorency tart cherries (Prunus cerasus L.) are rich in bioactive compounds, such as anthocyanins, known to exert cardiovascular protective effects. Previous research suggests that tart cherry juice consumption may improve cardiovascular health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of daily consumption of tart cherry juice on hemodynamics, arterial stiffness, and blood biomarkers of cardiovascular and metabolic health in men and women with MetS. In a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm pilot clinical trial, 19 men and women 20 to 60 years of age with MetS consumed 240 mL of tart cherry juice (Tart Cherry; n = 5 males, 4 females) or an isocaloric placebo-control drink (Control; n = 5 males, 5 females) twice daily for 12 weeks. Arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity), brachial and aortic blood pressures, wave reflection (augmentation index), and blood biomarkers of cardiovascular and metabolic health were assessed at baseline and 6 and 12 weeks. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 were significantly lower (P = .047 and P = .036, respectively) in Tart Cherry than Control at 12 weeks, but were not significantly lower than baseline values. There was a trend for total cholesterol to be lower (P = .08) in Tart Cherry than Control at 12 weeks. No significant changes were observed in hemodynamics, arterial stiffness, or other blood biomarkers assessed. These results suggest that daily tart cherry consumption may attenuate processes involved in accelerated atherogenesis without affecting hemodynamics or arterial stiffness parameters in this population. The pilot nature of this study warrants interpreting these findings with caution, and future clinical trials with a larger sample size are needed to confirm these findings.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of supplementation with tart cherry juice (TCJ) on markers of recovery after intermittent exercise under habitual dietary conditions. METHODS: Using a randomized, single-blind, placebo (PLA)-controlled, independent-groups design, 20 team-sport players (8 male and 12 female; age 26 [4] y, height 175.4 [9.6] cm, body mass 70.2 [12.6] kg) were divided equally into 2 groups and consumed either TCJ or PLA twice per day for 8 consecutive days while following their normal dietary habits. Participants completed an adapted version of the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST) on day 6 of supplementation. Countermovement jump, 20-m sprint, maximal voluntary isometric contraction, and delayed onset muscle soreness were assessed at baseline and 1, 24, and 48 hours post-LIST. Blood markers of muscle damage (creatine kinase) and inflammation (C-reactive protein) were taken presupplementation, immediately pre-LIST, and 1, 24, and 48 hours post-LIST. Data were analyzed using a repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: Countermovement jump, 20-m sprint, and maximal voluntary isometric contraction showed significantly faster recovery with TCJ (P < .05) at 24 and 48 hours post-LIST. A significant interaction effect (P < .05) was observed for muscle soreness; however, Bonferroni post hoc analysis could not identify when the significant differences between TCJ and PLA occurred. There were no significant differences throughout recovery between TCJ and PLA for C-reactive protein and creatine kinase (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that TCJ, in addition to habitual diet, can accelerate recovery after intermittent exercise and therefore extend the efficacy of TCJ in accelerating recovery in team sports.

This study examined the effects of sour tart cherry juice (TC) on muscle soreness (MS) and wellbeing following a rugby union match in professional players. In a crossover design, 10 players from a senior squad in the top tier of England consumed either 2 × 30 mL servings of TC or an isocaloric cherry-flavoured control gel (CON) two days before, the day of, and two days following an 80 min match. Subjective wellbeing and MS were measured before the match (Pre), and for three days following the match (M+1, M+2, and M+3, respectively). MS was elevated from Pre at M+1 (CON, 111 ± 37 mm vs. TC 94 ± 41 mm) and M+2 (CON, 81 ± 35 mm vs. TC 72 ± 36 mm) (time effect; p = 0.0001; ηp² = 0.821) but there were no differences between TC and CON at either time point post-exercise (p = 0.807; ηp² = 0.035). Wellness scores were ~15% lower at M+1 (p = 0.023; ηp² = 0.638) but there were no differences between the two conditions at any time point (p = 0.647; ηp² = 0.160). In conclusion, tart cherry juice did not attenuate soreness or alter wellbeing in a team of professional rugby union players following a competitive match.

Montmorency tart cherries (Prunus cerasus L.) are rich in anthocyanins, compounds capable of augmenting fat oxidation and regulating metabolic dysfunction. The present study examined whether Montmorency tart cherry juice (MTCJ) supplementation could augment fat oxidation rates at rest and during FATMAX exercise, thus improve cardio-metabolic health. Eleven, healthy participants consumed MTCJ or placebo (PLA) twice daily, in a randomised, counterbalanced order for 20 days. Participants cycled at FATMAX for 1-h pre-, mid- (10 days) and post-supplementation whilst substrate oxidation rates were measured. Before exercise anthropometrics and resting metabolic rate were measured. Blood pressure, serum triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, total antioxidant status (TAS) and glucose were measured immediately before and after exercise. No significant differences between conditions or interactions were observed for any functional and blood-based cardio-metabolic markers or fat oxidation during exercise or rest (P > 0.05). Pre-exercise TAS (P = 0.036) and HDL (P = 0.001) were significantly reduced from mid- to post-supplementation with MTCJ only. Twenty days' MTCJ supplementation had no effect on fat oxidation; therefore, it is unnecessary for individuals in this participant cohort to consume MTCJ with exercise to improve cardio-metabolic biomarkers.

Increased oxidative stress contributes to development and progression of several human chronic inflammatory diseases. Cherries are a rich source of polyphenols and vitamin C which have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Our aim is to summarize results from human studies regarding health benefits of both sweet and tart cherries, including products made from them (juice, powder, concentrate, capsules); all referred to as cherries here. We found 29 (tart 20, sweet 7, unspecified 2) published human studies which examined health benefits of consuming cherries. Most of these studies were less than 2 weeks of duration (range 5 h to 3 months) and served the equivalent of 45 to 270 cherries/day (anthocyanins 55-720 mg/day) in single or split doses. Two-thirds of these studies were randomized and placebo controlled. Consumption of cherries decreased markers for oxidative stress in 8/10 studies; inflammation in 11/16; exercise-induced muscle soreness and loss of strength in 8/9; blood pressure in 5/7; arthritis in 5/5, and improved sleep in 4/4. Cherries also decreased hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) in diabetic women, and VLDL and TG/HDL in obese participants. These results suggest that consumption of sweet or tart cherries can promote health by preventing or decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation.