Tart cherry: a new ally against inflammation and metabolic disorders

23 Jan 2026
3770

Two clinical studies open up new perspectives for the functional use of Montmorency tart cherries in inflammation prevention and metabolic health management.

Until recently, tart cherries – particularly the Montmorency variety – were mainly known in the sports world for their benefits on muscle recovery.

Today, however, new clinical studies reveal their potential in counteracting systemic inflammation and supporting metabolism.

Clinical studies on urate and inflammation

In two recent studies conducted on healthy subjects, researchers investigated the effect of supplementation with concentrated tart cherry extracts on certain biomarkers related to oxidative stress and inflammation.

The first study – a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial – involved 25 adults with slightly elevated fasting uric acid levels.

Participants consumed a dose of concentrated Montmorency tart cherry powder (CherryPURE®) together with a purine-rich meal, in order to assess potential effects on blood glucose and inflammation.

The results showed no significant effect on postprandial uric acid levels, but a 4.2% reduction in post-meal blood glucose compared to placebo was observed, along with slight changes in the levels of certain inflammatory cytokines.

Second study: concrete results on CRP and urate

The second study, also randomized and placebo-controlled, used a standardized European tart cherry extract (NordicCherry®).

Ten healthy subjects took 500 mg per day of the extract for four weeks.

At the end of the intervention, a significant reduction of 37.4% in urate levels and a 23% decrease in C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker of systemic inflammation, were observed.

According to the researchers, regular intake of the extract showed a tangible impact on reducing inflammation and regulating uric acid metabolism, suggesting a potential role for tart cherries in the prevention of chronic inflammation and the promotion of metabolic health.

A functional fruit worth rediscovering

While the first study suggests modest and limited effects, the second provides stronger evidence in support of tart cherries as a functional ingredient capable of contributing to systemic well-being, even in healthy individuals.

Thanks to their polyphenol content, tart cherries are confirmed not only as beneficial for physical recovery, but also as a promising daily support in the prevention of mild inflammatory and metabolic conditions.

A natural ally for those who view nutrition as a key to long-term health.

Source: www.supplysidesj.com

Image source: Onlymyhealth.com 


Italian Berry - All rights reserved

What to read next

New metabolic evidence on scion–rootstock interaction in sweet cherry: a study on Prunus mahaleb

Rootstocks

26 Mar 2026

A study in Puglia explores how grafting affects Prunus mahaleb metabolism, revealing differences in sugars, acids, and bioactive compounds between grafted and ungrafted plants, with key implications for fruit quality, nutraceutical value, and rootstock use.

Shading sweet cherry trees: greenhouse study from China on photosynthesis

Tech management

17 Jul 2025

A greenhouse experiment in China on sweet cherry trees examined how different shading durations affect photosynthesis, sugar content, chlorophyll levels, and antioxidant enzyme activity. The study highlights the balance between light protection and optimal fruit development.

In evidenza

Digital phenotyping in cherry orchards: mapping the phenotype-fruit load relationship from a single smartphone image

Tech management

02 Nov 2026

Phenoria uses a single smartphone image and AI to assess cherry tree canopies and fruit load. Comparing trees averaging 755 versus 137 fruits, the study shows how digital phenotyping reveals within-orchard variability and helps identify areas for further investigation.

Claudia Soler: Improving the quality of Chilean cherries requires a shared responsibility

Markets

02 Nov 2026

Claudia Soler examines the future of Chilean cherries after two difficult seasons, focusing on premium quality, changing consumer demand in China, export diversification into the US and Europe, stronger logistics and strategies to build a more resilient industry by 2035.

Tag Popolari