Black Cherry

Black Cherry

Black cherry (Prunus serotina) is a nutrient-dense fruit that has long been used in herbal medicine. Today, black cherry concentrates and extracts are popular ingredients in nutritional supplements supporting joint health and exercise recovery.

What Is Black Cherry?

Black cherry is a species of wild cherry native to eastern North America. The small, tart cherry-like fruits are deep purple to blackish red when ripe. Both the fruits and bark of the black cherry tree have medicinal properties and have been used for centuries in traditional wellness practices.

Native Americans used black cherry as a general tonic and treatment for numerous health complaints. The herb was later adopted in early American folk medicine. Today, black cherry remains a staple ingredient in various joint and inflammation-targeting nutritional supplements.

Black Cherry Nutrition Facts

Black cherry fruit is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. The deep purple pigments in black cherries come from high levels of disease-fighting antioxidants called anthocyanins.

Some of the main nutrients found in black cherry fruit include:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A (as beta carotene)
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Iron
• Manganese
• Anthocyanins

This unique nutrient profile is thought to be responsible for some of black cherry’s traditional therapeutic benefits - particularly for muscular and skeletal health.

Black Cherry Supplement Benefits

While more research is still needed, current evidence suggests black cherry supplements may offer certain health-promoting properties, including:

May Support Joint Comfort

Black cherry is often suggested to help encourage normal inflammatory response and provide joint comfort - especially after exercise. A recent review concluded that black cherry juice can support exercise recovery and help maintain healthy joints.

May Promote Muscle Recovery

The anti-inflammatory nutrients in black cherry may help skeletal muscles heal and bounce back post-workout. Some early findings indicate black cherry juice can reduce workout-related muscle damage while supporting strength recovery.

Rich in Antioxidants

As a very antioxidant-rich fruit, black cherries help fight oxidative stress caused by things like intense training. Anthocyanins make up a large portion of the fruit’s antioxidant capacity.

May Support Circulation

Some research indicates black cherry anthocyanins promote arterial health. Improving blood flow allows muscles and joints to access more oxygen and nutrients while removing damaging waste products.

Common Black Cherry Questions

Before buying black cherry supplements, Australian consumers often want to know:

How Do You Take Black Cherry Supplements?

Black cherry supplements come in various forms, including powders, gel capsules, tablets, and liquid tinctures. Always follow the serving directions on your individual black cherry product.

Once reconstituted, black cherry powders can be mixed into water, juice, or smoothies. Capsules or tablets can be taken with water and are best absorbed alongside food. Black cherry tinctures are typically used sublingually by placing drops under the tongue.

What’s the Best Time to Take Black Cherry Supplements?

For exercise performance and recovery benefits, most supplements recommend consuming black cherry preparations 30-60 minutes before or immediately after your workout.

Splitting your daily black cherry supplement dose - once before and once after training - may offer enhanced results. However for general health maintenance, anytime of day is typically suitable.

Are There Any Black Cherry Supplement Side Effects?

When used as recommended, black cherry is considered very safe. There are currently no known adverse reactions. However some herbalists caution against using black cherry supplements alongside blood thinners like warfarin due to theoretical interactions.

As with any new supplement, start with smaller doses and monitor your body's response. Consult your healthcare practitioner before use if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking prescription medications.