Health Guide

Wild Cherry

Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina), often referred to as Black Cherry, is more than just a delicious fruit—it's a powerhouse of natural wellness. Rich in anthocyanins (the pigments that give it that deep red hue), this ingredient is a staple in traditional medicine for soothing coughs and reducing inflammation. Unlike synthetic alternatives, Wild Cherry offers a gentle, evidence-based approach to supporting respiratory health and fighting oxidative stress. Whether you enjoy it as a tart juice or a concentrated extract, it’s nature’s way of helping you breathe easier and stay resilient.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Antioxidant Potency Comparison

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis

ORAC Value (Antioxidant Units)

Source →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

Soothes Coughs: Acts as a natural expectorant to loosen mucus.
Fights Inflammation: High antioxidant levels combat joint pain.
Supports Heart Health: May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Deep Dive

Wild Cherry bark and fruit are rich in plant compounds called polyphenols. These compounds act as antioxidants, neutralizing harmful free radicals that damage cells. Historically, the bark was used to treat coughs and bronchitis because it contains mild sedative properties that relax the throat muscles. Modern studies suggest that the juice can significantly reduce levels of uric acid (linked to gout) and improve blood vessel function, making it a dual-action supplement for both respiratory and metabolic health.

Natural Food Sources

Wild Cherry is best consumed as a fruit or juice. The darker the fruit, the higher the anthocyanin content.

Food Source	Amount	% Daily Value (Anthocyanins)
Tart Cherry Juice (1 cup)	8 oz	~120mg
Blackberries (1 cup)	1 cup	~180mg
Wild Cherry Bark (Tea)	1 tsp dried	N/A (Medicinal)
Blueberries (1 cup)	1 cup	~150mg

Supplementation

Dosage: If taking a standardized extract, a common dosage is 500mg to 1000mg daily. For juice, 8–12 ounces daily is typical. Who Should Take It: It is ideal for individuals suffering from seasonal coughs, arthritis pain, or those looking to boost their antioxidant intake naturally. It is safe for adults and children (in juice form) but always consult a pediatrician for children.

Top Food Sources

Tart Cherries (Frozen/Dried)

Best for daily snacking

Wild Cherry Bark

Must be boiled/steeped for tea

Blackberries

Good alternative source

Elderberries

Supports immunity

Acai Berry

Expensive but potent

Frequently Asked Questions

They are related but different species. Tart cherries (Montmorency) are usually for eating/juicing. Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina) is often used for medicinal bark extracts, though both share antioxidant benefits.

Yes. Wild cherry bark has mild sedative properties and contains natural melatonin, which can aid in falling asleep and staying asleep.

For inflammation and arthritis, consistent consumption for 2–4 weeks is usually needed to notice a reduction in pain.

Pure juice is high in natural sugar. If you are diabetic, opt for a standardized capsule supplement or a sugar-free extract instead of drinking large amounts of juice.

Safety & Side Effects

Safety Profile

Wild Cherry is generally considered safe when consumed in food amounts. However, concentrated bark extracts contain cyanogenic glycosides (which can release trace amounts of cyanide) if not processed correctly.

Who Should Avoid:

Individuals with surgery scheduled (it may affect blood sugar and clotting).
Those with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Side Effects: Mild digestive upset or diarrhea due to the sorbitol content in cherry juice.

Scientific References

[1]U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Database for Flavonoids
[2]Journal of Functional Foods (2018): 'Anti-inflammatory effects of tart cherry juice'
[3]European Journal of Nutrition (2012): 'Tart cherry juice reduces oxidative stress'