Cherry Extract
Cherry extract is a concentrate made from the fruit of cherry trees (Prunus species), which is rich in red anthocyanin pigments.
Also listed as Wild Cherry extract, Sweet Cherry extract, Black Cherry Extract, organic Wild Cherry extract
Can tart cherry help after hard exercise?
A meta-analysis of 14 studies found a small reduction in muscle soreness and moderate improvements in strength and power recovery after strenuous exercise. Creatine kinase, a marker associated with muscle damage, and the inflammatory marker TNF-α did not improve significantly. 1
Some recovery measures improved, while others did not; the findings concern strenuous exercise and the tested preparations. 1
Does it improve sleep?
A 2025 review included seven intervention studies. Three reported improvements in measures such as sleep duration, efficiency or time to fall asleep. Doses, treatment lengths and participants varied considerably, leaving the overall evidence limited. 2
The signal is promising, but the small, varied evidence base does not establish a reliable sleep treatment. 2
Other claims not assessed here
This page does not evaluate blood pressure, joint comfort, immune support or skin aging.
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Fitness1 effect
Sleep1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Longevity1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Immune Support1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Bone & Joint1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Hair & Skin1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Cardiovascular1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Other effects1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
All studies
3 publications are linked to Cherry Extract, newest first.
Sources
- Tart Cherry Supplementation and Recovery From Strenuous Exercise: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 2021 · Study record
- The Effect of Tart Cherry on Sleep Quality and Sleep Disorders: A Systematic Review Food Science & Nutrition, 2025