Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryPeer-reviewed

Tart cherry (Prunus cerasus L.): Polyphenols, bioactivity, and bioavailability beyond exercise

Muhammad Jawad; Angela R. Hillman; Robert G. Brannan

Food Bioscience · 2025

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Summary

This narrative review synthesises current evidence on the polyphenol composition and bioactivity of tart cherry (Prunus cerasus L.), evaluating what is known about the bioavailability of its key phytochemicals. The authors extend the scope of tart cherry research beyond its well-established role in exercise recovery, considering potential health benefits across other physiological domains such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic health. The review is likely to draw on in vitro, animal, and human intervention studies to characterise mechanisms of action and identify gaps in the evidence base.

UK applicability

Tart cherries are grown commercially in the UK, particularly in Kent, and tart cherry products are widely available in British retail and sports nutrition markets; findings on bioavailability and broader health benefits would be relevant to UK dietary guidance, product development, and horticultural research priorities.

Key measures

Polyphenol content (e.g. anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolic acids); bioavailability metrics; antioxidant capacity; anti-inflammatory markers; health outcome associations

Outcomes reported

The paper reviews the polyphenol profile of tart cherry (Prunus cerasus L.), examining its bioactive compounds and their bioavailability, with a focus on health applications extending beyond exercise and athletic recovery contexts.

Theme
Nutrition & health
Subject
Fruit & vegetables
Study type
Narrative Review
Study design
Narrative review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
International
System type
Horticulture
DOI
10.1016/j.fbio.2025.107612
Catalogue ID
NRmo3f02hq-0au

Topic tags

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