Tart Cherry / Sour Cherry
Prunus cerasus
Tart cherry anthocyanins show anti-tumour activity against colon, breast, and lung cancer cells. Uniquely, tart cherries are the richest food source of melatonin — the pineal hormone with documented anti-cancer effects that also regulates sleep. Cancer patients commonly experience severe sleep disruption; tart cherry juice improves sleep quality significantly.
Medicinal Properties
Cancer Types Studied
Recommended Dosage
240 ml unsweetened tart cherry juice twice daily, or 500–1000 mg tart cherry extract.
Preparations
Tart Cherry Juice
240 ml unsweetened Montmorency tart cherry juice twice daily — morning and before bed. Sleep-enhancing melatonin effect strongest before bed.
NIH / PubMed Research
Links open on PubMed (National Library of Medicine). Research is ongoing — results may not reflect clinical use.
Cautions & Interactions
- Choose unsweetened — added sugar defeats anti-cancer benefit
- May interact with blood-thinning medications
- May lower blood pressure
- High in natural sugars — be mindful in insulin resistance
Related Herbs
Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before use.