Meta Information
ID:tart-cherry-extract
Name:
Schema Version:2.4_uniform_evidence_2026_06_18
Created
2026-05-21T22:30:00Z
Model
phase-a-upgrade-claude-sonnet-4.6
Interactions
Target id:
/class/anticoagulants-antiplatelets
Target name:
Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Tart cherry contains compounds that may inhibit platelet aggregation, potentially increasing the effects of anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications and raising the risk of bleeding.
Actionable advice:
It is important to talk to a doctor before use while taking blood-thinning medications or with a bleeding disorder.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Some botanicals may cause bleeding events when taken alone (e.g., garlic and Ginkgo biloba) and may have anticoagulant, antiplatelet, and/or fibrinolytic properties.
Label source:
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/procedure/surgery
Target name:
Upcoming Surgery
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
336
Hours after target:
null
Description:
Due to its potential to affect blood clotting, tart cherry extract may increase the risk of excessive bleeding during and after surgical procedures.
Actionable advice:
Use should be discontinued at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery.
Validation status:
unvalidatable
Evidence tier:
tier_e
Evidence basis:
unvalidatable
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Scientific literature support not found
Exact phrase from label:
Label source:
No-data precaution: tart cherry's antiplatelet/bleeding effect is unproven and the previously cited paper was an unrelated gout trial; peri-operative caution is precautionary only.
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/class/antihypertensives
Target name:
Antihypertensive Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Tart cherry may lower blood pressure, and taking it with antihypertensive drugs could cause an additive effect, potentially leading to excessively low blood pressure (hypotension).
Actionable advice:
Blood pressure should be monitored closely, and it is important to talk to a doctor if medication for high blood pressure is being taken.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Tart cherries have been suggested to exert several potentially beneficial health effects including: lowering blood pressure, modulating blood glucose, enhancing cognitive function, protecting against oxidative stress and reducing inflammation.
Label source:
PubMed: Tart Cherries and health: Current knowledge and need for a better understanding of the fate of phytochemicals in the human gastrointestinal tract. (PMID 28956621)
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/class/antidiabetic-medications
Target name:
Diabetes Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Tart cherry may lower blood sugar levels, which can have an additive effect with diabetes medications, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar).
Actionable advice:
Blood glucose levels are best monitored carefully, and it is important to consult a doctor if any diabetes medications are taken.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Metformin decreases liver uptake of lactate increasing lactate blood levels which may increase the risk of lactic acidosis, especially in patients at risk.
Label source:
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/class/glucose-lowering-supplements
Target name:
Glucose-Lowering Supplements
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Combining tart cherry with other supplements that lower blood sugar (e.g., berberine, cinnamon) can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Actionable advice:
Caution is warranted, and it is worth monitoring for symptoms of low blood sugar, when combining with other glucose-lowering supplements.
Validation status:
validated_via_class_inference
Evidence tier:
tier_c
Evidence basis:
class_inference_summary
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Established mechanism / class pharmacology (no single primary source quoted)
Exact phrase from label:
Mechanistic inference: tart cherry produces a mild glucose-lowering effect (cited PMID 39408358 blunted the glycemic response to a meal), so additive hypoglycemia with other glucose-lowering supplements is plausible; no combination was tested.
Label source:
Class inference
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/condition/diabetes-mellitus
Target name:
Diabetes Mellitus
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Tart cherry can lower blood sugar, which requires careful monitoring for individuals with diabetes to prevent hypoglycemia, especially if they are on medication.
Actionable advice:
If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar closely when starting tart cherry and consult your doctor.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
there was some evidence that TC supplementation may blunt the glycemic response to ingesting a meal
Label source:
Small proof-of-concept RCT (n=25), PMID 39408358. Supports a modest/preliminary glucose-lowering effect warranting monitoring in diabetes.
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/circadian/sleep
Target name:
Going to Sleep
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
null
Description:
Tart cherry is a natural source of melatonin and tryptophan, which can improve sleep onset and quality by supporting the body's natural sleep-wake cycle.
Actionable advice:
A dose is best taken approximately 1-2 hours before the intended bedtime for optimal sleep benefits.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Tart Montmorency cherries have been reported to contain high levels of phytochemicals including melatonin, a molecule critical in regulating the sleep-wake cycle in humans.
Label source:
PubMed: European journal of nutrition (2012)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Tart cherries contain active compounds such as melatonin and anthocyanins that may be effective in improving sleep quality.
Label source:
PubMed: Food science & nutrition (2025)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Various nutritional interventions have been shown to improve sleep including high carbohydrate, high glycaemic index evening meals, melatonin, tryptophan rich protein, tart cherry juice, kiwifruit and micronutrients.
Label source:
PubMed: Nutrients (2019)
Action type:
separate
Target id:
/intervention/exercise
Target name:
Exercise (Post-Workout)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
null
Hours after target:
2
Description:
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds in tart cherry help reduce muscle damage and soreness (DOMS) when consumed after strenuous exercise.
Actionable advice:
For muscle recovery, tart cherry extract is best consumed within two hours after completing a workout.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Tart cherries, rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may have a protective effect to reduce muscle damage and pain during strenuous exercise.
Label source:
PubMed: Efficacy of tart cherry juice in reducing muscle pain during running: a randomized controlled trial. (PMID 20459662)
Action type:
separate
Target id:
/biomarker/uric-acid
Target name:
Uric Acid Levels
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Anthocyanins in tart cherry can increase kidney excretion of uric acid and inhibit xanthine oxidase, an enzyme involved in uric acid production, helping to lower serum levels.
Actionable advice:
Regular use can help maintain lower, healthier uric acid levels, which may be monitored via blood tests.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Tart cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) extracts are plant extracts rich in polyphenolic compounds, particularly anthocyanins, which exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These bioactives may help reduce plasma urate and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, supporting cardiovascular and the management of hyperuricemia.
Label source:
PubMed: Effects of Tart Cherry Extract Supplementation on Plasma Urate and C-Reactive Protein Levels in Healthy Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial. (PMID 41247121)
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
The safety of concentrated tart cherry extract supplements during pregnancy has not been established.
Actionable advice:
Tart cherry extract supplements should not be used during pregnancy.
Validation status:
anecdotal
Evidence tier:
tier_d
Evidence basis:
anecdotal_summary
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
There isn't enough reliable information to know if medicinal amounts of tart cherry fruit or stems are safe.
Label source:
Anecdotal: WebMD
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
It is unknown if the concentrated compounds in tart cherry extract are excreted in breast milk or their effects on an infant.
Actionable advice:
Tart cherry extract supplements should not be used while breastfeeding.
Validation status:
anecdotal
Evidence tier:
tier_d
Evidence basis:
anecdotal_summary
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
There isn't enough reliable information to know if medicinal amounts of tart cherry fruit or stems are safe.
Label source:
Anecdotal: WebMD
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/class/cyp2c9-substrates
Target name:
Drugs Metabolized by CYP2C9
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Components in tart cherry may theoretically inhibit the CYP2C9 enzyme, potentially increasing levels of drugs metabolized by this pathway, though this effect is not well-documented in humans.
Actionable advice:
This theoretical interaction is worth keeping in mind when taking sensitive CYP2C9 substrate medications like warfarin or certain NSAIDs.
Validation status:
validated_via_fda_label
Evidence tier:
tier_a
Evidence basis:
fda_label_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
• Inhibitors of CYP2C9, 1A2, and/or 3A4 have the potential to increase the effect (increase INR) of warfarin by increasing the exposure of warfarin.
Label source:
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/biomarker/hs-crp
Target name:
hs-CRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein)
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
The potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of tart cherry polyphenols can help reduce systemic inflammation, which may be reflected by a decrease in hs-CRP levels.
Actionable advice:
Consistent intake may contribute to lower levels of this key inflammatory marker over time.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
the TaCCi mixture group had a lower CRP level at week 12 relative to the other two groups (p < 0.01)
Label source:
PMID 37679816. Supports tart-cherry CRP reduction (measured as standard CRP, not specifically hs-CRP). This is the row the paper genuinely supports.
Action type:
monitor