Tart Cherry Extract

TART CHERRIES

Tart cherries are the fruit of the Prunus cerasus tree, native to southwest Asia and Europe. Tart cherries are anthocyanin-rich and deliver substantial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, providing high levels of certain novel anthocyanins and used medicinally for osteoarthritis, muscle pain, fibromyalgia, muscle soreness after exercise, diabetes, high blood pressure, gout, and insomnia. They improve exercise performance, increase urine production, and aid digestion, acting as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Their high concentration of tryptophan and melatonin help regulate sleep patterns and protect brain cells.

TRYPTOPHAN

Tryptophan is a naturally-occurring essential amino acid found in tart cherries. It serves several important purposes, like nitrogen balance in adults and growth in infants. It also creates niacin, which is essential in creating the neurotransmitter serotonin. There are two types of tryptophan: L-tryptophan and D-tryptophan. Health benefits from tryptophan include healthier and better quality sleep, relief from depression and anxiety, increased emotional well-being, better management of pain tolerance.

MELATONIN

Melatonin is also in tart cherries. It is a hormone found naturally in the human body and in certain foods or organic compounds. Medicinal melatonin can be synthesized and is commonly available as a supplement. It helps the body regulate its internal clock and circadian rhythm, and is used as a treatment for sleep-related ailments. It is also used to treat a wide number of other illnesses. Melatonin's main job in the body is to regulate night and day cycles or sleep-wake cycles. Darkness causes the body to produce more melatonin, which signals the body to prepare for sleep. Light decreases melatonin production and signals the body to prepare for being awake.