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Cherry Guard Proprietary Blend

Also known as: Tart cherry, Montmorency cherry, Cherry Guard Proprietary Blend, Prunus cerasus

Overview

Cherry Guard proprietary blends are dietary supplements primarily derived from tart cherry (*Prunus cerasus*) extracts, concentrated sources of anthocyanins and other polyphenols. These blends are designed to aid recovery from strenuous exercise by reducing muscle soreness and improving muscle function. They are also investigated for potential cardiovascular benefits, including blood pressure reduction. The key characteristics of Cherry Guard supplements are their rich anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, mainly attributed to anthocyanins. Research on tart cherry supplementation is moderately to highly mature, with numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses supporting its benefits. The quality of evidence is generally good, particularly for exercise recovery and some cardiovascular parameters. These supplements are available in various forms, including juice concentrates, capsules, and powders, often standardized for anthocyanin content. The natural source of these beneficial compounds is the Montmorency cherry, known for its high polyphenol concentration.

Benefits

Tart cherry supplementation, as found in Cherry Guard blends, has several evidence-based benefits. It reduces muscle soreness after strenuous exercise with a small effect size (ES = -0.44). It also improves the recovery of muscular strength (moderate effect size ES = -0.78) and muscular power (ES = -0.53). Significant improvements in jump height recovery (large effect size ES = -0.82) and sprint time (small effect ES = -0.32) have been observed. Furthermore, it can lead to small reductions in inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein and Interleukin-6 (ES = -0.46 and -0.35 respectively). Some evidence suggests tart cherry may reduce uric acid concentrations, potentially benefiting gout management. Emerging evidence indicates modest blood pressure lowering effects, although other supplements may be more potent. These benefits are most studied in physically active adults, with cardiovascular effects potentially applicable to hypertensive individuals. The effects on muscle recovery and inflammation are small to moderate but consistent, making them clinically meaningful for athletes or those undergoing intense physical activity. Benefits are typically observed with supplementation around exercise events, starting days before and continuing after strenuous activity.

How it works

Cherry Guard proprietary blends work primarily through the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of their polyphenol anthocyanins. These compounds reduce oxidative stress and the production of inflammatory cytokines. The supplementation modulates the immune response, reduces muscle damage markers, and improves muscle function recovery. The primary biological pathways involved include the reduction of inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein, as well as the mitigation of oxidative stress pathways. Anthocyanins have moderate bioavailability, and their bioactive metabolites circulate to exert systemic effects. This interaction with body systems helps to alleviate muscle soreness and promote faster recovery after strenuous exercise.

Side effects

Tart cherry supplements, including Cherry Guard blends, are generally considered safe with minimal reported adverse effects in clinical trials. Common side effects are rare, with none consistently reported in studies. Uncommon side effects, occurring in 1-5% of users, may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Rare side effects, affecting less than 1% of users, have not been significantly documented. There are no major drug interactions reported, but caution is advised when taken with anticoagulants due to the potential for mild blood-thinning effects. There are no well-established contraindications. Special population considerations include limited data in pregnant or lactating women, so caution is advised. Individuals with known allergies to cherries should also exercise caution. Overall, the safety profile is favorable, but it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

Dosage

Effective doses of Cherry Guard blends vary, but studies often use 30 mL to 240 mL of tart cherry juice concentrate or an equivalent extract daily. An optimal dosage range is around 30-60 mL twice daily, or an equivalent polyphenol content (e.g., 300-600 mg anthocyanins). There is no established maximum safe dose, as doses used in trials have been well-tolerated. For exercise recovery benefits, supplementation typically starts several days before and continues after exercise. The supplements are available in juice concentrates, capsules, or powders, often standardized for anthocyanin content. Consuming with meals may improve absorption. There are no specifically required cofactors. It is important to follow product-specific recommendations and consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

FAQs

Is Cherry Guard effective for muscle recovery?

Yes, evidence supports moderate benefits in reducing soreness and improving strength recovery after strenuous exercise due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Is it safe for daily use?

Yes, it is generally safe with minimal side effects reported in clinical trials, making it suitable for regular consumption.

How soon will I see results?

Benefits are usually seen within days of consistent supplementation around exercise, as the anthocyanins start to reduce inflammation.

Can it lower blood pressure?

Some evidence suggests mild reductions, but effects are less robust compared to other supplements like pycnogenol for blood pressure management.

Is it better than other cherry products?

Proprietary blends vary; efficacy depends on anthocyanin content and formulation, so check the label for standardization.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33440334/ – This meta-analysis of 14 RCTs examined tart cherry supplementation and recovery from strenuous exercise. It found small to moderate beneficial effects on muscle soreness, strength, power, and inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein and Interleukin-6. The study supports tart cherry’s role in exercise recovery due to statistically significant effect sizes.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9332300/ – This review evaluated various herbal supplements, including cherry juice, for blood pressure reduction across 31 RCTs. Cherry juice showed some effectiveness in lowering systolic blood pressure, though pycnogenol had the most consistent benefits. The study highlighted the importance of dosage and duration for cardiovascular effects.
https://www.mdpi.com/1661-3821/5/2/12 – This meta-analysis, encompassing 6 studies and 945 subjects, found a positive correlation between tart cherry consumption and decreased uric acid levels. This suggests potential benefits for gout and related conditions. The study supports the broader anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits of tart cherry polyphenols.
https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/cer-methods-guide_overview.pdf – This resource provides an overview of methods for comparative effectiveness reviews. It outlines best practices for conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses, ensuring rigorous and transparent evaluation of healthcare interventions. The guide emphasizes the importance of clear research questions, comprehensive literature searches, and appropriate statistical methods.
https://tilda.tcd.ie/epidemiology-biostatistics-course/course-material/assets/Class2/Designingclinicalresearch_4th-edition.pdf – This document provides guidance on designing clinical research studies. It covers key aspects such as formulating research questions, selecting study designs, and ensuring ethical considerations. The resource is valuable for researchers aiming to conduct high-quality and impactful clinical trials.