Organic fruit & berry and cherry flavours
Also known as: Organic fruit flavor, berry flavor, cherry flavor, tart cherry juice, berry extracts, Organic fruit & berry and cherry flavours, Prunus avium/Prunus cerasus (Cherry) & Berry Extracts
Overview
Organic fruit & berry and cherry flavors are natural flavoring agents derived from various organic fruits and berries, including cherries (Prunus avium or Prunus cerasus). While primarily used for taste enhancement in dietary supplements and functional foods, these flavors are often associated with the potential health benefits of the fruits from which they are derived. These fruits are rich in bioactive compounds such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, and polyphenols, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Tart cherry juice, in particular, is a well-researched source of these compounds, with studies exploring its impact on cardiovascular and cognitive health. The direct health benefits of isolated 'flavors' are limited, with evidence being stronger for whole fruit juices or powders.
Benefits
The primary benefits are linked to the bioactive compounds found in whole fruit juices or powders, rather than isolated flavorings. Meta-analyses indicate that chronic consumption of berry and cherry juices can lead to a reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) by approximately 3.1 to 3.7 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by about 1.5 to 1.8 mmHg, particularly in overweight or at-risk populations. These blood pressure reductions are considered clinically meaningful for cardiovascular risk reduction. Systematic reviews also suggest some improvement or trends toward improved cognition and psychomotor speed with cherry juice supplementation (e.g., 340 ml/day for 12 weeks), though overall cognitive benefits are not consistently significant across all meta-analyses. No significant adverse metabolic effects or impairment of hepatic or renal biomarkers have been observed with tart cherry juice consumption in overweight/obese subjects. These benefits are most studied in overweight, obese, or older adults at risk of cardiovascular or cognitive decline. Cardiovascular effects typically manifest after 6-12 weeks of daily consumption.
How it works
The health benefits associated with fruit and berry extracts, particularly from cherries, are primarily mediated by their rich content of anthocyanins and other polyphenols. These compounds exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects within the body. They are believed to modulate endothelial function and nitric oxide pathways, leading to vasodilation and a subsequent reduction in blood pressure. These bioactives interact with the cardiovascular system to regulate blood pressure and potentially influence the central nervous system for cognitive modulation. Known molecular targets include endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), various inflammatory cytokines, and markers of oxidative stress. Anthocyanins have moderate bioavailability, with their metabolites circulating systemically to exert their biological effects.
Side effects
Organic fruit & berry and cherry flavors are generally considered safe, with no significant adverse effects reported in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) at typical consumption levels (e.g., 240-480 ml/day of tart cherry juice). No common (greater than 5%), uncommon (1-5%), or rare (less than 1%) side effects have been documented in reviewed studies. There are no well-documented drug interactions; however, caution is advised with anticoagulants due to the potential for mild antiplatelet effects of polyphenols found in these fruits. No contraindications have been established, but individuals with known allergies to cherries or berries should avoid products containing these flavors. Data on pregnant or lactating women is limited, but studies in elderly populations have not indicated any specific safety concerns.
Dosage
For cardiovascular benefits, a minimum effective dose is approximately 240 ml/day of tart cherry juice or an equivalent anthocyanin content (around 30-70 mg anthocyanins/day). Optimal dosage ranges, based on RCTs, are typically 240-480 ml/day of tart cherry or berry juice, consumed daily for 6-12 weeks. The maximum safe dose is not clearly defined, but doses up to 480 ml/day have been used safely in clinical trials. Daily consumption is recommended, and the timing relative to meals is not considered critical. It's important to note that these recommendations apply to whole juice or freeze-dried powder forms, as isolated flavor extracts lack direct efficacy data. Bioavailability of anthocyanins may be enhanced when consumed within a food matrix, suggesting co-consumption with meals could improve absorption. No specific cofactors are required.
FAQs
Do organic fruit & berry and cherry flavors provide health benefits?
The flavors themselves are primarily for taste. Health benefits are linked to bioactive compounds in whole fruit juices or powders, not isolated flavorings.
Are these flavors safe?
Yes, they are generally recognized as safe with no significant adverse effects reported in studies at typical consumption levels.
How long does it take to see benefits?
Cardiovascular benefits may appear after several weeks of consistent daily consumption. Cognitive benefits are less certain and may require longer study durations.
Can these flavors replace whole fruit supplements?
No, flavorings lack the full spectrum of bioactive compounds present in whole fruit products, which are responsible for the observed health benefits.
Is there a risk of sugar or metabolic impairment from cherry juice?
Studies show no adverse metabolic effects from tart cherry juice at typical studied doses, even in overweight or obese individuals.
Research Sources
- https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/ijfn.2020.12 – This randomized controlled crossover trial investigated the effects of 240 ml/day tart cherry juice on metabolic and hepatic biomarkers in 20 overweight/obese adults over 4 weeks. The study found no adverse metabolic or hepatic effects, suggesting safety at this dosage in the studied population.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9876789/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 studies, including two on cherry juice, examined the impact of cherry juice on cognitive function. It reported a borderline improvement in psychomotor speed with cherry juice but no significant overall cognitive benefit, highlighting the need for more robust research.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7900084/ – This meta-analysis of RCTs, involving 531 participants for berries and 36 for cherry juice, found significant reductions in systolic blood pressure (approximately 3.1 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (approximately 1.5 mmHg) with cherry and berry juices. The study supports the cardiovascular benefits of these fruit juices, despite a smaller sample size for cherry juice.