Standardized tart cherry extract reduces inflammation and uric acid, study finds

Supplementation from a standardized tart cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) extract can support the reduction of inflammation and the management of hyperuricemia, according to a recently published study.¹ Hyperuricemia, the study notes, is a potential contributor to metabolic dysfunction, endothelial damage, and chronic kidney disease. Tart cherry is noted for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties from its polyphenolic compounds, the study explains, which can reduce plasma urate and levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker of systemic inflammation and predictor of cardiovascular disease and other disorders.

Study design: measuring changes in biomarkers

The study, “Effects of Tart Cherry Extract Supplementation on Plasma Urate and C-Reactive Protein Levels in Healthy Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial,” was published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements in November 2025.

This study involved 10 healthy adult participants who consumed 500 mg of the standardized whole-fruit tart cherry extract or a placebo daily for four weeks. There were two supplement phases with a 14-day washout period occurring between phases. The extract used in the study was NordicCherry Tart Cherry Extract from biotech company Specnova and was a tart cherry powder in capsules.

Blood samples were taken on day 1 at baseline, 2 hours, 4 hours, and 8 hours after ingestion (to assess acute effects) and on day 28 at baseline and 8 hours after ingestion (to assess chronic effects).

Study results

By the end of the study, systemic inflammation and urate levels were significantly reduced in the supplement group compared with the placebo group.

Highlighted results include:

• In the supplement group, plasma urate levels decreased by 37.4% (–2.62 ± 0.44 mg/dL) from baseline, while levels in the placebo group increased slightly
• The CRP levels in the supplement group were reduced by 23.0% (– 1.36 ± 0.44 mg/L), from baseline, while the placebo group did not show meaningful change
• CRP and urate concentrations were not altered by acute administration
• A reduction in creatinine levels was also demonstrated in the supplement group (through remained in normal limits), an indicator of potential improved kidney function

Additionally, the interventions were well-tolerated and no adverse events were reported by participants.

The supplementation offered an alternative to a pharmacological treatment for inflammation and urate metabolism, the researchers stated. “Four weeks of daily supplementation with 500 mg of tart cherry extract significantly reduced systemic inflammation and urate levels in healthy adults, supporting its potential as a polyphenol-rich, foodbased strategy for managing low-grade inflammation and hyperuricemia,” they concluded.

They noted the need for a larger study population to support generalizability and statistical power, plus examining additional biomarkers. More research is needed on the potential effects for participants with impaired kidney function, they noted.

Impact on tart cherry supplementation

This study examined a powder extract, rather than a juice-based formula, which can have varying polyphenol content and glycemic load, the study explains. It adds that the powder formula is a shelf-stable consistent alternative for long term use.

“NordicCherry® Tart Cherry Extract is already a well-established ingredient used to support muscle strength and exercise recovery,” stated study author Sebastian Balcombe, founder and CEO of Specnova, in an emailed statement to Nutritional Outlook. “This trial adds important new evidence that these benefits extend beyond sports nutrition to cardiometabolic health in otherwise healthy adults. This opens the door for new and unique formulations using NordicCherry®.”

The study also notes that previous researched has linked reductions in CRP levels, even small ones, to improvements in cardiometabolic outcomes.

Reference

1. Jäger, R.; Purpura, M.; Balcombe, S. T.; Godavarthi, A.; Reddy, S. A.; Vasenina, E.; Tinsley, G. M. Effects of Tart Cherry Extract Supplementation on Plasma Urate and C-Reactive Protein Levels in Healthy Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 2025. 1–16. DOI: 10.1080/19390211.2025.2589787