Effects of Tart Cherry (Prunus cerasus) Supplementation on Overall Sleep Quality, Melatonin, and Inflammatory Biomarkers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Abstract
Poor sleep and insomnia are prevalent and carry substantial health and societal costs. Tart cherry (Prunus cerasus) contains polyphenols and melatonin and has been proposed as a dietary strategy to support sleep. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesised evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of tart cherry supplementation on sleep quality and biomarkers linked to inflammatory and melatonin-related pathways. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception to January 2026, alongside clinical trial registries. Eligible studies were human RCTs in adults (≥18 years) comparing tart cherry (juice, concentrate, powder, or capsules) with placebo or control. Sleep quality was the primary outcome with melatonin and inflammatory biomarkers extracted as secondary outcomes where available. Two reviewers screened records and assessed risk of bias using risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials (RoB 2.0) and certainty of evidence using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted using Hedges’ g as the standardised mean difference. Ten RCTs involving 294 enrolled or randomised participants were included. The studies were published between 2010 and 2024. Interventions ranged from short protocols to 12 weeks and used juice-based products or capsules. Across all trials, tart cherry produced a small, non-significant improvement in overall sleep quality compared…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
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