# Prunus padus (Bird Cherry)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/prunus-padus
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-31
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Fruit
**Also Known As:** Bird Cherry, European Bird Cherry, Hackberry, Mayday Tree, Padus avium, Cerasus padus, Prunus racemosa, Wild Cherry, Cluster Cherry, Cabinet Cherry

## Overview

Bird cherry (Prunus padus) contains polyphenols and triterpenes like oleanolic acid that demonstrate antioxidant and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity. The fruit's methanol extracts show DPPH [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing activity ranging from 1.68-4.92 g/g equivalents in laboratory studies.

## Health Benefits

• Antioxidant activity demonstrated in vitro through DPPH [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing (methanol extracts showing 1.68-4.92 g/g equivalents) - preliminary evidence only
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects attributed to polyphenols and triterpenes like oleanolic acid - based on in vitro studies
• Antibacterial activity against Bacillus atrophaeus and Enterobacter cloacae (MIC 250-1000 μg/mL) - in vitro evidence only
• Potential antidiabetic properties shown in animal studies - no human clinical evidence
• Traditional use for respiratory conditions including colds, coughs, and bronchitis - historical use only, no clinical validation

## Mechanism of Action

Bird cherry's polyphenols and triterpenes, particularly oleanolic acid, scavenge DPPH free radicals and inhibit [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s. The methanol extracts demonstrate dose-dependent antioxidant activity by neutralizing [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant). Antibacterial effects may involve disruption of bacterial cell wall integrity through polyphenolic compounds.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for bird cherry is limited to in vitro laboratory studies examining antioxidant and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties. DPPH assays show methanol extracts possess [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing activity equivalent to 1.68-4.92 g/g standards. [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects have been observed in cell culture studies but lack human clinical trials. No controlled human studies have evaluated safety, efficacy, or optimal dosing for bird cherry supplements.

## Nutritional Profile

Prunus padus fruit has limited formal nutritional profiling compared to commercial fruits, but available phytochemical analyses reveal the following: **Macronutrients:** Fresh fruit is predominantly water (~75-80%), with modest carbohydrate content (mainly simple sugars: glucose and fructose, estimated 8-12 g/100 g fresh weight), negligible fat (<0.5 g/100 g), low protein (~0.5-1.0 g/100 g), and dietary fiber approximately 2-4 g/100 g (largely from skin and seed remnants). **Organic acids:** Malic acid is the dominant organic acid (0.5-1.5% fresh weight), with smaller amounts of citric acid, contributing to the fruit's notably astringent and bitter taste. **Vitamins:** Vitamin C content is relatively low compared to other Prunus species, estimated at 5-15 mg/100 g fresh weight. Trace amounts of B-vitamins and vitamin E (tocopherols) are likely present but not well-quantified. **Minerals:** Potassium (150-250 mg/100 g), calcium (15-30 mg/100 g), magnesium (10-20 mg/100 g), iron (0.3-0.8 mg/100 g), and phosphorus (15-25 mg/100 g) based on limited analytical data from related wild Prunus fruits. **Bioactive polyphenols (most extensively studied):** Total phenolic content ranges from approximately 200-600 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g fresh weight depending on ripeness and extraction. Key classes include anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-rutinoside as dominant pigments, contributing 50-200 mg/100 g in ripe fruit), proanthocyanidins/condensed tannins (responsible for strong astringency, 100-400 mg/100 g), flavonols (quercetin and kaempferol glycosides, 5-20 mg/100 g), hydroxycinnamic acids (chlorogenic acid and neochlorogenic acid, 20-80 mg/100 g). **Triterpenes:** Oleanolic and ursolic acid present in fruit skin (~0.1-0.5% dry weight). **Cyanogenic glycosides:** Amygdalin and prunasin are present, particularly concentrated in seeds/stones (up to 1-2% dry weight in kernels) but also at low levels in fruit flesh; these release hydrogen cyanide upon enzymatic hydrolysis, making raw seed consumption potentially toxic. **Bioavailability notes:** Anthocyanin bioavailability is generally low (1-5% absorption), though gut microbial [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) produces phenolic acid metabolites with longer systemic exposure. The high tannin content may reduce protein and mineral (iron, zinc) bioavailability through chelation. Chlorogenic acid is moderately bioavailable (~30% absorbed in the small intestine, remainder metabolized by colonic microbiota). Cyanogenic glycoside toxicity risk is mitigated by cooking or drying, which reduces HCN content; traditional preparations (drying and grinding including stones into flour) historically accounted for this.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as human trials have not been conducted. In vitro studies used methanol extracts at concentrations of 250-1000 μg/mL for [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) testing. Traditional preparations included bark infusions harvested during flowering season, but specific dosages were not documented. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for bird cherry supplementation is extremely limited with no established dosing guidelines or toxicity studies. Like other Prunus species, seeds and bark may contain cyanogenic glycosides that release hydrogen cyanide when metabolized. Potential interactions with anticoagulant medications may occur due to polyphenolic compounds. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses have been conducted on Prunus padus. Research is limited to in vitro and animal studies demonstrating [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), antibacterial, and antidiabetic activities. The lack of human studies means all health claims remain unvalidated in clinical settings.

## Historical & Cultural Context

In European traditional medicine from the Middle Ages, Prunus padus bark was used as a mild anodyne, diuretic, febrifuge, and sedative for treating colds, fevers, coughs, bronchitis, kidney stones, and [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) diseases. Bark infusions harvested during flowering were used for feverish conditions and upset stomachs, while the plant also served as a pesticide and dye source.

## Synergistic Combinations

Elderberry, Echinacea, Vitamin C, Quercetin, Zinc

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What compounds give bird cherry its health benefits?

Bird cherry contains polyphenols and triterpenes, particularly oleanolic acid, which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Methanol extracts show the highest concentration of bioactive compounds with DPPH scavenging activity of 1.68-4.92 g/g equivalents.

### Is bird cherry safe to consume as a supplement?

Safety data for bird cherry supplements is extremely limited with no human studies establishing safe dosing. Like other Prunus species, parts of the plant may contain cyanogenic glycosides that can release toxic hydrogen cyanide when processed.

### How much bird cherry should I take daily?

No established dosage exists for bird cherry supplements as human clinical trials have not been conducted. Current evidence comes only from laboratory studies using methanol extracts, making it impossible to recommend safe or effective dosing.

### Can bird cherry interact with medications?

Potential drug interactions may occur with anticoagulant medications due to bird cherry's polyphenolic compounds. However, no specific interaction studies have been performed, making it important to consult healthcare providers before use.

### What's the difference between bird cherry and sweet cherry?

Bird cherry (Prunus padus) is a wild heritage fruit with higher concentrations of polyphenols and triterpenes compared to cultivated sweet cherries (Prunus avium). Bird cherry has a more astringent taste and contains different bioactive compound profiles, particularly higher levels of oleanolic acid.

### What does the research show about bird cherry's effectiveness as a supplement?

Current evidence for bird cherry is primarily limited to laboratory (in vitro) studies, which have demonstrated antioxidant activity through free radical scavenging and antibacterial properties against certain bacteria. However, there is a lack of human clinical trials to confirm whether these effects translate to measurable health benefits when consumed as a supplement. The in vitro findings are promising but considered preliminary, and more rigorous research is needed before strong efficacy claims can be made.

### Who should avoid bird cherry supplements?

Individuals with cyanogenic glycoside sensitivities should exercise caution, as some Prunus species contain compounds that can release cyanide when improperly processed, though cultivated bird cherry varieties are generally considered safe. Pregnant and nursing women should consult healthcare providers before use due to limited safety data in these populations. People with existing kidney or liver conditions should also seek medical guidance before supplementing.

### How does the bioavailability of bird cherry differ between fresh fruit and extract forms?

Bird cherry extracts (particularly polyphenol-concentrated forms) may offer higher bioavailability of active compounds compared to whole fresh fruit, though direct comparative studies in humans are lacking. Processing methods such as solvent extraction can isolate and concentrate polyphenols and triterpenes, but standardized extract products with defined compound levels are rarely available commercially. Fresh bird cherry fruit provides whole-food nutrients but offers less certainty regarding the quantity of active constituents per serving.

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