Wild Cherry Bark — Hermetica Encyclopedia
Fruit · Bark

Wild Cherry Bark

Provisional Moderate ScoreCompound

Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia

Evidence review status: unreviewed

Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.

Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION

Provisional Summary

Wild cherry bark (Prunus serotina) contains cyanogenic glycosides like prunasin and polyphenolic compounds that suppress cough through antispasmodic effects and bronchial sedation. These bioactive compounds inhibit NF-κB and MAPK inflammatory pathways while providing antioxidant protection with measured activity of 54.3 mg TE/g ABTS.

Screened PMID Records
6
Reported Benefits
Pending
Synergy Review
At a Glance
CategoryFruit
GroupBark
Public Score StatusProvisional Moderate
Primary KeywordWild Cherry Bark benefits
Wild Cherry Bark — botanical
Wild Cherry Bark — botanical close-up

Reported Benefits (Provisional)

Supports respiratory health
by soothing bronchial congestion and reducing cough reflex sensitivity via cyanogenic glycosides.
Provides anti-inflammatory and
pain-relieving effects through its bioactive compounds, protecting against cellular damage.
Strengthens immune function
and offers antioxidant defense via flavonoids and vitamin C.
Promotes liver detoxification
and cellular protection, aiding in the body's natural cleansing processes.
Enhances metabolic function: and supports blood sugar regulation
Protects skin against: oxidative stress and promotes collagen regeneration

Origin & History

Wild Cherry Bark — origin
Natural habitat

Wild Cherry Bark (Prunus serotina) is derived from the bark of the black cherry tree, native to temperate regions of North America, particularly the United States and Canada. Revered in traditional medicine, it is valued for its respiratory-supporting, anti-inflammatory, and digestive-soothing properties, making it a key botanical for holistic wellness.

Revered in Native American traditional medicine, Wild Cherry Bark was extensively used to treat coughs, colds, and respiratory issues. European herbalists also employed it to calm inflammation, relieve pain, and support digestion, traditionally incorporating it into tonics, syrups, and poultices.Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

Scientific studies, including in vitro and animal models, support Wild Cherry Bark's traditional uses, highlighting its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and respiratory-soothing properties. Research indicates its cyanogenic glycosides contribute to cough suppression and bronchial relaxation. Further human clinical trials are warranted to fully elucidate its efficacy and optimal applications.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

- Phytochemicals/Bioactives: Cyanogenic glycosides (prunasin, amygdalin), Flavonoids, Polyphenols, Tannins, Caffeic acid, Chlorogenic acid, Sesquiterpenes, Coumarins, Essential oils - Vitamins: A, C, K - Minerals: Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc - Macronutrients: Dietary fiber

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

Wild cherry bark's cyanogenic glycosides, particularly prunasin, provide sedative and antispasmodic effects on bronchial tissues, suppressing cough reflex sensitivity. Flavonoids including sakuranetin and phenolic compounds inhibit inflammatory pathways by downregulating NF-κB translocation, MAPK signaling, iNOS, and COX-2 expression. The polyphenolic compounds demonstrate antioxidant activity by reducing reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide production, with total phenolic content measured at 14.6 mg GAE/g.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

Current evidence for wild cherry bark comes primarily from in vitro and animal studies rather than human clinical trials. In vitro antioxidant studies show DPPH activity of 16.8 mg TE/g and anti-inflammatory effects with protein denaturation IC50 of 53.78 mg/mL. Animal safety studies in rats demonstrated non-toxicity at doses up to 5 g/kg over 2 weeks, with analgesic effects comparable to tramadol. Human clinical trials are needed to establish therapeutic efficacy and optimal dosing protocols.

Also Known As

Prunus serotinablack cherry barkrum cherry barkAmerican cherry barkcabinet cherry bark

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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