Melatonin Research

"Tart Cherries, specifically the Montmorency variety, contain an extremely significant quantity of melatonin, enough to produce positive results in the body”

Tart cherries have great taste and now science-based research shows that they pack a health-promoting punch. That’s because ruby-red tart cherries are bursting with antioxidants that may relieve the pain of arthritis and gout and may help prevent cancer and heart disease.

• The latest research shows that Montmorency tart cherries have high ORAC (oxygen radical absorption capacity) values. These high ORAC values reflect the many natural compounds in tart cherries that have antioxidant properties.
• Melatonin, a powerful antioxidant that attacks free radicals and may help prevent or reduce brain deterioration associated with aging, also is present in significant quantities in tart cherries.
• The researchers believe the combination of antioxidants in tart cherries may be the secret of the natural pain relief of tart cherries. Other fruits and vegetables do not have the pain relief of tart cherries.
• Tart cherries are also loaded with nutrients, including high amounts of vitamin A and beta carotene.
• While research on tart cherries is ongoing, there is overwhelming anecdotal information on how tart cherries relieve the pain of arthritis and gout.

High Quantity of Melatonin Identified in Cherries

Montmorency tart cherries contain significant quantities of Melatonin. That was the surprising discovery made recently at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Dr. Russel Reiter, who has been studying melatonin for more than 30 years, headed up the research team. "Tart cherries, specifically the Montmorency variety, contain an extremely significant quantity of melatonin, enough to produce positive results in the body," says Dr. Reiter.

"We were surprised at how much melatonin was in cherries, specifically the Montmorency variety," says Reiter. The only other fruits that have been examined to date are bananas and pineapples, and both have comparatively low melatonin levels. "Cherry juice concentrate, which involves greatly reducing the water content, has ten times the melatonin of the raw fruit."

Questions and Answers about Melatonin

What is melatonin?

Melatonin is a natural hormone produced in the pineal gland at the base of the brain. Melatonin influences the sleep process and because it is an antioxidant, it can help the body destroy free radicals, which cause aging and cell death.

How does melatonin function?

The pineal gland, where melatonin is produced in the body, helps regulate hormones and circadian rhythms (daily metabolic balance). The pineal gland functions as a biological clock by secreting melatonin at night. Melatonin levels are low during the day. At sunset, less available light signals the brain to release melatonin. This rise continues for hours, eventually peaking between 2 and 3 a.m. If the timing or intensity of the melatonin peak is disrupted due to aging, stress, or jet lag, many physiological and mental functions are adversely affected. The ability to think clearly, remember key facts, and make sound decisions can be profoundly hampered by these upsets in the biological clock.

What foods contain melatonin?

The highest quantities of melatonin are found in tart cherries, particularly the Montmorency variety. However, other foods such as milk, peanuts, turkey, chicken or almonds contain tryptophan, which raises brain serotonin that in turn can be converted to melatonin. Other foods, such as bananas, also contain melatonin but not in significant levels to be effective.