Abstract
Tart Montmorency cherries have been reported to contain high levels of phytochemicals including melatonin, a molecule critical in regulating the sleep-wake cycle in humans. The aim of our investigation was to ascertain whether ingestion of a tart cherry juice concentrate would increase the urinary melatonin levels in healthy adults and improve sleep quality. In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, 20 volunteers consumed either a placebo or tart cherry juice concentrate for 7 days. Measures of sleep quality recorded by actigraphy and subjective sleep questionnaires were completed. Sequential urine samples over 48 h were collected and urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin(major metabolite of melatonin) determined; cosinor analysis was used to determine melatonin circadian rhythm(mesor, acrophase and amplitude). In addition, total urinary melatonin content was determined over the sampled period.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 909-916 |
Journal | European Journal of Nutrition |
Volume | 51 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2012 |
Keywords
- Tart cherries
- melatonin
- sleep
- recovery