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Overview: Wild cherry is a tree called Prunus serotina. The bark is used to make syrups, tinctures, teas, and capsules. People use wild cherry most often as a cough remedy, but the benefit for this use is not well defined. Wild cherry bark naturally contains chemicals that can release cyanide in the body, so it should only be used in small amounts for a short time. Before using wild cherry, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is wild cherry used for?

Wild cherry (Prunus serotina) has a long history of traditional use, mostly for coughs. The benefits of wild cherry are not well defined, and evidence in humans is limited. It is commonly used for the following reasons.

  • To help calm a dry, irritated cough or for other respiratory symptoms 
  • For upset stomach, diarrhea, and other digestive complaints
  • For antioxidant support and general wellness

Note: The FDA has not reviewed wild cherry for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does wild cherry work (mechanism of action)?

Wild cherry comes from a tree called Prunus serotina, also known as wild black cherry or black cherry. The tree grows in North America, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America. The bark is the most common part used to make supplements. Common wild cherry products include syrups, tinctures, teas, lozenges, and capsules.

Wild cherry bark naturally contains chemicals called cyanogenic glycosides. The main one is prunasin. The bark also contains natural enzymes. When the bark is crushed, chewed, or digested, these enzymes break prunasin down and release small amounts of hydrogen cyanide. In small amounts, this is thought to have a mild calming effect on the cough reflex. This may help explain why wild cherry bark is used for coughs. The bark also contains chemicals called polyphenols, which in laboratory research appear to have antioxidant effects. In laboratory studies, wild cherry bark extract slowed the growth of certain cancer cells, but this has not been shown in people.

The benefits of wild cherry are not well defined. Its long use as a cough remedy comes mostly from tradition. For its other uses, evidence in humans is limited.

Herbal products, such as wild cherry, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific wild cherry product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store wild cherry?

You should store wild cherry according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of wild cherry?

Wild cherry seems to be well tolerated when used in small amounts for a short time. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of wild cherry that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of wild cherry?

While less common, the most serious side effects of wild cherry are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Wild cherry may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using wild cherry and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Cyanide Poisoning. Wild cherry bark naturally contains chemicals that can release cyanide in the body. Using too much wild cherry, or using the raw or unprocessed bark, seeds, or leaves, may lead to cyanide poisoning. Symptoms can be delayed for an hour or more after swallowing. This can be life-threatening. Stop using wild cherry and get help right away, call 911, or contact Poison Control at 800-222-1222 if you have the following symptoms of cyanide poisoning.

  • Headache
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing
  • Fast or pounding heartbeat
  • Bluish color of the skin or lips
  • Feeling very weak or faint
  • Seizures

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use wild cherry?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use wild cherry.

  • Black cherry
  • Black cherry bark
  • Prunus serotina
  • Virginian prune bark
  • Wild black cherry
  • Wild cherry
  • Wild cherry bark
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific wild cherry products they stock.

Children. Wild cherry should not be given to infants or children unless recommended by a health care provider. Children are much more sensitive to cyanide than adults. Even small amounts of the plant can seriously harm them.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding. Wild cherry bark naturally contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide in the body. Wild cherry may not be safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It should not be used by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding or newborn babies unless told otherwise by a health care provider. See the Pregnancy and Breastfeeding sections for more details.

What should I know about wild cherry before using it?

Wild cherry is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Wild cherry is available in several forms. Common forms include syrups, liquid extracts (tinctures), teas, dried bark, lozenges, and capsules. Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Wild cherry bark naturally contains cyanogenic glycosides. When these chemicals are broken down in the body, they can release cyanide. For this reason, wild cherry should only be used in small amounts for a short time. Do not use raw or unprocessed wild cherry bark, and do not use the seeds, pits, or leaves of the plant. These parts can contain higher amounts of these chemicals and may cause cyanide poisoning. Do not use more wild cherry than directed on the product label.

Keep wild cherry out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as wild cherry, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific wild cherry product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

The FDA has not tested wild cherry products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using wild cherry?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Also tell them if you have an upcoming surgery planned. Sharing this information will help your health care provider know if this or other supplements are right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.

  • A breathing or lung problem
  • Liver or kidney problems
  • An allergy to wild cherry or related plants

Cough. A cough can be a sign of a health problem that needs care. Talk to your health care provider if your cough is severe, lasts a long time, does not go away, or brings up mucus or blood.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how wild cherry could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Wild cherry bark contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide in the body. Experts generally advise against using wild cherry during pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if wild cherry passes into breast milk. Because wild cherry bark contains cyanogenic glycosides, experts generally advise against using it while breastfeeding. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does wild cherry interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between wild cherry and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect wild cherry. Tinctures and liquid extracts usually contain alcohol themselves. If you avoid alcohol, check the product label.

Does wild cherry interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using so they can watch for any potential interactions.

The interactions between wild cherry and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with wild cherry is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using wild cherry with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much wild cherry?

If you or someone else has used too much wild cherry, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Wild cherry is commonly available as syrups, liquid extracts (tinctures), teas, dried bark, lozenges, and capsules. Wild cherry bark naturally contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide in the body. Using too much wild cherry, or using the raw bark, seeds, pits, or leaves, may cause cyanide poisoning, which can be life-threatening.

Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to use wild cherry safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.