Polyphenol-rich tart cherries (Prunus Cerasus, cv Montmorency) improve sustained attention, feelings of alertness and mental fatigue and influence the plasma metabolome in middle-aged adults: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial

Tart Montmorency cherries (MC) are a particularly rich source of anthocyanins and other polyphenols that have been shown to elicit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and vasomodulatory actions. The current study aimed to determine the influence of chronic MC supplementation on cognitive function and mood. In a 3-month double-blinded, placebo-controlled parallel study, middle-aged adults (mean +/- sd: 48 +/- 6 years) were randomly assigned to either 30 ml twice daily of MC (n 25) or the same amount of an isoenergetic placebo (n 25). Cognitive function and mood were assessed before and after supplementation using a computerised cognitive task battery and visual analogue scales. Cerebral blood flow was also monitored by near-infrared spectroscopy during the task battery, and questionnaires were administered to determine subjective sleep and health status and plasma metabolomics were analysed before and after supplementation. After 3 months, the MC resulted in higher accuracy in digit vigilance (mean difference: 3 center dot 3, 95 % CI: 0 center dot 2, 6 center dot 4 %) with lower number of false alarms (mean difference: -1 center dot 2, 95 % CI: -2 center dot 0, -0 center dot 4) compared with the placebo. There was also a treatment effect for higher alertness (mean difference: 5 center dot 9, 95 % CI: 1 center dot 3, 10 center dot 5 %) and lower mental fatigue ratings (mean difference -9 center dot 5, 95 % CI: -16 center dot 5, -2 center dot 5 %) with MC. Plasma metabolomics revealed an increase in a number of amino acids in response to MC intake, but not placebo. These data suggest an anti-fatiguing effect of MC supplementation as well as the ability to improve sustained attention during times of high cognitive demand, this could be related to changes in amino acid metabolism.

Automated summary

This study found that chronic supplementation of tart Montmorency cherries can improve cognitive function and mood. The supplementation resulted in increased accuracy and decreased false alarm rates in a cognitive task, as well as higher alertness and lower mental fatigue ratings. The plasma metabolomics analysis showed an increase in amino acids after cherry intake. These results suggest that tart Montmorency cherries have anti-fatigue effects and can improve sustained attention during high cognitive demand.