Muscle RecoveryNCT04725149
Investigating the Efficacy of Low or High Dose Tart Cherry on Recovery From Exercise Induced Muscle Damage and Establishing Its Molecular Mechanisms of Action
A study testing 500 ml base solution, 500 ml containing 30 ml tart cherry concentrate diluted with water and base solution and 500 ml containing 60 ml tart cherry concentrate diluted with water only in people with Muscle Recovery, run by PepsiCo Global R&D at 1 site in United Kingdom.
Trial summary
To determine the dose-response effects of 10-day tart cherry product consumption (0, 30 ml, and 60 ml) on knee extensor isometric strength 24-h and 48-h after muscle damaging exercise and to elucidate the mechanisms of action for TC supplementation. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Muscle Recovery
- What is being tested?
- 500 ml base solution, 500 ml containing 30 ml tart cherry concentrate diluted with water and base solution and 500 ml containing 60 ml tart cherry concentrate diluted with water only
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 34 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited Kingdom
- Study dates
- 14 Dec 2020to 15 Dec 2022
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 40 years
- Men only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Male in good health
- 18-40y
- BMI ≤ 29.9
- Recreationally active but not highly trained (Participating in sport or physical activity at least once per week for the last 6 months and lower limb resistance training ≤ 1/week) (Part B only)
- No lower limb musculoskeletal injury that prevented exercise in the last 3 months (Part B only)
- Understanding of the procedures to be undertaken as part of the study
Show all 14Show fewer
- Willing to participate in the exercise protocols (Part B only) and follow supplementation guidelines and other instructions provided by the experimenter
- Willing to abstain from caffeine, alcohol and strenuous exercise for two 5 day periods (from 48h prior to muscle damaging exercise and throughout the follow up period; days 6-10 of the trial) for Part B, and abstain from caffeine and alcohol for two 3-day periods for Part A
- Willing to keep food diaries for the duration of each arm of the trial and avoid multiple servings per day of foods that have a high polyphenol content from a list provided.
- Willing to construct their diet for the first arm of the trial from a list of recipes provided, and to then replicate this diet during the second arm of the trial.
- Willing to wear a triaxial accelerometer throughout each arm of the trial, and during the second arm of the trial to replicate their physical activity pattern completed in the first arm of the trial.
- Willing to abstain from consumption of anti-inflammatory, analgesic medications or those with anti-coagulant effects especially NSAIDs and aspirin for 48h prior to and throughout each arm of the trial. (Part B only)
- Willing to abstain from icing or applying compression bandages to the exercised/biopsied leg (Part B only)
- Ability to provide voluntary written informed consent to participate in the study.
Who cannot join
- Female
- <18y or >40y
- BMI ≥ 30
- Inactive or well-trained (see inclusion criteria) (Part B only)
- Lower limb musculoskeletal injury in the last 3 months (Part B only)
- Under the care of a physician
Show all 17Show fewer
- Known health condition that could interfere with any element of the data collection protocol. Any known pulmonary, gastrointestinal (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease), kidney, cardiovascular, or metabolic diseases, blood-borne infections, or coagulopathies including deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Current regular consumption of nutritional/dietary supplements or previous use of any dietary supplements in the past 6 months known to have a lasting effect.
- Current use of prescription medication; including the use of an inhaler
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin or other analgesic medication or any anti-coagulants are prohibited during the study and for 48h prior to commencing supplementation
- Allergy/sensitivity/intolerance to cherries, any cherry derived product, or any of the additional ingredients found within the TC test products, including sensitivity to sorbitol.
- Allergy to lidocaine or other local anaesthetics. (Part B only)
- Active drug or alcohol dependency
- Current or active usage of nicotine or tobacco related products
- Participation in a clinical trial within the past 30 days or concurrently during this trial
- Participation in any PepsiCo trial within past 6 months, except that Part A participants may take part in Part B after a >=14 day washout from Part A
- Inability to provide written informed consent
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United Kingdom1 site
University of Exeter Sport and Health Sciences Department
Exeter, UK, EX1 2LU
About this study
To determine the dose-response effects of 10-day tart cherry product consumption (0, 30 ml, and 60 ml) on knee extensor isometric strength 24-h and 48-h after muscle damaging exercise and to elucidate the mechanisms of action for TC supplementation.
Read the detailed description
Montmorency cherry supplementation has been shown to exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can be beneficial for improving recovery from exercise. However, the investigator is currently not aware of how tart cherry polyphenol supplementation produces these effects. This study aims to determine the dose-response effects of 10-day tart cherry product consumption (placebo, 30 ml, and 60 ml Montmorency tart cherry concentrate in a 500 ml beverage) on knee extensor isometric strength 24-h and 48-h after muscle damaging exercise on supplementation Day 8; on enhancing recovery of other measures of muscle function (single leg eccentric and concentric force development and single leg jump height) and muscle soreness; on reducing markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in plasma, muscle and urine; on inducing signaling in muscle via the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway to upregulate endogenous antioxidant enzymes in muscle; on inhibiting muscle cyclo-oxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2).
This study also aims to identify and establish the molecular mechanisms of action through which tart cherry polyphenols exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling in primary human myogenic cells will be assessed by incubating primary human myogenic cells (commercial cell line) in sera derived from 6 participants consuming 8-day placebo vs. 60 ml/day Montmorency tart cherry concentrate supplement. Subjects are permitted to participate in both the molecular mechanism of action part of the study (Part A, no exercise component) and the damaging exercise muscle recovery part of the study (Part B).
For 60 ml doses in Parts A and B, global proteomics analysis of the muscle tissue will be conducted generate more insight into the mechanisms of action. This would identify the specific pathways that are influenced by cherry supplementation and allow identification of the full range of mechanisms involved, rather than assume antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects alone.
- Conditions
- Muscle Recovery
- Being tested
- 500 ml base solution, 500 ml containing 30 ml tart cherry concentrate diluted with water and base solution, 500 ml containing 60 ml tart cherry concentrate diluted with water only
- Keywords
- cherry, tart cherry, Montmorency cherry, beverage, exercise, muscle recovery, muscle soreness, muscle damage, muscle function, muscle strength, muscle biopsy, mechanism, oxidative stress, inflammation, anthocyanin, polyphenol, antioxidant, cyclo-oxygenase, myotube, mygenic culture
- Medical subject headings
- Motor Activity, Myalgia, Inflammation
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
500 ml base solutionOther
Color, taste, aroma, and calorie matched water base
500 ml containing 30 ml tart cherry concentrate diluted with water and base solutionOther
Montmorency cherry concentrate
500 ml containing 60 ml tart cherry concentrate diluted with water onlyOther
Montmorency cherry concentrate
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| 0 ml tart cherry concentrate | Placebo comparator | Still cherry-flavored beverage, similar in appearance, taste, aroma and calories to the 30 ml and 60 ml tart cherry concentrate beverages Receives: Other: 500 ml base solution |
| 30 ml tart cherry concentrate | Experimental | "Low dose" tart cherry concentrate beverage Receives: Other: 500 ml containing 30 ml tart cherry concentrate diluted with water and base solution |
| 60 ml tart cherry concentrate | Experimental | "High dose" tart cherry concentrate beverage Receives: Other: 500 ml containing 60 ml tart cherry concentrate diluted with water only |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Isometric knee extensor strength
Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) as a measure of functional recovery from muscle damage. Unit of measurement is Newtons. Stronger is better.
Measured: Changes from immediately before and immediately after muscle damaging exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to 24 hours and 48 hours after muscle damaging exercise (days 9 and 10 of supplementation).
Secondary outcomes (15)
Single leg eccentric and concentric isokinetic force production
Dynamic muscle strength measured by isokinetic contraction (IKC, 60 deg.s-1). More forceful is better.
Measured: Changes from immediately before and immediately after muscle damaging exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to 24 hours and 48 hours after muscle damaging exercise (days 9 and 10 of supplementation).
Single leg vertical jump height (SLVJ)
Dynamic muscle strength measured by jump height (cm). Higher is better.
Measured: Changes from immediately before and immediately after muscle damaging exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to 24 hours and 48 hours after muscle damaging exercise (days 9 and 10 of supplementation).
Leg muscle soreness by Pressure Pain tolerance (PPT)
Pressure pain tolerance (PPT) measured by algometer. Higher tolerance is better.
Measured: Changes from immediately before and immediately after muscle damaging exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to 24 hours and 48 hours after muscle damaging exercise (days 9 and 10 of supplementation).
Leg muscle soreness by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
Measured using a visual analogue pain scale from 0 mm (no pain) to 100 mm (extremely painful). Lower score is better.
Measured: Changes from immediately before and immediately after muscle damaging exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to 24 hours and 48 hours after muscle damaging exercise (days 9 and 10 of supplementation).
Leg muscle biopsy for nuclear factor k-B (NFκB)
Inflammation marker expression activity of the NFκB pathway will be measured by immunoblotting. Lower is better.
Measured: Changes from pre and post exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to pre-exercise on days 9 and 10 of supplementation. Biopsies are done after blood samples and before muscle soreness measures.
Leg muscle biopsy for cyclo-oxygenase COX1 protein
Inflammation marker of cyclo-oxygenase measured by total protein carbonylation (immunoblotting). A reduction (inhibiting) is better.
Measured: Changes from pre and post exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to pre-exercise on days 9 and 10 of supplementation. Biopsies are done after blood samples and before muscle soreness measures.
Leg muscle biopsy for cyclo-oxygenase COX1 activity
Inflammation marker of cyclo-oxygenase activity measured by commercially available colorimetric assay. A reduction (inhibiting) is better.
Measured: Changes from pre and post exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to pre-exercise on days 9 and 10 of supplementation. Biopsies are done after blood samples and before muscle soreness measures.
Leg muscle biopsy for nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), absolute expression, nuclear translocation
Oxidative damage marker Nrf2 pathway intended to upregulate endogenous antioxidant enzymes in muscle. Induction of signaling is better.
Measured: Changes from pre and post muscle damaging exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to pre-exercise on days 9 and 10 of supplementation. Biopsies are done after blood samples and before muscle soreness measures.
Leg muscle biopsy for global proteomics analysis of muscle tissue samples for the 60 ml dose only
Tissue analysis to identify pathways influenced by cherry supplementation and identify mechanisms of action.
Measured: Changes from pre and post muscle damaging exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to pre-exercise on days 9 and 10 of supplementation. Biopsies are done after blood samples and before muscle soreness measures.
Leg muscle biopsy for endogenous antioxidant enzyme expression
Enzymes (superoxide dismutase 1, superoxide dismutase 2, glutathione peroxidase 1 and catalase) protein expression quantified by immunoblotting. Higher values (upregulation by Nrf2) is better.
Measured: Changes from pre and post muscle damaging exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to pre-exercise on days 9 and 10 of supplementation. Biopsies are done after blood samples and before muscle soreness measures.
Leg muscle biopsy for immune cell infiltration
Inflammation marker response measured by immunohistochemistry. Less infiltration is better.
Measured: Changes from pre and post muscle damaging exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to pre-exercise on days 9 and 10 of supplementation. Biopsies are done after blood samples and before muscle soreness measures.
Plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6)
Plasma inflammatory stress response measured by ELISA. A reduction is better.
Measured: Changes from pre and post muscle damaging exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to pre-exercise on days 9 and 10 of supplementation. Pre exercise blood sampling is done after urine collection. Post exercise blood sampling done before biopsy.
Plasma protein carbonyls
Oxidative stress response and antioxidant status measured by ELISA. A reduction is better.
Measured: Changes from pre and post muscle damaging exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to pre-exercise on days 9 and 10 of supplementation. Pre exercise blood sampling is done after urine collection. Post exercise blood sampling done before biopsy.
Plasma phenolic concentration
LC-MS-MS metabolite analysis to evaluate plasma levels associated with tart cherry supplementation at 0, 30 and 60 ml/day.
Measured: Changes from pre and post muscle damaging exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to pre-exercise on days 9 and 10 of supplementation. Pre exercise blood sampling is done after urine collection. Post exercise blood sampling done before biopsy.
Urine oxidation-reduction potential (ORP)
Urinary oxidation-reduction potential to measure oxidative damage and antioxidant status measured by probe. Less oxidative stress/free radical production is better.
Measured: Change from pre-exercise value day 8 to days 9 and 10 of tart cherry supplementation. Collected upon arrival to the study site.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted26 Jan 2021
- Study start14 Dec 2020
- Primary completion15 Dec 2022
- Study completion15 Dec 2022
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Muscle RecoveryStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Model description
- Repeated measures, double-blind, counter-balanced
- Masking
- Quadruple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- PepsiCo Global R&D
- Sponsor type
- Industry (pharma, biotech, devices)
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Joanna Bowtell, PhD, Principal investigator, University of Exeter, Sport and Health Sciences Department
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04725149
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- PEP-1905
- Status last verified
- Mar 2023
- First submitted
- 20 Jan 2021
- Last updated
- 3 Apr 2023
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Sabou V, O'Leary M, Jackman SR, Struszczak L, Bozbas E, Metcalf B, Tang JCY, Philo M, Kroon PA, Bowtell JL. Tart cherry supplementation causes differential regulation of skeletal muscle proteome after eccentric exercise. Front Nutr. 2026 May 26;13:1801399. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2026.1801399. eCollection 2026.
PubMed 42272906
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 3 Apr 2023. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Investigating the Efficacy of Low or High Dose Tart Cherry on Recovery From Exercise Induced Muscle Damage and Establishing Its Molecular Mechanisms of Action
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT04725149
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- PEP-1905
- Conditions
- Muscle Recovery
- Keywords
- cherry, tart cherry, Montmorency cherry, beverage, exercise, muscle recovery, muscle soreness, muscle damage
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- PepsiCo Global R&DIndustry (pharma, biotech, devices)
- Study start
- 14 Dec 2020 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Dec 2022 (actual)
- Study completion
- 15 Dec 2022 (actual)
- First posted
- 26 Jan 2021 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
To determine the dose-response effects of 10-day tart cherry product consumption (0, 30 ml, and 60 ml) on knee extensor isometric strength 24-h and 48-h after muscle damaging exercise and to elucidate the mechanisms of action for TC supplementation.
Detailed description
Montmorency cherry supplementation has been shown to exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can be beneficial for improving recovery from exercise. However, the investigator is currently not aware of how tart cherry polyphenol supplementation produces these effects. This study aims to determine the dose-response effects of 10-day tart cherry product consumption (placebo, 30 ml, and 60 ml Montmorency tart cherry concentrate in a 500 ml beverage) on knee extensor isometric strength 24-h and 48-h after muscle damaging exercise on supplementation Day 8; on enhancing recovery of other measures of muscle function (single leg eccentric and concentric force development and single leg jump height) and muscle soreness; on reducing markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in plasma, muscle and urine; on inducing signaling in muscle via the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway to upregulate endogenous antioxidant enzymes in muscle; on inhibiting muscle cyclo-oxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2).
This study also aims to identify and establish the molecular mechanisms of action through which tart cherry polyphenols exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling in primary human myogenic cells will be assessed by incubating primary human myogenic cells (commercial cell line) in sera derived from 6 participants consuming 8-day placebo vs. 60 ml/day Montmorency tart cherry concentrate supplement. Subjects are permitted to participate in both the molecular mechanism of action part of the study (Part A, no exercise component) and the damaging exercise muscle recovery part of the study (Part B).
For 60 ml doses in Parts A and B, global proteomics analysis of the muscle tissue will be conducted generate more insight into the mechanisms of action. This would identify the specific pathways that are influenced by cherry supplementation and allow identification of the full range of mechanisms involved, rather than assume antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects alone.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Quadruple blind (participant, care provider, investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- Repeated measures, double-blind, counter-balanced
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| 0 ml tart cherry concentrate | Placebo comparator | Other: 500 ml base solutionStill cherry-flavored beverage, similar in appearance, taste, aroma and calories to the 30 ml and 60 ml tart cherry concentrate beverages |
| 30 ml tart cherry concentrate | Experimental | Other: 500 ml containing 30 ml tart cherry concentrate diluted with water and base solution"Low dose" tart cherry concentrate beverage |
| 60 ml tart cherry concentrate | Experimental | Other: 500 ml containing 60 ml tart cherry concentrate diluted with water only"High dose" tart cherry concentrate beverage |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (14 listed)
- Male in good health
- 18-40y
- BMI ≤ 29.9
- Recreationally active but not highly trained (Participating in sport or physical activity at least once per week for the last 6 months and lower limb resistance training ≤ 1/week) (Part B only)
- No lower limb musculoskeletal injury that prevented exercise in the last 3 months (Part B only)
Key exclusion criteria (17 listed)
- Female
- <18y or >40y
- BMI ≥ 30
- Inactive or well-trained (see inclusion criteria) (Part B only)
- Lower limb musculoskeletal injury in the last 3 months (Part B only)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| 500 ml base solutionColor, taste, aroma, and calorie matched water base | Other | 0 ml tart cherry concentrate |
| 500 ml containing 30 ml tart cherry concentrate diluted with water and base solutionMontmorency cherry concentrate | Other | 30 ml tart cherry concentrate |
| 500 ml containing 60 ml tart cherry concentrate diluted with water onlyMontmorency cherry concentrate | Other | 60 ml tart cherry concentrate |
Primary outcome
Isometric knee extensor strength
Time frame: Changes from immediately before and immediately after muscle damaging exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to 24 hours and 48 hours after muscle damaging exercise (days 9 and 10 of supplementation).
Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) as a measure of functional recovery from muscle damage. Unit of measurement is Newtons. Stronger is better.
15 secondary outcomes
Single leg eccentric and concentric isokinetic force production
Time frame: Changes from immediately before and immediately after muscle damaging exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to 24 hours and 48 hours after muscle damaging exercise (days 9 and 10 of supplementation).
Single leg vertical jump height (SLVJ)
Time frame: Changes from immediately before and immediately after muscle damaging exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to 24 hours and 48 hours after muscle damaging exercise (days 9 and 10 of supplementation).
Leg muscle soreness by Pressure Pain tolerance (PPT)
Time frame: Changes from immediately before and immediately after muscle damaging exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to 24 hours and 48 hours after muscle damaging exercise (days 9 and 10 of supplementation).
Leg muscle soreness by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
Time frame: Changes from immediately before and immediately after muscle damaging exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to 24 hours and 48 hours after muscle damaging exercise (days 9 and 10 of supplementation).
Leg muscle biopsy for nuclear factor k-B (NFκB)
Time frame: Changes from pre and post exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to pre-exercise on days 9 and 10 of supplementation. Biopsies are done after blood samples and before muscle soreness measures.
Leg muscle biopsy for cyclo-oxygenase COX1 protein
Time frame: Changes from pre and post exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to pre-exercise on days 9 and 10 of supplementation. Biopsies are done after blood samples and before muscle soreness measures.
Leg muscle biopsy for cyclo-oxygenase COX1 activity
Time frame: Changes from pre and post exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to pre-exercise on days 9 and 10 of supplementation. Biopsies are done after blood samples and before muscle soreness measures.
Leg muscle biopsy for nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), absolute expression, nuclear translocation
Time frame: Changes from pre and post muscle damaging exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to pre-exercise on days 9 and 10 of supplementation. Biopsies are done after blood samples and before muscle soreness measures.
Leg muscle biopsy for global proteomics analysis of muscle tissue samples for the 60 ml dose only
Time frame: Changes from pre and post muscle damaging exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to pre-exercise on days 9 and 10 of supplementation. Biopsies are done after blood samples and before muscle soreness measures.
Leg muscle biopsy for endogenous antioxidant enzyme expression
Time frame: Changes from pre and post muscle damaging exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to pre-exercise on days 9 and 10 of supplementation. Biopsies are done after blood samples and before muscle soreness measures.
Leg muscle biopsy for immune cell infiltration
Time frame: Changes from pre and post muscle damaging exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to pre-exercise on days 9 and 10 of supplementation. Biopsies are done after blood samples and before muscle soreness measures.
Plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6)
Time frame: Changes from pre and post muscle damaging exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to pre-exercise on days 9 and 10 of supplementation. Pre exercise blood sampling is done after urine collection. Post exercise blood sampling done before biopsy.
Plasma protein carbonyls
Time frame: Changes from pre and post muscle damaging exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to pre-exercise on days 9 and 10 of supplementation. Pre exercise blood sampling is done after urine collection. Post exercise blood sampling done before biopsy.
Plasma phenolic concentration
Time frame: Changes from pre and post muscle damaging exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to pre-exercise on days 9 and 10 of supplementation. Pre exercise blood sampling is done after urine collection. Post exercise blood sampling done before biopsy.
Urine oxidation-reduction potential (ORP)
Time frame: Change from pre-exercise value day 8 to days 9 and 10 of tart cherry supplementation. Collected upon arrival to the study site.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 3 Apr 2023.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42272906Sabou V, O'Leary M, Jackman SR, Struszczak L, Bozbas E, Metcalf B, Tang JCY, Philo M, Kroon PA, Bowtell JL. Tart cherry supplementation causes differential regulation of skeletal muscle proteome after eccentric exercise. Front Nutr. 2026 May 26;13:1801399. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2026.1801399. eCollection 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Joanna Bowtell, PhD principal investigator
University of Exeter, Sport and Health Sciences Department
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing 500 ml base solution, 500 ml containing 30 ml tart cherry concentrate diluted with water and base solution and 500 ml containing 60 ml tart cherry concentrate diluted with water only in people with Muscle Recovery, run by PepsiCo Global R&D at 1 site in United Kingdom.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 14 inclusion and 17 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Apr 2023. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United Kingdom. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Isometric knee extensor strength (time frame: Changes from immediately before and immediately after muscle damaging exercise on day 8 of tart cherry supplementation to 24 hours and 48 hours after muscle damaging exercise (days 9 and 10 of supplementation).). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT04725149, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 3 Apr 2023.