Wild Cherry
Feb 17, 2025
Wild Cherry
Wild cherry (scientific name Prunus serotina) is a tree found in North America and Canada. The bark of the wild cherry tree contains prussic acid, which calms the coughing reflex. Early settlers of North America and the Native Americans used this supplement as a cough syrup.
Many cough medicines and lozenges still contain this supplement. The typical dosage has not been established. Adverse effects include headache, constipation, and gastrointestinal ulcers. Wild cherry should be used in caution with the following drugs, as it may increase the serum levels of benzodiazepines, amlodipine, atorvastatin, bepridil, cyclosporine, clorazepate, diltiazem, estradiol, estrogens, many oral contraceptives, azole antifungal agents, lercanidipine, midazolam, and nifedipine.
It also may worsen benign prostatic hypertension and narrow angle glaucoma. Wild cherry may increase sedative properties of St. John's wort, valerian, 5-HTP, and kava kava.
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