Abstract
Current studies were made to investigate the phytochemistry, nutritional and pharmacological studies on Prunus Avium L. (sweet cherry or wild cherry). The plant is a rich source of many phytochemicals, nutrients, phenolic compounds, sugars, anthocyanins, perillyl and phenolics. The presence of chemical compounds such as cyanidin 3-sophoroside, cyanidin 3-rutinoside, cyanidin 3-glucosylrutinoside, cyanidin 3-glucoside etc. renders the cherry fruit to demonstrate anti-cancer and anti-oxidation potential, antigenotoxic, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, neuroprotective and diuretic activities. Cherry consists of cyanogenic glucoside (prunasin) which assists the body in tranquilizing cough and also effective for nervous touchiness and nervous dyspepsia. For secure treatment of cough, pharmaceutical companies isolate prussic acid from the cherry bark as a dynamic component. Wild cherry is also helpful in treatment of arthritis due to the presence of anthocyanins.
