The "Dean of Melatonin Research" Gives Tart Cherries High Marks
Published: May 2017 | Updated: October 2025
This post explains Dr. Russel Reiter’s groundbreaking research on melatonin in tart cherries, detailing how these natural compounds support sleep quality, antioxidant function, and overall wellness.
Introduction
Curious about where natural melatonin comes from? You might be surprised to learn that one of the richest food sources is the tart cherry.
Dr. Russel Reiter, often called the “Dean of Melatonin Research,” made an unexpected discovery that put Montmorency tart cherries on the map — finding that this variety contains some of the highest natural melatonin concentrations of any fruit tested.
His work not only supported U.S. tart cherry growers but also helped connect this humble fruit to natural sleep support and overall wellness.
(Related: Tart Cherry Juice for Sleep Dosage: How Much to Drink Before Bed)
Dr. Reiter’s Surprising Discovery
“We were surprised at how much melatonin was in cherries, specifically the Montmorency variety,” said Dr. Reiter.
While fruits like bananas and pineapples contain small amounts of melatonin, Dr. Reiter’s research showed that tart cherries far exceed those levels. Even more remarkable, Cherry juice concentrate — which removes much of the water content — contains roughly ten times more melatonin than the raw fruit.
These findings were first confirmed at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, where Dr. Reiter quantified melatonin levels in various cherry products. The results were clear: tart cherries provide an extremely significant natural source of melatonin — enough to positively influence the body’s natural rhythms.
What Melatonin Does in the Body
Melatonin, produced by the pineal gland in the brain, regulates the body’s sleep–wake cycle. It signals the body when it’s time to rest, helps maintain daytime alertness, and also acts as a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals.
Dr. Reiter’s team found that Montmorency tart cherries contain up to 13.5 nanograms (ng) of melatonin per gram — more than is typically found circulating in human blood. This discovery confirmed that eating cherries or consuming cherry juice could naturally support the body’s melatonin levels.
(Learn more about our award-winning tart cherry juice concentrate).
About Dr. Russel Reiter
Dr. Reiter began his distinguished scientific career over 30 years ago in the field of neuroendocrinology, studying the glands and hormones of the brain. His work followed the early research of Dr. Aaron Lerner of Yale University, who first discovered melatonin in 1958.
Today, Dr. Reiter is considered one of the world’s foremost experts on melatonin’s role in human health. He has published over 700 scientific papers, mentored 130 doctoral students, and authored the widely read book Melatonin (Bantam Books). His peers fittingly refer to him as the “Dean of Melatonin Research.”
Why Melatonin in Tart Cherries Matters
One of the key questions Dr. Reiter addressed was whether the melatonin in cherries could actually influence melatonin levels in humans. His findings confirmed that it can.
Melatonin is both fat- and water-soluble, allowing it to reach areas of the body that other antioxidants (like vitamins C and E) cannot. This means cherry-derived melatonin can enter virtually every cell, enhancing the body’s antioxidant defense and cellular protection.
Dr. Reiter and other nutrition scientists emphasize the importance of obtaining melatonin through whole foods like cherries rather than supplements alone. Foods that naturally contain antioxidants tend to provide a broader spectrum of phytonutrients — supporting not just sleep, but also cardiovascular, immune, and cellular health.
(Also read: What Is Tart Cherry Juice? Understanding Its Origins and Benefits)
What the Research Suggests for Consumers
Tart cherries and cherry juice concentrate are increasingly recognized as functional foods — everyday foods with measurable health benefits.
According to Dr. Reiter’s findings:
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Tart cherries contain melatonin levels high enough to support healthy sleep cycles.
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Cherry juice concentrate can enhance recovery, antioxidant protection, and restful sleep.
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Consuming cherries or cherry products provides synergistic benefits from multiple compounds — not just melatonin.
Key Takeaways
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Dr. Russel Reiter discovered that Montmorency tart cherries contain high levels of natural melatonin.
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Cherry juice concentrate amplifies melatonin content up to 10× that of fresh cherries.
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Melatonin functions as both a sleep regulator and an antioxidant.
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Tart cherries may be a natural, food-based way to support restorative sleep.
Bringing It All Together
Dr. Russel Reiter’s discovery helped bridge nutrition science with natural wellness, highlighting tart cherries as one of the world’s few foods rich in melatonin. His research continues to inspire food scientists, health professionals, and consumers who prefer nature-based approaches to sleep and recovery.
Traverse Bay Farms proudly shares this research as part of our mission to educate, inspire, and promote the wellness power of Michigan-grown Montmorency tart cherries.
Bringing It All Together
Get Started Today with a More Restful Night's Sleep
Want to experience the natural benefits of tart cherries for yourself? Explore our award-winning tart cherry juice concentrate, made using as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible and backed by over 38 national food awards.
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References:
(1) Echlin, Bill. 2001 "Dr. Cherry" has growers on the mend. Traverse City Record-Eagle. July 15, p.2B
(2) National Sleep foundation. 2001 Melatonin: The Facts. Washington, DC.
(3) Burkhardt, Tan, et al, Detection and Quantification of Antioxidant Melatonin in Montmorency Tart Cherries. Journal of American Chemical Society 49, 4898-4902.
(4) Redman, J., e al, Science, 1983, 219, 1089-91.
(5) How Much Cherry Juice to Drink Before Bed?
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