Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) vegetal parts: Valuable source of bioactive compounds for therapeutic applications

Sweet cherry is a highly valued fruit for its nutritional and biological properties. In Portugal, particularly in Fundão region, cherry processing generates about 15-30% by-products annually. While some are used in traditional medicine, their bioactive potential remains underexplored. This study evaluated the phenolic, volatile, and mineral compositions of stems, leaves and flowers of the Saco −1 , with no cytotoxicity observed in NHDF cells. Anti-inflammatory potential was assessed in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, where stems and leaves extracts inhibited nitrite production in a dose-dependent manner without cytotoxic effects. These findings provide valuable insight into the phytochemical composition and biological properties of Portuguese cherry by-products. Their bioactive potential suggests applications in health-related fields while also contributing to the valorization of local agricultural waste and the economy [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ]. Publication History Article published online: 05 March 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany