First, it must noted that there are two different types of cherry.  These healing properties are attributed to the tart pie cherry, not the sweet bing cherry.   The bing cherry is the one most often sold fresh or dried.  The tart cherry is usually sold canned, in a pie or in a fruit concentrate juice. 

Melatonin, Anthrocyanin as well as other Flavonoids are powerful health substances found in abundance in tart cherries.

• Melatonin helps regulate the sleep cycle thereby reducing insomnia and the many problems associated with poor sleep. It has also been cited to slow the aging process, and reduce the effects of jet lag.   The body produces melatonin naturally but as people get older, the melatonin levels can drop.   Just a handful of cherries can increase these levels. Using supplements can cause too much melatonin that may result in insomnia and nightmares.   Melatonin is also an antioxidant that has been stated to be more powerful than vitamins E, C and A because it is both fat and water-soluble.
  
• Anthrocyanins, the pigments that give cherries their bright red color, are flavonoids.   Research at Michigan State University has confirmed that the anthrocyanins in the tart cherry contain anti-inflamatory properties that are similar in activity to ibuprophen, aspirin or naproxin. (These are three of the major pain relievers on the market.)   Just 20 cherries a day can relieve pain caused by tissue inflammation without any side effects.  Anthrocyanins have also been shown to reduce uric acid levels in the blood.  Together with the anti-inflammatory properties already noted this could be a real bonus for gout sufferers.

There are also other flavonoids possessing antioxidant properties inhibiting colon cancer, and protecting artery walls from damage.  Cherries can be eaten fresh, (but watch out for the pits), in a pie and juiced.  Cherry juice concentrate, which is produced by removing the water, has all the beneficial nutrients in a small amount.  When purchasing, remember, you want only 100% cherry juice, not a cherry flavored drink.   It is speculated that one-day cherries will be classified as a “functional” food due to the above benefits.