Abstract:The decline in estrogen levels resulting from ovarian functional deterioration during perimenopause represents a critical contributing factor to osteoporosis, underscoring the significance of exploring safe dietary intervention strategies. To investigate the effects and mechanisms of concentrated sour cherry juice on bone metabolism during this transitional period, a naturally aging perimenopausal mouse model was employed. Mice were randomly allocated into four groups: control group, sour cherry juice group, positive drug control group, and phytoestrogen positive control group. Following 28 days of continuous intragastric administration, serum levels of estradiol, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and bone turnover markers were measured. Microstructural parameters of the distal femur were analyzed by micro-computed tomography, and the mRNA expression of estrogen receptors and key enzymes in the estrogen synthesis pathway in ovarian and uterine tissues was detected by real-time quantitative PCR. The results demonstrated that, compared with the control group, the sour cherry juice group exhibited elevated serum estradiol levels, decreased luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels, upregulated bone formation markers including osteocalcin, and downregulated bone resorption markers such as tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b. Micro-CT analysis revealed significant improvements in bone mineral density, bone volume fraction, trabecular number, and trabecular thickness, indicating ameliorated bone microarchitecture. Mechanistic studies further revealed that tart cherry juice upregulated the mRNA expression of estrogen receptor α, estrogen receptor β, and key synthetic enzymes 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the ovary, while enhancing estrogen receptor α expression in the uterus.Finally, by testing the contents of isoflavones, organic acids, sugars, mineral elements, and free amino acids in concentrated sour cherry juice, a preliminary mechanism was speculated. These findings indicate that tart cherry juice alleviates perimenopausal estrogen deficiency by enhancing local estrogen synthetic capacity in the ovary, thereby bidirectionally regulating bone metabolic balance, attenuating bone loss, and restoring bone microarchitecture, suggesting its potential for development as a functional food for skeletal health management during perimenopause.