arthritis news

Can Cherries Relieve the Pain of Osteoarthritis?

March 19, 2009— For the estimated 27 million Americans who suffer from osteoarthritis, pain relief may come with a cherry on top. According to researchers with the Baylor Research Institute, tart cherries, in pill form, may be a promising pain-reliever for this common and debilitating form of arthritis.

More than half of the patients enrolled in a 2007 pilot study at the Baylor Research Institute experienced a significant improvement in pain and function after taking the cherry pills for eight weeks. Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, is considered degenerative and typically affects the hands, feet, spine, and large weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees. Patients with osteoarthritis of the knees were enrolled in this pilot study to assess potential efficacy of the tart cherry pills.

“The current treatment of osteoarthritis is largely focused on controlling pain through use of over-the-counter acetaminophen or prescription pain medications as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,” explains John J. Cush, M.D., rheumatologist and principal investigator of the study. “These conventional medications are widely used, but have not been shown to alter the natural history of the disease. In some cases, overuse may contribute to significant gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, hematologic, renal and liver toxicity.”

Made from Montmorency tart cherries, this preparation is made up of ground whole cherries and given as a soft gelatin capsule (marketed under the brand name CherryFlex®).

“This specific type of tart cherry is one of the best studied natural products and anecdotally has been claimed to have a salutary effect on osteoarthritis and other types of arthritis as well,” adds Dr. Cush.

Baylor Research Institute together with the Arthritis Care & Research Institute is currently enrolling patients in a second study, which will test cherry pills versus placebo in an eight week double blind study.

For more information about this study, call 1-800-4BAYLOR.

Dallas-based Baylor Research Institute, an affiliate of Baylor Health Care System, promotes research bringing innovative treatments from the laboratory to the patient bedside. The Institute focuses on basic and translational science, clinical trials, health care effectiveness and quality of care research. Opened in 1996, Baylor Institute for Immunology Research focuses on research that involves the immune system, such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and organ transplantation.

New Study Suggests Cherries May Offer Natural Pain Relief for Millions Suffering From Arthritis

Research Indicates This Red 'Super Fruit' May Help Reduce Inflammation and Pain

May 5, 2008 -- Arthritis is being called "the coming epidemic." Forty-six million -- or one in five American adults, have doctor-diagnosed arthritis -- and experts project that number to rise by nearly 40 percent by 2030(1). May is National Arthritis Month, a time to generate awareness of this growing condition and ways to manage associated symptoms. In fact, new research suggests that tart cherries -- one of today's hottest "Super Fruits" -- may help naturally reduce inflammation and ease arthritis pain.

While arthritis sufferers have sworn for years that cherry juice reduces pain, the anecdotal claims are now supported by scientific evidence. A new study by University of Michigan researchers revealed a cherry-enriched diet reduced inflammation markers in animals by up to 50 percent(2). Scientists believe it's the anthocyanins -- also responsible for cherries' vibrant red color -- that are responsible for this anti-inflammatory benefit. Other studies indicate that anthocyanins may be beneficial for a range of inflammatory-related conditions, including arthritis(3-5).

Studies also suggest antioxidant-rich foods, like cherries, may help reduce levels of nitric oxide, a compound associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis(6-8). Osteoarthritis currently affects 27 million Americans, with onset typically after 45 years of age(1).

"Cherries have a unique antioxidant profile that works similar to some types of pain medication," said Russel Reiter, Ph.D., nutrition researcher at the University of Texas Health Science Center, who has studied the benefits of tart cherries for many years. "This is an important link in examining the role diet can play in reducing inflammation and preventing and managing related diseases and conditions."

Consumers Prefer to Eat Red for Good Health

As America ages, so too will the prevalence of arthritis. Those afflicted are already looking to foods and beverages with health-promoting properties to optimize their health. In fact, a recent survey revealed most respondents would prefer to eat or drink foods with health promoting properties over medical treatment or dietary supplements. Reducing joint pain and inflammation were among the priority conditions(9). Also in the survey, 81% of consumers said they'd add more cherries to their daily diet if they knew the health benefits were virtually equal to dietary supplements.

"Arthritis pain can be very debilitating, limiting activity and overall quality of life," said Leslie Bonci, Director of Sports Nutrition in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh. "As a registered dietitian, I like to recommend food as the first solution to good health. Cherries are great because they have these powerful anti-inflammatory properties and are easy and convenient to eat, from topping cereal or creating a smoothie."

Cherries are available year-round in dried, frozen and juice forms. One serving of cherries is equal to 1/2 cup dried cherries, 1 cup frozen cherries, 8 ounces cherry juice or 2 tablespoons cherry juice concentrate.