The pain of arthritis can keep your from being active and enjoying your daily life. The anti-inflammatory drugs commonly prescribed to manage arthritis symptoms can have long-term health effects, including liver damage, and might interact with other medications. Extracts from some species of cherry show promise in decreasing pain and inflammation in arthritis, although human clinical trials are lacking. As of publication, tart cherry concentrate or extract should not be viewed as an alternative for prescription arthritis medication.
Arthritis
In arthritis, your joints are inappropriately inflamed, causing pain and loss of flexibility. Arthritis can arise from joint damage, in the case of osteoarthritis, or from an autoimmune disorder, in the case of rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammation is movement of immune cells and fluid into an area of the body; it causes swelling, heat and pain. There is no known cure for arthritis but it can be well-managed with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce joint inflammation.
Tart Cherry
Cherries contain chemicals called anthocyanins that are responsible for the fruits' red to purple color. These anthocyanins might interact with enzymes in the body, proteins responsible for performing a biochemical reaction. According to preliminary research, cherry anthocyanins might inhibit the enzymes that give rise to inflammation. Although all cherries contain anthocyanins, some varieties of tart or sour cherry contain higher levels. Tart cherry juice is available in a concentrated form that can be diluted to taste.
Benefits
According to Michigan State University research, tart cherry anthocyanins might be 10 times as effective at reducing inflammation as aspirin, without the severe side effects such as liver damage and impaired blood clotting. A 2004 study in the journal "Brain and Behavioral Research" found that cherry anthocyanins reduced sensation of pain in lab rats challenged with inflammation. Though these results are promising, no clinical trials have specifically studied the effectiveness of cherry anthocyanins in improving arthritis symptoms in humans.
Safety
According to Drugs.com, no severe side effects of tart cherry anthocyanins are known, but they have not been well-studied. Additionally, no information is available as to the effective dose of tart cherry juice or extract. Do not replace your current arthritis treatment with tart cherry extract without consulting your doctor. He can help you integrate it into your treatment plan and objectively determine whether it is effective for you.
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