Researchers from Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Ore., conducted a three-week, randomized, placebo-controlled design among 20 women who had inflammatory osteoarthritis and were between the ages of 40-70. The women drank either 10.5 oz of tart cherry juice or a placebo beverage twice a day. Certain serum inflammatory biomarkers suggested the tart cherry juice benefit.
Osteoarthritis affects 65 million Americans and up to 40% of osteoarthritis patients have inflammation, according to the researchers.
“With millions of Americans looking for ways to naturally manage pain, it’s promising that tart cherries can help, without the possible side effects often associated with arthritis medications,” said Kerry Kuehl, M.D., with the Oregon Health & Science University and principal study investigator. “I’m intrigued by the potential for a real food to offer such a powerful anti-inflammatory benefit, especially for active adults.”
