Numerous antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents have been identified in tart cherries, and a study among healthy, non-exercising individuals demonstrated that cherry consumption decreased serum inflammatory biomarkers after 14 days. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common syndrome affecting 65 million Americans characterized by pain, inflammation, and disability. Such natural anti-inflammatory effects of cherry consumption may be beneficial for the management and treatment of osteoarthritis and inflammatory diseases. The purpose of this randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study is to examine individuals with inflammatory OA and assess the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of tart cherry juice as compared to a placebo drink among twenty 30-70 y/o OA subjects.
The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of tart cherry juice to reduce pain and inflammation among individuals with arthritis.