Abstract
Background Previous studies have reported the use of complementary therapies to reduce the risk of gout attacks. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of cherries in reducing uric acid levels associated with gout. Methods We searched for relevant studies on PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library without restrictions on language from inception until August 15, 2019. The risk of bias was evaluated using the PRISMA statement and checklist, and the methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Results The six studies included in this systematic review reported decreases in the incidence and severity of gout following the ingestion of cherries. Gout patients regularly ingesting cherry extract/juice reported fewer gout flare ups than those patients who did not supplement their diets with cherry products. Overall, we observed a positive correlation between the consumption of tart cherry juice and a decrease in serum uric acid concentration. Conclusions Current evidence supports an association between cherry intake and a reduced risk of gout attacks. Note however that we were unable to conduct effective meta-analysis due to a lack of relevant studies and a high degree of variation in the methodologies and metrics used in previous studies. Further comprehensive trials or long-term follow-up studies will be required to evaluate the efficacy of cherry intake in treating patients with gout or hyperuricemia.
Highlights
Gout refers to the crystallization of uric acid in or around the joints
Two of the studies focused on the correlation between the incidence of gout attacks and cherry intake
Cherry juice and cherry extract produced consistent results across groups categorized by sex, obesity status, purine intake, alcohol use, diuretic use, and use of antigout medications. ey reported that combining allopurinol with cherry could reduce the risk of gout attack
Summary
Gout refers to the crystallization of uric acid in or around the joints. It is a prevalent consequence of inflammatory arthritis [1], commonly causing discomfort and intense pain [2, 3]. A variety of foods, such as various fruits, are considered beneficial in reducing uric acid levels [8, 9]. Several studies have reported that cherry extract and/or cherry juice could be taken as a supplement to reduce uric acid levels in patients suffering from gout [9,10,11]. Previous studies have reported the use of complementary therapies to reduce the risk of gout attacks. We assessed the effectiveness of cherries in reducing uric acid levels associated with gout. Current evidence supports an association between cherry intake and a reduced risk of gout attacks. Further comprehensive trials or long-term follow-up studies will be required to evaluate the efficacy of cherry intake in treating patients with gout or hyperuricemia
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