Tart Cherry Juice Consumption as a Potential Treatment for Migraine Headaches

Abstract

PURPOSE: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of tart cherry juice accelerate exercise recovery (Bell 2013). These effects likely yield additional health benefits. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of regular consumption of tart cherry juice on frequency, intensity and duration of migraine headaches in a single patient with a 4-year history of migraines. The study rationale was threefold: (1) migraineurs have elevated c-reactive protein (CRP) and nitric oxide (NO) (Lippi 2014; van der Kuy & Lohman 2003); (2) cherries can reduce CRP and NO (Kelley 2006); (3) tart cherry anthocyanin bioavailability is high in brain tissue (Kirakosyan 2015). METHODS: The 24 yo female patient had a 4-year history of migraine headache with aura, sensory (pins-and-needles) and visual disturbance (Alice in Wonderland syndrome); and was taking Zolmitriptan (2.5 mg) to treat migraine occurrences. A 3-phase study was completed: Phase 1 - 50 days without cherry juice; Phase 2 - 50 days drinking 8 fl oz tart cherry juice daily (Cheribundi, Geneva NY); Phase 3 - 50 days without cherry juice. Migraine frequency (migraines/week), duration (hours/migraine), intensity (VAS pain 0-10 scale) and medication use (pills/week) were documented. RESULTS: When taking tart cherry juice migraine frequency and duration were reduced by 65% and 78%, respectively. Medication use was reduced by 91%. Migraines occurred during 3 of 4 menstrual cycles when the patient was not taking cherry juice, but during neither menstrual cycle when the patient was taking cherry juice.Table: No title available.CONCLUSIONS: Given the scientific rationale for the potential benefits of cherry juice in preventing migraine headaches, and the positive results of this pilot study, a clinical trial is warranted.