Tart Cherry Juice Research Articles

The effect of tart cherry juice compared to a sports drink on cycling exercise performance, substrate metabolism, and recovery.

Tart cherries have low glycemic index, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and therefore may benefit performance and recovery from exercise. We determined the effects of consuming tart cherry juice versus a high-glycemic index sports drink on cycling performance, substrate oxidation, and recovery of low-frequency fatigue. Using a randomized, counter-balanced cross-over design, with one-month washout, 12 recreational cyclists (8 males and 4 females; 35±16y; VO2peak 38.2±7.4 ml/kg/min) consumed cherry juice or sports drink twice a day (300mL/d) for 4d before and 2d after exercise. On the exercise day, beverages (providing 1g/kg carbohydrate) were consumed 45min before 90min of cycling at 65%VO2peak, followed by a 10km time trial. Blood glucose, lactate, carbohydrate and fat oxidation, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), O2 cost of cycling, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured during the initial 90min of cycling. Muscle soreness, maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and low-frequency fatigue were determined at baseline and after the time trial on the exercise day, and 30min after beverage consumption 24 and 48h later. There were no differences for time trial performance (17±3min cherry juice vs. 17±2min sports drink, p = 0.27) or any other measures between drink conditions. There were time main effects (p<0.05) for isometric MVC (decreasing) and low-frequency fatigue (increasing; i.e. decreased force at low relative to high stimulation frequencies), changing significantly from baseline to post-exercise and then returning to baseline at 24h post-exercise. Tart cherry juice was not effective for improving performance, substrate oxidation during exercise, and recovery from exercise, compared to a high-glycemic index sports drink.

Development and Characterization of Tart Cherry Juice Encapsulated Prebiotic Particles

Development and Characterization of Tart Cherry Juice Encapsulated Prebiotic Particles

Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Activity, and Antiproliferative Potential on Glioblastoma Cells of Selected Stone Fruit Juices

Glioblastoma presents one of the most formidable challenges in cancer treatment, remaining persistently incurable. There is a pressing need to explore less toxic alternatives, particularly natural remedies that could be applied in glioblastoma therapy. The aim of this research is to investigate the antiproliferative potential of selected stone fruit juices—tart cherry (Prunus cerasus), cornelian cherry (Cornus mas), and blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)—on U87-MG and GBM43 glioblastoma cells. Their effects were compared with temozolomide (TMZ), the current standard treatment. Additionally, the juices were assessed for their bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential. Unlike the other two juices, blackthorn juice did not exhibit an antiproliferative effect on U87-MG cells. However, all three juices, including blackthorn, demonstrated antiproliferative potential against TMZ-resistant GBM43 cells. Cornelian cherry exhibited an even stronger inhibitory effect than TMZ. This observation correlated with cornelian cherry being rich in iridoids, while tart cherry juice contained significant amounts of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. This research sheds light on the potential of cornelian cherry juice as a source of bioactive compounds with antiproliferative effects against glioblastoma cells, particularly TMZ-resistant GBM43 cells. Further research is warranted to explore the potential development of these compounds into therapeutic agents, either as single entities or in combination therapies for glioblastoma treatment.

Effect of tart cherry juice supplement on lower extremity strength recovery performance after periodization resisted sled-based training

Effect of tart cherry juice supplement on lower extremity strength recovery performance after periodization resisted sled-based training

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS): Management Update

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is a prevalent issue in sports medicine and among physically active individuals, causing significant pain and disability. While the exact pathophysiology of DOMS remains incompletely understood, this article delves into non-pharmacological approaches to effectively manage and alleviate its symptoms.&#x0D; The research discusses multifaceted aspects of DOMS, encompassing its complex etiology, theories, and contributing factors. Numerous theories have been proposed, including delayed inflammatory responses, lactic acid accumulation, muscle spasms, connective tissue damage, and muscle micro-tears. These theories underscore the intricate nature of DOMS and the need for a diverse management approach.&#x0D; The article explores non-pharmacological strategies to address DOMS, focusing on evidence-based methods. These methods include massage, exercise, nutrition, and natural supplements. Research has shown that massage therapy enhances muscle recovery, exercise therapy reduces soreness, and nutrition therapy through protein and amino acid intake can alleviate DOMS. Furthermore, natural supplements like ginger, tart cherry juice, and curcumin have demonstrated the potential to reduce inflammation and manage DOMS.&#x0D; While pharmacological interventions may be considered for severe cases, the article underscores the importance of exercising caution due to potential side effects. In summary, DOMS management necessitates a holistic approach, combining multiple modalities and nutritional strategies to alleviate pain, enhance muscle recovery, and minimize the impact of this common condition on physically active individuals and athletes.

Health Benefits of Montmorency Tart Cherry Juice Supplementation in Adults with Mild to Moderate Ulcerative Colitis: A Protocol for a Placebo Randomized Controlled Trial.

Ulcerative colitis, characterized by its relapsing and remissive nature, negatively affects perception, body image, and overall quality of life. The associated financial burden underscores the need for alternative treatment approaches with fewer side effects, alongside pharmaceutical interventions. Montmorency tart cherries, rich in anthocyanins, have emerged as a potential natural anti-inflammatory agent for ulcerative colitis. This manuscript outlines the study protocol for a randomized placebo-controlled trial investigating the effects of Montmorency tart cherry in individuals with ulcerative colitis. The trial aims to recruit 40 participants with mild to moderate disease activity randomly assign them to either a Montmorency tart cherry or placebo group. The intervention will span 6 weeks, with baseline and 6-week assessments. The primary outcome measure is the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes include other health-related questionnaires and biological indices. Statistical analysis will adhere to an intention-to-treat approach using linear mixed effect models. Ethical approval has been obtained from the University of Hertfordshire (cLMS/SF/UH/05240), and the trial has been registered as a clinical trial (NCT05486507). The trial findings will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication in a scientific journal.

Dairy-Protein-Based Aggregates as Additives Enriched with Tart Cherry Polyphenols and Flavor Compounds.

Nowadays, the development of innovative food products with positive health effects is on the rise. Consequently, the aim of this study was a formulation of aggregates based on tart cherry juice and dairy protein matrix to investigate whether different amounts (2% and 6%) of protein matrix have an impact on the adsorption of polyphenols as well as on the adsorption of flavor compounds. Formulated aggregates were investigated through high-performance liquid chromatography, spectrophotometric methods, gas chromatography and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. The obtained results revealed that with an increase in the amount of protein matrix used for the formulation of aggregates, a decrease in the adsorption of polyphenols occurred, and, consequently, the antioxidant activity of the formulated aggregates was lower. The amount of protein matrix additionally affected the adsorption of flavor compounds; thus the formulated aggregates differed in their flavor profiles in comparison with tart cherry juice. Adsorption of both phenolic and flavor compounds caused changes in the protein structure, as proven by recording IR spectra. Formulated dairy-protein-based aggregates could be used as additives which are enriched with tart cherry polyphenols and flavor compounds.

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Anthocyanins after Administration of Tart Cherry Juice to Individuals with Gout.

Tart cherries (TCs) contain high levels of anthocyanins that exert potent antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects and potentially benefit individuals with gout. This study aims to quantitate the major anthocyanins in TC Juice Concentrate (TCJC) and identify the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) parameters of the major anthocyanin cyanidin-3-glucosylrutinoside (C3GR). A PK-PD study enrolling human subjects with a history of gout is performed. Subjects are randomized to receive either 60 or 120mL of TCJC. Anthocyanins are quantitated using liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LCMS). Antioxidant and antiinflammatory mRNA expression is measured using real-time qPCR before and after the administration of TCJC. A population PK model (popPK) is fit to the experimental data, and an indirect PD model (IDR) is constructed in Monolix. Of the bioavailable anthocyanins, C3GR achieves the highest plasma concentration in a dose-dependent manner. A popPK predicts anthocyanin exposure, and an IDR produces reasonable approximations of PD effects.

The effectiveness of two comprehensive recovery protocols on performance and physiological measures in elite soccer players: A parallel group-randomized trial

Elite soccer players consistently report using several recovery methods after practices and games. However, it is unclear how their subsequent performance could be enhanced using broad protocols. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two different comprehensive recovery protocols in physiological, neuromuscular, and perceptual outcomes. Eighteen Mexican National Team players (19.56 ± 0.62 years) were recruited. Using a randomized parallel group design, players followed one of two recovery protocols: (a) carbohydrate and protein shake, foam roller, cold-water immersion, and tart cherry juice concentrate ( n = 9) or (b) carbohydrate and protein shake, stretching, and intermittent cold-water immersion ( n = 9) following the completion of an unofficial game and the day after. Muscular creatine kinase, countermovement jump, hamstring maximal voluntary contraction, perceived recovery, and muscle soreness were assessed before, immediately after, and 20-44-68 h post-game. Significant effects (set at ρ≤0.05) of time were present in both interventions. Muscular creatine kinase was normalized entirely at 68 h post-game, while neuromuscular and perceptual outcomes were homogenized at 44 h. No statistically significant effects between protocols were found. Still, the interaction effects showed changes only in the group using protocol (a) at post-game and 20 h after in neuromuscular and muscle soreness. There were large correlations between muscular creatine kinase and accelerations, decelerations, sprints, and high-speed running distances. In conclusion, the interventions are equally effective for improving physiological, neuromuscular, and perceptual outcomes. Thus, elite soccer players may benefit from different combinations of methods after practices or games to obtain positive effects on recovery after them.

Effect of Tart Cherry Juice Consumption on Body Composition and Anthropometric Measures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The present systematic review and meta-analysis were accomplished to understand the effects of tart cherry juice consumption on body composition and anthropometric measures. Five databases were searched using relevant keywords from inception to January 2022. All clinical trials investigating the effect of tart cherry juice consumption on body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), and percentage body fat (PBF) were included. Out of 441 citations, 6 trials that enrolled 126 subjects were included. Tart cherry juice consumption significantly did not reduce BW (weighted mean difference [WMD], -0.4 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.25 to 2.46; p = 0.789; GRADE = low), BMI (WMD, -0.07 kg/m2; 95% CI, -0.89 to 0.74; p = 0.857; GRADE = low), FM (WMD, 0.21 kg; 95% CI, -1.83 to 2.25; p = 0.837; GRADE = low), FFM (WMD, -0.12 kg; 95% CI, -2.47 to 2.27; p = 0.919; GRADE = low), WC (WMD, 1.69 cm; 95% CI, -1.88 to 5.27; p = 0.353; GRADE = low), and PBF (WMD, 0.18%; 95% CI, -1.81 to -2.17; p = 0.858; GRADE = low). Overall, these data suggest that tart cherry juice consumption has no significant effect on BW, BMI, FM, FFM, WC, and PBF.

Tart Cherry Juice Reduces Plasma Triglycerides and CVD Risk Factor, But Does not Affect Indirect Measures of Insulin Resistance, in Overweight and Obese Subjects: A Randomized, Crossover Pilot Study

Tart Cherry Juice Reduces Plasma Triglycerides and CVD Risk Factor, But Does not Affect Indirect Measures of Insulin Resistance, in Overweight and Obese Subjects: A Randomized, Crossover Pilot Study

Effects of Short-Term Intake of Montmorency Tart Cherry Juice on Sleep Quality after Intermittent Exercise in Elite Female Field Hockey Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of short-term consumption of tart cherry juice on levels of cortisol and melatonin and sleep quality after intermittent exhaustion exercise in female elite field hockey players. A total of 19 field hockey players participated in the present study for 5 days. The individuals were divided into the placebo group (PLA, n = 9) and the tart cherry juice group (TCJ, n = 10), respectively. Actigraphy devices were distributed to analyze sleep quality and participants were required to wear the device while sleeping until the study was completed. Participants consumed tart cherry juice or placebo drinks five times in a total of 48 h while double-blinded after intermittent exhaustion exercise. A significant interaction effect (group × time) between PLA and TCJ groups was not observed in the levels of melatonin and cortisol. The variables of sleep quality showed significant interaction effects with regards to the total time in bed (TTB; p = 0.015), wake after sleep onset (WASO; p = 0.044), and movement index (MI; p = 0.031) variables. As a result, our study confirmed the possibility that the short-term intake of tart cherry juice could not change the levels of melatonin and cortisol in elite female hockey players but could help improve their sleep quality.

Montmorency tart cherry supplementation does not impact sleep, body composition, cellular health, or blood pressure in healthy adults.

Background: Sleep disturbances are linked with cardiovascular and metabolic disease as well as poor body composition. Aim: To investigate the use of tart cherry supplements, which are high in antioxidants and may contain melatonin, on parameters of health such as sleep, body composition, cellular health, and blood pressure (BP). Methods: Forty-four participants had completed sleep record data and were included in this analysis. Participants consumed either two 240 ml bottles per day of Montmorency tart cherry (MTC) juice or placebo or two capsules per day of powdered MTC or placebo for 30 days. Participants tracked their sleep daily via questionnaire and completed body composition and BP assessments at baseline, 14 days, and 30 days after supplementation. Results: There were no significant differences in sleep time or quality between groups, though both increased over 30 days. The capsule groups had significantly lower body mass (BM) 14 days versus baseline for placebo group (p = 0.01, mean difference: 0.70 kg) and at 30 days versus 14 days in MTC group (p = 0.02, mean difference: 0.75 kg). No other differences in body composition or cellular health were found. BP was unaffected by MTC supplementation over 30 days. Despite the potential benefits of antioxidants and melatonin, we did not find improvements in sleep time or quality, cellular health or BP in participants consuming MTC for 30 days, though BM decreased in capsule groups. Conclusion: These results conflict with previous data on MTC and sleep and BP, therefore further investigation is warranted.

Effects of Montmorency Tart Cherry and Blueberry Juice on Cardiometabolic and Other Health-Related Outcomes: A Three-Arm Placebo Randomized Controlled Trial.

The current study aimed to investigate the influence of tart cherry and blueberry juices on cardiometabolic and other health indices following a 20-day supplementation period. Forty-five adults were randomly assigned to receive tart cherry, blueberry, or a placebo, of which they drank 60 mL per day for 20 days. The primary outcome, which was systolic blood pressure, and secondary measures, including anthropometric, energy expenditure, substrate oxidation, hematological, diastolic blood pressure/resting heart rate, psychological wellbeing, and sleep efficacy, were measured before and after the intervention. There were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) for systolic blood pressure; however, total and LDL cholesterol were significantly improved with blueberry intake (pre: total cholesterol = 4.36 mmol/L and LDL cholesterol = 2.71 mmol/L; post: total cholesterol = 3.79 mmol/L and LDL cholesterol = 2.23 mmol/L) compared to placebo (pre: total cholesterol = 4.01 mmol/L and LDL cholesterol = 2.45 mmol/L; post: total cholesterol = 4.34 mmol/L and LDL cholesterol = 2.67 mmol/L). Furthermore, psychological wellbeing indices measured using the Beck Depression Inventory, State Trait Anxiety Inventory, and COOP WONCA improved statistically in the blueberry arm compared to placebo. Given the clear association between lipid concentrations and the risk of cardiovascular disease as well as the importance of psychological wellbeing to health-related quality of life, this investigation indicates that it could be an effective approach to assist in managing cardiometabolic disease.

Effects of Acute Tart Cherry Juice Intake on Recovery after Intermittent Exercise in Elite Female Field Hockey Players

PURPOSE This study aimed to examine the effect of acute tart cherry juice intake on recovery after intermittent exercise in female field hockey athletes.METHODS Sixteen university female field hockey athletes were studied for a total of 3 days. The cohort was divided into 2 groups, placebo group (n=8, PLA) and the tart cherry juice group (n=8, TCJ), Each supplement was consumed 5 times over 48 hours. On the first day of the study, venous blood was collected before the test, and physical fitness variables (20m sprint, 5-0-5 agility, and Countermovement jump) were performed twice before and after the Yo-Yo Intermediate recovery test 1 to determine the degree of muscle damage and recovery of physical fitness factors. After all tests on Day 1, supplements (PLA, TCJ) were taken. After 24 hours, venous blood collection was performed, and after 48 hours, venous blood collection and physical element variables were measured to verify the effectiveness of tart cherry juice.RESULTS In the TCJ group, a significant effect was found over time in the 5-0-5 ability among the fitness variable items (p&lt;.001) In Countermovement jump (CMJ), there was a significant effect over group and time (p&lt;.001). Second, significant effects over group and time were shown in Interlukin-6 (IL-6) among variable items related to muscle damage and inflammation through venous blood collection (p&lt;.05) and LDH (p&lt;.001), and CK (p&lt;.01) showed a tendency to decrease with time.CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that acute tart cherry juice intake after intermittent exercise tends to reduce muscle damage and inflammation-related variables in female field hockey players, which could help them recover quickly, especially after hectic game schedules.

The acute effects of tart cherry juice on uric acid and markers of cardiovascular disease risk in healthy individuals: a cross-over randomised controlled trial

The acute effects of tart cherry juice on uric acid and markers of cardiovascular disease risk in healthy individuals: a cross-over randomised controlled trial

Carboxymethylcellulose hydrogels: Effect of its different amount on preservation of tart cherry anthocyanins and polyphenols

Anthocyanins and other polyphenols are responsible for the positive effects that consumption of tart cherries and their products has on human health. However, instability of these compounds under processing conditions is a significant problem for fruit processing industry. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of using carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) hydrogels for the delivery of the tart cherry polyphenols. For this purpose hydrogels with tart cherry juice (TJ) and 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% (w/w) of CMC were prepared. Total phenolics, proanthocyanidins and monomeric anthocyanins as well as individual phenolics were determined. Antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC, DPPH and ABTS assays) and inhibitory potential against two enzymes, α-amylase and α-glucosidase were evaluated, as well. It was observed that hydrogel with 4% CMC (w/w) had the highest retention ability of phenolics (63%) and anthocyanins (80%) throughout preparation of hydrogels. That hydrogel also had the highest antioxidant potential. Results of this study showed that proper formulation of food systems is important in order to maximize retention of anthocyanins and other valuable polyphenols.

Nutritional Interventions to Improve Sleep in Team-Sport Athletes: A Narrative Review.

Athletes often experience sleep disturbances and poor sleep as a consequence of extended travel, the timing of training and competition (i.e., early morning or evening), and muscle soreness. Nutrition plays a vital role in sports performance and recovery, and a variety of foods, beverages, and supplements purportedly have the capacity to improve sleep quality and quantity. Here, we review and discuss relevant studies regarding nutrition, foods, supplements, and beverages that may improve sleep quality and quantity. Our narrative review was supported by a semi-systematic approach to article searching, and specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, such that articles reviewed were relevant to athletes and sporting environments. Six databases—PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar—were searched for initial studies of interest from inception to November 2020. Given the paucity of sleep nutrition research in the athlete population, we expanded our inclusion criteria to include studies that reported the outcomes of nutritional interventions to improve sleep in otherwise healthy adults. Carbohydrate ingestion to improve sleep parameters is inconclusive, although high glycemic index foods appear to have small benefits. Tart cherry juice can promote sleep quantity, herbal supplements can enhance sleep quality, while kiwifruit and protein interventions have been shown to improve both sleep quality and quantity. Nutritional interventions are an effective way to improve sleep quality and quantity, although further research is needed to determine the appropriate dose, source, and timing in relation to training, travel, and competition requirements.

Components of tart cherry juice inhibit NFκB activation and inflammation in acute gout.

To identify the anthocyanin content in tart cherry juice concentrate (TCJC) and establish the anti-inflammatory effect of in a murine acute gout model. The main anthocyanins in the TCJC were identified by liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy (LCMS). TCJC or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as control were administered daily by oral gavage to BALB/C-Tg(NFκB-RE-luc)-Xen mice that harbour a firefly luciferase cDNA reporter under the regulation of 3 Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) response elements. After 14 days, gouty inflammation was induced by intra-articular injection of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals into the tibio-tarsal joint (ankle). NF-κB activity was measured locally in the injected ankle using the Xenogen in vivo imaging system (IVIS), and decalcified feet/ankles were paraffin-embedded and analysed histopathologically. The major anthocyanin compound present in TCJC was cyanidin 3-glucosylrutinoside followed by cyanidin 3-rutinoside. In the murine acute gout model, MSU injection increased NF-κB activity and oral administration of TCJC significantly reduced NF-κB activity in mouse foot, and ankle joints as assessed by IVIS analysis. Bioluminescent imaging detection of NF-κB activation was inhibited approximately 2-fold relative to control mice receiving PBS. Histopathologic examination showed suppression of infiltrates into the tibio-tarsal joint space of the mice receiving TCJC compared to PBS-treated control counterparts. The major anthocyanin in TCJC was cyanidin 3-glucosylrutinoside. Clinically relevant doses of TCJC significantly inhibit inflammation and NF-κB activation induced by MSU crystals.

Tart Cherry Juice and Seeds Affect Pro-Inflammatory Markers in Visceral Adipose Tissue of High-Fat Diet Obese Rats.

Background: Tart cherries (Prunus cerasus L.) are a rich source of anthocyanins. They are phytochemical flavonoids found in red and blue fruits, and vegetables that can reduce hyperlipidemia. Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT) has emerged as a major player in driving obesity-related inflammatory response. Methods: This study has investigated the potential positive effects of tart cherries on rats with Diet-Induced Obesity (DIO). In particular, the inflammatory status in retroperitoneal (RPW) and perigonadal (PGW) adipose tissue were studied. Rats were fed ad libitum for 17 weeks with a hypercaloric diet with the supplementation of tart cherries seeds powder (DS) and seeds powder plus tart cherries juice containing 1mg of anthocyanins (DJS). In RPW and PGW, expression of CRP, IL-1 β, TNF-α, CCL2 and CD36, were measured by qRT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry techniques. Results: No differences in the weight of RPW and PGW animals were found between DS and DJS groups compared to DIO rats. However, an increase of inflammatory markers was observed in DIO group in comparison with control lean rats. A modulation of these markers was evident upon tart cherry supplementation. Conclusion: Study results suggest that tart cherry enriched-diet did not modify the accumulation of visceral fat, but it decreased inflammatory markers in both tissues. Therefore, this supplementation could be useful, in combination with healthy lifestyles, to modify adipose tissue cell metabolism limiting-obesity related organ damage.