Tart Cherry Juice Research Articles

Impact of Tart Cherry Juice on Joint Flexibility and Pain in Individuals with Self-Reported Knee Osteoarthritis (P01-030-19)

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to examine the daily consumption of tart cherry juice in comparison to a placebo juice on symptoms associated with knee osteoarthritis in both men and woman, age 45–79 years old, for a treatment period of 120 days. MethodsIn a randomized, double-blind control trial, a total of 66 adults with self-reported symptomatic knee OA, were randomized to either consume a 16 oz of tart cherry juice (TCJ) or a placebo juice daily for 4 months. Pain, mobility, plasma biomarkers of cartilage metabolism were evaluated at baseline, 2 months and 4 months. Pain, stiffness, and impact on quality of life were assessed using Self-administered Modified Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, while flexibility of the afflicted joint(s) was assessed via range of motion assessment (ROM). Plasma biomarkers related to cartilage metabolism such as glycoprotein 39 (YKL-40), hyaluronic acid, insulin-like growth factor(IGF)-1, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP-3) were determined. ResultsA total of 57 participants completed the study with an attrition rate of 9%. Pain and impact on quality of life decreased significantly at mid-point in the TCJ group, but these improvements were not maintained at the final time point. At midpoint, right knee ROM increased significantly in the TCJ at mid-point, but did not maintain significant at the end of the treatment period. Knee extension and knee flexion also improved significantly in the TCJ group from baseline to midpoint, while there was no significant change in the placebo group. The TCJ group had an overall significant decrease in plasma YKL-40, a marker of cartilage destruction, while no changes were observed in the placebo group. A significant decrease in the plasma IGF-1 and a non-significant up trend in IGFBP-3 were observed in the placebo group, while in the TCJ group no changes in IGF-1 and a non-significant decrease in IGFBP-3 was observed. There were no changes in the hyaluronic acid in the TCJ group during the study duration, but a non-significant up trending was noticed in the placebo group. ConclusionsThe findings of the study suggest that daily consumption of tart cherry juice results in improvement in mobility, relief of pain-related symptoms and quality of life, and selective markers of cartilage health. Funding SourcesCherry Marketing Institute.

No Recovery Differences with Acute vs. Pre-load Montmorency Tart Cherry Juice Supplementation Following Strenuous Exercise

No Recovery Differences with Acute vs. Pre-load Montmorency Tart Cherry Juice Supplementation Following Strenuous Exercise

Effect of Tart Cherry Juice on Inflammatory Markers in Normal Weight Obese (NWO) Women (OR29-05-19)

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether short term consumption (2 weeks) of tart cherry juice would positively impact inflammatory biomarkers in normal weight obese (NWO) and obese (OB) compared to normal weight (NW) premenopausal women. The NWO classification is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) within the normal range (18.5–24.9) with a body fat percentage above 30%. MethodsA total of 47 women between the ages of 18 to 40 years who meet the study criteria were recruited and consented to participate in this study. Participants were categorized into three groups, NW (n = 15), NWO (n = 20) or OB (n = 12) group based on BMI and body composition. All three groups consumed 16 ounces (2 servings) of tart cherry juice daily for a total of 14 days. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was performed at baseline and final visit to evaluate body composition. Fasted blood were samples collected during baseline and final visits for later analyses of inflammatory markers. ResultsAfter the two week intervention, mean fasting plasma concentration of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in all three treatment groups. The concentration of interleukin (IL)-6 decreased significantly in the NW group after treatment intervention; a decrease was also observed in the NWO and OB group but this was not significant. Plasma interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) concentration decreased in the NWO group after treatment intervention. Daily consumption of tart cherry juice significantly decreased the concentration of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the NWO group. The concentration of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1) decreased in the NWO and OB group from baseline to final visit. In addition, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) concentration decreased in all three treatment groups after treatment intervention. ConclusionsThe short term consumption of tart cherry juice exhibited positive effects on inflammation by decreasing plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines. The findings suggest that regular consumption of tart cherry juice may be potentially beneficial in modulating inflammatory markers. Funding SourcesCherry Marketing Institute Human Nutrition Research Fund at Texas Woman’s University

Consumption of 100% Tart Cherry Juice Reduces Serum Urate in Overweight and Obese Adults

ABSTRACTBackgroundGout is a frequently occurring, complex rheumatologic form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the accumulation of serum uric acid (sUA) and deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints and tissues of the body. Hyperuricemia is also a significant independent risk factor for all-cause and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and is associated with hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and osteoarthritis. However, patient adherence to prescribed urate-lowering therapies ranges from 20% to 70%, suggesting that other additional strategies, such as dietary intervention with specific, efficacious foods or beverages, may be necessary to mitigate the risk of arthritis, as well as other comorbidities. Tart cherry juice (TCJ) has been used for decades by some for gout based largely on anecdotal evidence of its efficacy and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.ObjectivesWe designed this study to test the effect of TCJ on uricemia, lipidemia, glycemia, and inflammation in at-risk overweight and obese humans with a specific hypothesis that TCJ consumption would reduce sUA concentrations.MethodsIn this randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study, we recruited overweight and obese participants with body mass index (BMI) >25.0 kg/m2 (n = 26, 18 women/8 men, 41 ±11 y; BMI 31.3 ± 6.0; 12 obese, 14 overweight) to consume 240 mL/d (8 oz/d) of either TCJ or placebo beverage, for 4 wk each with a 4-wk intervening washout period followed by 4 wk of the alternate beverage.ResultsTCJ significantly reduced sUA concentration by 19.2% (P < 0.05) and reduced by 19.4% (P = 0.09) and 6.3% (P = 0.08) proinflammatory high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, respectively. The participants in this study displayed risk ratios indicating increased cardiovascular disease risk and insulin resistance but no differences in the pre- and postintervention groups of either placebo or TCJ groups.ConclusionCollectively, the data suggest that 100% TCJ reduces sUA concentrations, mitigating hyperuricemia associated with gouty arthritis. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03636529.

Sleep and Nutrition Interactions: Implications for Athletes.

This narrative review explores the relationship between sleep and nutrition. Various nutritional interventions have been shown to improve sleep including high carbohydrate, high glycaemic index evening meals, melatonin, tryptophan rich protein, tart cherry juice, kiwifruit and micronutrients. Sleep disturbances and short sleep duration are behavioural risk factors for inflammation, associated with increased risk of illness and disease, which can be modified to promote sleep health. For sleep to have a restorative effect on the body, it must be of adequate duration and quality; particularly for athletes whose physical and mental recovery needs may be greater due to the high physiological and psychological demands placed on them during training and competition. Sleep has been shown to have a restorative effect on the immune system, the endocrine system, facilitate the recovery of the nervous system and metabolic cost of the waking state and has an integral role in learning, memory and synaptic plasticity, all of which can impact both athletic recovery and performance. Functional food-based interventions designed to enhance sleep quality and quantity or promote general health, sleep health, training adaptations and/or recovery warrant further investigation.

Cherry Gel Supplementation Does Not Attenuate Subjective Muscle Soreness or Alter Wellbeing Following a Match in a Team of Professional Rugby Union players: A Pilot Study.

This study examined the effects of sour tart cherry juice (TC) on muscle soreness (MS) and wellbeing following a rugby union match in professional players. In a crossover design, 10 players from a senior squad in the top tier of England consumed either 2 × 30 mL servings of TC or an isocaloric cherry-flavoured control gel (CON) two days before, the day of, and two days following an 80 min match. Subjective wellbeing and MS were measured before the match (Pre), and for three days following the match (M+1, M+2, and M+3, respectively). MS was elevated from Pre at M+1 (CON, 111 ± 37 mm vs. TC 94 ± 41 mm) and M+2 (CON, 81 ± 35 mm vs. TC 72 ± 36 mm) (time effect; p = 0.0001; ηp2 = 0.821) but there were no differences between TC and CON at either time point post-exercise (p = 0.807; ηp2 = 0.035). Wellness scores were ~15% lower at M+1 (p = 0.023; ηp2 = 0.638) but there were no differences between the two conditions at any time point (p = 0.647; ηp2 = 0.160). In conclusion, tart cherry juice did not attenuate soreness or alter wellbeing in a team of professional rugby union players following a competitive match.

Effects of Tart Cherry Juice on Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Older Adults.

Inflammation and oxidative stress are important factors in the development of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. The findings of our previous study suggest that 12 weeks consumption of tart cherry juice lowers the levels of systolic blood pressure (BP) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in older adults. The present study investigated the effects of tart cherry juice on blood biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. In this randomized-controlled clinical trial, a total of 37 men and women between the ages of 65–80 were randomly assigned to consume 480 mL of tart cherry juice or control drink daily for 12 weeks. Several blood biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks intervention. After the 12 weeks intervention, tart cherry juice significantly increased the plasma levels of DNA repair activity of 8-oxoguanine glycosylase (p < 0.0001) and lowered (p = 0.03) the mean c-reactive protein (CRP) level compared to the control group. There was a significant group effect observed for plasma CRP (p = 0.03) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (p = 0.03), and a borderline significant group effect observed for plasma oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) (p = 0.07). Within group analysis showed that the plasma levels of CRP, MDA, and OxLDL decreased numerically by 25%, 3%, and 11%, respectively after 12 weeks of tart cherry juice consumption compared with corresponding baseline values. The present study suggests that the ability of tart cherry juice to reduce systolic BP and LDL cholesterol, in part, may be due to its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Larger and longer follow-up studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Effect of Montmorency tart cherry juice on cognitive performance in older adults: a randomized controlled trial.

Hypertension, inflammation and oxidative stress are important factors in the development of cognitive impairment. Our previous study demonstrated that tart cherry juice can lower systolic blood pressure (BP) and improve inflammatory and oxidative stress status in older adults. As part of our previous trial, we explored whether daily consumption of tart cherry juice would improve cognitive abilities. In this randomized controlled trial, 37 adults between the ages of 65-80 with normal cognitive function were recruited and randomly assigned to consume two cups of Montmorency tart cherry juice for 12 weeks. Subjective memory and objective cognitive performance were assessed at baseline and after the 12-week juice supplementation using a validated subjective memory questionnaire and a standardized battery of tests. Daily caloric intake and physical activity levels were assessed throughout the study period. After the intervention, participants in the tart cherry group had higher contentment with memory scores (mean difference of 2.7; 95% CI: 1.2 to 4.2; p = 0.02), lowered their scores of movement time (mean difference of -10.4; 95% CI: -13.4 to -7.5; p = 0.03) as well as performed better on the paired associates learning task (mean difference of -8.5; 95% CI: -12.5 to -4.5; p = 0.02) compared to the control group. The within-group analysis showed that the visual sustained attention (p < 0.0001) and spatial working memory (p = 0.06) improved after the 12-week consumption of tart cherry juice compared with corresponding baseline values. Daily tart cherry juice consumption may improve cognitive abilities. This may be through anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of tart cherry and its ability to lower BP. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

The effects of Montmorency tart cherry juice supplementation and FATMAX exercise on fat oxidation rates and cardio-metabolic markers in healthy humans.

Montmorency tart cherries (Prunus cerasus L.) are rich in anthocyanins, compounds capable of augmenting fat oxidation and regulating metabolic dysfunction. The present study examined whether Montmorency tart cherry juice (MTCJ) supplementation could augment fat oxidation rates at rest and during FATMAX exercise, thus improve cardio-metabolic health. Eleven, healthy participants consumed MTCJ or placebo (PLA) twice daily, in a randomised, counterbalanced order for 20 days. Participants cycled at FATMAX for 1-h pre-, mid- (10 days) and post-supplementation whilst substrate oxidation rates were measured. Before exercise anthropometrics and resting metabolic rate were measured. Blood pressure, serum triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, total antioxidant status (TAS) and glucose were measured immediately before and after exercise. No significant differences between conditions or interactions were observed for any functional and blood-based cardio-metabolic markers or fat oxidation during exercise or rest (P > 0.05). Pre-exercise TAS (P = 0.036) and HDL (P = 0.001) were significantly reduced from mid- to post-supplementation with MTCJ only. Twenty days' MTCJ supplementation had no effect on fat oxidation; therefore, it is unnecessary for individuals in this participant cohort to consume MTCJ with exercise to improve cardio-metabolic biomarkers.

Effects of montmorency tart cherry (L. Prunus Cerasus) consumption on nitric oxide biomarkers and exercise performance.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Montmorency tart cherry juice (MC) on nitric oxide (NO) biomarkers, vascular function, and exercise performance. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo (PLA)-controlled, crossover study, 10 trained cyclists (mean ± SD; V˙O2peak 59.0±7.0mL/kg/min) acutely ingested 30mL of either MC or PLA following dietary restrictions of polyphenol-rich compounds and completed 6-minutes moderate- and severe-intensity cycling bouts 1.5hour post-ingestion on 2 occasions for each experimental condition. The severe-intensity cycling test was continued to exhaustion on 1 occasion and immediately followed by a 60-seconds all-out sprint on the other occasion. Blood pressure, pulse wave measures, tissue oxygenation index, and plasma nitrite concentration were assessed pre- and 1.5 hour post-ingestion. Time to exhaustion was not different between conditions (P>.05), but peak power over the first 20seconds (363±42 vs 330±26W) and total work completed during the 60-seconds all-out sprint (21±3 vs 19±3 kJ) were 10% higher in the MC trial compared to the PLA trial (P<.05). Systolic blood pressure was 5±2 mm Hg lower 1.5hour post-MC supplementation compared to PLA supplementation (P<.05). There were no differences in pulse wave measures, plasma nitrite concentration, or tissue oxygenation between the MC and PLA trials (P>.05). These results suggest that acute supplementation with MC can lower blood pressure and improve some aspects of exercise performance, specifically end-sprint performance, in trained cyclists.

Pilot Study of the Tart Cherry Juice for the Treatment of Insomnia and Investigation of Mechanisms.

Insomnia is common in the elderly and is associated with chronic disease, but use of hypnotics increases the incidence of falls. Montmorency tart cherry juice has improved insomnia by self-report questionnaire. Is insomnia confirmed by polysomnography and is tryptophan availability a potential mechanism for treating insomnia? A placebo-controlled balanced crossover study with subjects older than 50 years and insomnia were randomized to placebo (2 weeks) or cherry juice (2 weeks) (240 mL 2 times/d) separated by a 2-week washout. Sleep was evaluated by polysomnography and 5 validated questionnaires. Serum indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), the kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratio, and prostaglandin E2 were measured. In vitro, Caco-2 cells were stimulated with interferon-gamma, and the ability of cherry juice procyanidin to inhibit IDO which degrades tryptophan and stimulates inflammation was measured. The content of procyanidin B-2 and other major anthocyanins in cherry juice were determined. Eleven subjects were randomized; 3 with sleep apnea were excluded and referred. The 8 completers with insomnia increased sleep time by 84 minutes on polysomnography (P = 0.0182) and sleep efficiency increased on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (P = 0.03). Other questionnaires showed no significant differences. The serum kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratio decreased, as did the level of prostaglandin E2 (both P < 0.05). In vitro, cherry juice procyanidin B-2 dose-dependently inhibited IDO. Cherry juice increased sleep time and sleep efficiency. Cherry juice procyanidin B-2 inhibited IDO, increased tryptophan availability, reduced inflammation, and may be partially responsible for improvement in insomnia.

Dietary Supplements for Health, Adaptation, and Recovery in Athletes.

Some dietary supplements are recommended to athletes based on data that supports improved exercise performance. Other dietary supplements are not ergogenic per se, but may improve health, adaptation to exercise, or recovery from injury, and so could help athletes to train and/or compete more effectively. In this review, we describe several dietary supplements that may improve health, exercise adaptation, or recovery. Creatine monohydrate may improve recovery from and adaptation to intense training, recovery from periods of injury with extreme inactivity, cognitive processing, and reduce severity of or enhance recovery from mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Omega 3-fatty acid supplementation may also reduce severity of or enhance recovery from mTBI. Replenishment of vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency will likely improve some aspects of immune, bone, and muscle health. Probiotic supplementation can reduce the incidence, duration, and severity of upper respiratory tract infection, which may indirectly improve training or competitive performance. Preliminary data show that gelatin and/or collagen may improve connective tissue health. Some anti-inflammatory supplements, such as curcumin or tart cherry juice, may reduce inflammation and possibly delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) does not consistently increase strength and/or lean mass or reduce markers of muscle damage, but more research on recovery from injury that includes periods of extreme inactivity is needed. Several dietary supplements, including creatine monohydrate, omega 3-fatty acids, vitamin D, probiotics, gelatin, and curcumin/tart cherry juice could help athletes train and/or compete more effectively.

Impact of tart cherry juice on systolic blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in older adults: a randomized controlled trial.

Hypertension and dyslipidemia are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Common treatments for high blood pressure (BP) and dyslipidemia include medications, but there is question as to whether natural sources may be adequate to reduce CVD risk factors. We examined the effects of tart cherry juice on lipid profiles, BP, glucose, insulin, and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in older adults. In this randomized-controlled clinical trial, 17 men and 20 women between the ages of 65-80 years were randomly assigned to consume 480 ml of tart cherry juice or control drink daily for 12 weeks. Control beverages were matched for energy and sugar content. Outcome variables were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks of tart cherry juice or control drink. Systolic BP and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) exhibited treatment × time interaction effects. At the end of the study, participants in the tart cherry group had lower levels of LDL cholesterol (difference of -20.6 with P = 0.001) and total cholesterol (difference of -19.11 with P = 0.01), and higher levels of glucose (difference of 7.94 with P = 0.001), triglycerides (difference of 6.66 with P = 0.01) and BMI (difference of 1.06 with P = 0.02) than in the control group. Neither tart cherry juice nor control significantly altered body weight, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, diastolic BP, insulin and HOMA-IR. Our findings show that tart cherry juice can lower the levels of systolic BP and LDL cholesterol. However, larger and longer follow-up studies are needed to further assess cardio-protective effects of tart cherry juice.

Authentic tart cherry juice reduces markers of inflammation in overweight and obese subjects: a randomized, crossover pilot study.

Subclinical inflammation is frequently noted in chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and obesity. Accumulating epidemiological evidence demonstrates that diets rich in vegetables and fruits, e.g., cherries, may significantly reduce the risk of chronic disease, in part, via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study, we recruited 10 at-risk participants (38.1 ± 12.5 years; 8 females, 2 males) with BMI >25.0 kg m-2 (32.2 ± 4.6 kg m-2; 5 obese, 5 overweight) to consume 240 mL (8 ounces) daily of either 100% tart cherry juice (TCJ) or an alternate placebo beverage, for 4 weeks with a 2-week intervening washout period before switching to the alternate beverage for four weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected at the beginning and end of each arm for measurement of biomarkers of inflammation. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), an indicator of chronic inflammation, was significantly (p < 0.05) lower with TCJ than with the placebo beverage, which increased ESR by 19%. Mean baseline hsCRP, an indicator of acute inflammation, was 7.0 ± 5.2 mg L-1 and consumption of TCJ did not affect hsCRP levels. The chemokine MCP-1 and cytokine TNF-alpha were lower in participants after consuming TCJ compared to those consuming the placebo beverage. Plasma IL-6 and IL-l0 were not different between treatments. Collectively, the data suggest that authentic 100% TCJ may reduce biomarkers of inflammation often noted in chronic disease and may be a preferable dietary selection compared to artificially flavored beverages with added sugars.

Tart Cherry Juice in Athletes: A Literature Review and Commentary.

Tart cherry (TC) juice has many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory polyphenol compounds. TC lessens pain and accelerates strength recovery after exercise and decreases blood markers of inflammation/oxidative stress. These improvements occur in both strength and endurance exercise. TC supplementation may not be optimal during the adaptation/build stage of training. However, excessive inflammatory/oxidative stress during single-day intense training/competition or multiday tournaments may delay return to peak form. In this stage, where recovery (not adaptation) is the priority, TC may be beneficial. Timing and dosage vary widely, but most studies use 8 to 12 oz (1 oz if concentrate form) twice a day, 4- to 5-d loading phase before the event, and 2 to 3 d after to promote recovery. Therefore, for an athlete who has already peaked in training and looking to improve recovery and faster return to competition, TC may be beneficial.

The effects of tart cherry juice with whey protein on the signs and symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage following plyometric exercise

Exercise induced muscle damage can increase perceived pain which may decrease adherence to an exercise program. Purpose: To determine the effects of tart cherry juice with whey protein (TCW) on recovery from plyometric exercise. Methods: Sixteen participants (10 male, 6 female, Age: 23±5years, Height: 171±13cm, Weight: 79±16kg) ingested two 240mL bottles of TCW or placebo beverage (PLA) twice daily for 10days. Participants completed 5×20 drop jumps on day 6. Results: Both groups experienced muscle soreness (TCW: 21mmvs. PLA: 33mm), elevated CK (305±176 UL) and LDH (196±19 UL) 24h post exercise. ORAC was significantly higher in TWC post supplementation (126±48μMvs. PLA: 58±46μM) and 48h post exercise (641±114μMvs. PLA: 314±113μM). Conclusion: TCW can increase ORAC and may attenuate perceived soreness.

Effects of Montmorency tart cherry (Prunus Cerasus L.) consumption on vascular function in men with early hypertension

Tart cherries contain numerous polyphenolic compounds that could potentially improve endothelial function and reduce cardiovascular disease risk. We sought to examine the acute effects of Montmorency tart cherry (MC) juice on vascular function in subjects with early hypertension. A placebo-controlled, blinded, crossover, randomized Latin square design study with a washout period of ≥14 d was conducted. Fifteen men with early hypertension [systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥130 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure ≥80 mm Hg, or both] received either a 60-mL dose of MC concentrate or placebo. Microvascular reactivity (laser Doppler imaging with iontophoresis), arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity and analysis), blood pressure, and phenolic acid absorption were assessed at baseline and at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 8 h postconsumption. MC consumption significantly lowered SBP (P < 0.05) over a period of 3 h, with peak reductions of mean ± SEM 7 ± 3 mm Hg 2 h after MC consumption relative to the placebo. Improvements in cardiovascular disease risk factors were closely linked to increases in circulating protocatechuic and vanillic acid at 1-2 h. MC intake acutely reduces SBP in men with early hypertension. These benefits may be mechanistically linked to the actions of circulating phenolic acids. This study provides information on a new application of MCs in health maintenance, particularly in positively modulating SBP. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02234648.

Tart Cherry Juice Consumption as a Potential Treatment for Migraine Headaches

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.

Toxicity of Tart Cherry Extract of C2C12 and U937 Cell Lines

Oxidative stress and inflammation are implicated in secondary damage from eccentrically-biased muscle contractions. Research suggests that the antioxidant/anti-inflammatory compounds in tart cherry juice may accelerate strength recovery following damage; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of tart cherry extract (TCE) on skeletal muscle (C2C12) and immune cells (U937) and to determine maximum effective dose for subsequent muscle damage experiments.\ METHODS: TCE was purified using a water-based extraction method and evaluated for total phenolic content using the Folin-Ciocalteau’s assay. C2C12 myotube cultures were differentiated for 5d, and U937 monocytes were grown to 1x106 cells/mL and then preconditioned with TCE for 24-48h. Cultures were then incubated with 50% ethanol (EtOH) to induce cell death. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity of TCE was assessed using a DPPH assay. Toxicity of TCE and EtOH was assessed using an XTT assay. RESULTS: ROS inhibition was observed at all [TCE] (7-100μg/mL) in both C2C12 and U937 cell culture media (p<0.05), and ROS inhibition was highest in C2C12 media vs. U937 media (p<0.05). Treatment with EtOH decreased cell viability in both C2C12 (-81±5%) and U937 (-69±11%) cells, relative to untreated control cultures (p<0.05). Pretreatment of C2C12 cells with TCE (7-35μg/mL) for 48h attenuated EtOH-induced toxicity by 18±6%-26±5% (p<0.02), indicating a protective effect of TCE on myotube cultures. Higher [TCE] (50-100μg/mL) decreased viability by 14±3%-20±4%, compared with untreated controls (p<0.02), indicating a toxic threshold for TCE. Pretreatment with TCE for 24h (50-100μg/mL) and 48h (35-100μg/mL) rescued U937 cell viability after the EtOH challenge (p<0.02). Interestingly, U937 cell counts increased when preconditioned with TCE at [21.5-100μg/mL] for 24h vs. untreated controls (p<0.02), suggesting a stimulatory effect on cell proliferation. CONCLUSION: These data help establish an experimental range of TCE for future in vitro studies, and demonstrate that TCE has protective antioxidant effects on cultured skeletal muscle cells and monocytes. Funding Source: Combat Feeding Research & Engineering Program / Framingham State University Department of Chemistry and Food Science.

Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate in Men’s US Olympic Volleyball

Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate in Men’s US Olympic Volleyball