Cherry juice is being tested as a new treatment for osteoarthritis. It follows earlier research suggesting that compounds in cherries – particularly tart ones – may reduce inflammation and pain in a similar way to aspirin.

Previous research at Michigan State University found that compounds called anthocyanins, which give tart cherries – sometimes called sour red cherries – their colour, may have anti-inflammatory properties and contain protective antioxidants.

In a new trial, due to start in May at the Philadelphia Medical Centre in the U.S., men and women with osteoarthritis will be given a tart cherry juice drink for six weeks to see if it has an effect on their use of painkillers, and whether it improves their ability to walk.

This entry was posted on Friday, June 1st, 2007 at 4:25 pm and is filed under Arthritis, In the News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.