Anthocyanins

Anthocyanin Research

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Research at Michigan State University indicates that tart cherry anthocyanins are at least 10 times more active than Aspirin.

Daily consumption of tart cherries has the potential to reduce the pain associated with inflammation, arthritis and gout. Many middle-aged and elderly consumers are choosing to drink cherry juice rather than take over-the-counter medications to stave off the pain of arthritis and gout.

"Twenty cherries provide 25 milligrams of anthocyanins, which helps to shut down the enzymes that cause tissue inflammation in the first place, so cherries can prevent and treat many kinds of pain," says Muraleedharan Nair, the lead researcher on the cherry project at Michigan State University. The anthocyanins also may protect artery walls from the damage that leads to plaque build up and heart disease. In fact, the latest research shows that anthocyanins do a better job of protecting arteries than vitamins C and E.

In addition, other research has revealed that the production of a hormone (prostglandin) is the cause of joint pain. The production of this hormone is directly related to two enzymes. The tart cherry anti-inflammatory compounds are suspected to have the ability to inhibit the enzymes that ultimately cause joint pain."

This research, which is still ongoing, substantiates what some consumers have believed for years - that tart cherries have important health benefits. There are numerous references in consumer publications, such as newspapers, magazines, books and even Web sites, that link cherries to beneficial health effects.

A recent survey of cherry growers shows that they have a lower incidence of cancer and heart conditions than the general public. The growers, on average, eat about six pounds of tart cherries per year while other Americans eat about one pound of tart cherries annually.

Research cited above by the Cherry Marketing Institute is from research conducted by the National Safety and Toxicology Centre at Michigan State University.