Q and A - Will cherry juice help arthritis?

[Guest guest]

Arthritis Foundation

Arthritis Today

2002

Will Cherry Juice Help Arthritis?

Q: A friend with rheumatoid arthritis told me that drinking 2 tablespoons

of tart cherry juice mixed with 8 ounces of water three times a day is

beneficial for arthritis. Does this really help?

A: Though it has not been proven in clinical trials, yes, I believe that

drinking tart cherry juice mixed with water three times a day may be

beneficial for some people with arthritis.

In traditional medicine, the fruit of sour cherry has been used orally for

arthritis and gout. In folk medicine, the stem of the sour cherry is used to

ease fluid retention and facilitate digestion. Cherries contain significant

levels of important nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A and

alpha-linolenic acid as well as traces of vitamin E, betacarotene, folacin

and thiamine.

Cherries also contain varied antioxidants, including kaempferol and

quercetin. These compounds, particularly quercetin, may have

anti-inflammatory effects that are similar to those of nonsteroidal

anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil,

Motrin). The anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin might be due to its

ability to inhibit the production and activity of inflammation-causing

substances known as leukotrienes and prostaglandins as well as histamine. I

sometimes prescribe quercetin supplements to my arthritis patients. The

typical dosage is 400 milligrams (mg) to 500 mg three times a day.

There are all types of potions, lotions and notions purported to be

beneficial for arthritis. Are they useful? Without clinical trials we have

no scientific proof. But just because something isn't formally proven

doesn't mean it doesn't work. I advise my patients to consult me before

starting any kind of alternative therapy, so I can help them decide whether

it is safe and cost-effective for them. Many of my patients come to me with

all kinds of things that they discover are useful for them. I don't decrease

a patient's medications, however, until I am convinced they are doing well.

Another point worth mentioning is that just because cherry juice helped your

friend doesn't mean it will help you. Response to treatment differs among

the various types of arthritis. Also, different treatments - both

conventional medication and natural alternatives - work differently even in

people with the same form of arthritis.

Before beginning any alternative treatment, it's always best to speak with

your doctor. But I see no reason you shouldn't try cherry juice. You'll

never know if it might work for you until you try.

JAMES MCKOY, MD

Rheumatologist

http://www.arthritis.org/resources/arthritistoday/2002_archives/2002_09_10_OnCal\

l.asp

Not an MD

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org