What do Cherries and Seaweed Have in Common? They Both May Help Your Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is joint inflammation caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of articular cartilage. It is characterized by pain, stiffness, and swelling. Recent reports suggest that two natural substances could help reduce pain and improve function in patients suffering from this often debilitating disease.

Researchers at the Baylor Research Institute 1 conducted a pilot study where patients took pills made from tart cherries. This particular group of patients suffered from osteoarthritis of the knees. The scientists found that more than half of the patients had significant improvement in pain and function after taking the pills for eight weeks. These encouraging preliminary results have prompted the researchers to embark on a broader study. It will be interesting to see if the favorable results continue.

In a separate study 2, the use of a supplement made from seaweed was examined. In this study, patients were given a pill derived from a seaweed rich in calcium, magnesium and other minerals. The authors noted that earlier studies have shown that mineral supplements may improve OA symptoms. In this particular study, patients who received the pill were able to walk farther in a controlled test and experienced a small improvement in range of motion when compared to a group receiving a placebo. The study is available online through PubMed Central.

1 “Can Cherries Relieve the Pain of Osteoarthritis.” www.baylorhealth.com 31 Mar. 2009. http://www.baylorhealth.com/About/NewsRoom/BaylorNews/Pages/03182009Cherries.aspx

2 Frestedt JL, Kuskowski MA, Zenk JL. “A Natural Seaweed Derived Mineral Supplement (Aquamin F) for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomised, Placebo Controlled Pilot Study” Nutrition Journal, 8:7, 2009

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