Tart Cherry Extract Reduces Uric Acid and Inflammation

High levels of uric acid can lead to all kinds of problems. The evidence is

mounting that cherries can help.

Having too much uric acid can lead to painful gout. Less known is that, even in

the absence of gout, it can cause systemic inflammation, high blood pressure,

hypothyroidism and chronic kidney disease.

Tart cherries have been shown in a number of studies to reduce uric acid and

improve suffering from gout (Arthritis Rheum 2013;65:1135-6; Arthritis Rheum

2012;64:4004-11).

This new double-blind study gave 10 healthy people either a placebo or 500mg

of tart cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) extract powder a day for 28 days.

At the end of the study, while uric acid levels had continued to creep up in the

placebo group, in the cherry extract group, they had dropped significantly by

37.4% compared to placebo.

As for inflammation, CRP levels were unchanged in the placebo group but

significantly improved in the cherry extract group. Compared to placebo the

improvement was 23%. CRP is a highly sensitive biomarker of systemic

inflammation. This degree of improvement is clinically relevant, meaning tart

cherry extract could benefit cardiovascular disease and inflammatory conditions.

In addition to lower uric acid levels benefiting kidney health, the study also noted

a significant reduction in creatine levels that are suggestive of improved kidney

function.

The tart cherry extract accomplished all of this while being safe to take.

This study adds to the evidence that tart cherry is a safe way to lower CRP and

uric acid, potentially improving inflammatory conditions, gout and kidney health.

Journal of Dietary Supplements. 2025;1-16.

doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2025.2589787.