Tart Cherry Supplement for Metabolic Syndrome

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Ohio University

Must not be taking: Glucose control, Statins, Anti-inflammatories

Disqualifiers: Inflammatory conditions, Organ failure, Smoking, others

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests whether powdered tart cherry supplements can help individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetSyn), a condition that increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Researchers aim to determine if taking these supplements for 60 days can improve factors such as body weight, waist size, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Participants will take either tart cherry capsules or placebo capsules daily during the trial period. This trial suits individuals diagnosed with MetSyn who are not currently taking medication for glucose or lipid control and meet specific health criteria, such as high blood pressure or waist circumference. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding the potential health benefits of tart cherry supplements for MetSyn.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

If you are currently taking medication for glucose or lipid control, such as metformin or statins, you cannot participate in this trial. The protocol does not specify about other medications, but it seems you may need to stop certain medications to be eligible.

Is there any evidence suggesting that powdered tart cherry is likely to be safe for humans?

Research shows that powdered tart cherry supplements are generally safe for short-term use. Some studies have found that mild side effects, like diarrhea, might occur, but these are uncommon. No strong evidence indicates serious issues from taking tart cherry products for a limited period.

In past studies, participants used tart cherry supplements for a few days to a month, and no major side effects were reported. This suggests most people tolerate the supplements well. However, the long-term effects remain unclear, especially for individuals with metabolic syndrome.

Overall, for those considering joining a trial with tart cherry supplements, current research suggests they are safe for short-term use. Remember that individual reactions vary, so consulting a healthcare provider about any concerns is advisable. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatment?

Unlike the standard treatments for metabolic syndrome, which often include medications like statins or antihypertensives, the tart cherry supplement offers a natural alternative. Researchers are excited about this treatment because tart cherries are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. The unique approach of using a natural food-derived product could potentially reduce the risk of side effects associated with conventional medications, offering a gentler option for managing the condition.

What evidence suggests that powdered tart cherry might be an effective treatment for metabolic syndrome?

Research has shown that tart cherry supplements might help with metabolic syndrome, a condition related to heart disease and diabetes. Studies have found that tart cherries can lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and improve cholesterol levels. They are also high in polyphenols, compounds that can reduce cell damage and help control blood sugar. In this trial, participants will receive either tart cherry capsules or a placebo. Some evidence suggests that tart cherry capsules can lower insulin levels and systolic blood pressure in people with metabolic syndrome. However, since long-term results remain uncertain, potential participants should consider this when deciding to join the trial. ^{4 5 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 25-60 with metabolic syndrome, characterized by a large waistline, high blood pressure or medication use for it, abnormal cholesterol levels, and elevated fasting blood sugar. Participants should not have inflammatory conditions, be on anti-inflammatory meds or steroids recently, have major organ failure, smoke currently or quit within the last year.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome or meet its criteria.

I am between 25 and 60 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with or am currently being treated for an inflammatory condition.

You are currently smoking or stopped smoking less than a year ago.

I am currently on medication for blood sugar or cholesterol.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive two capsules daily of either tart cherry or placebo for 60 days

8 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Powdered Tart Cherry

Trial Overview The study tests if powdered tart cherry supplements can improve metabolic syndrome over 60 days. It compares the effects of these supplements to a placebo (a substance with no therapeutic effect) on body mass, waist size, blood pressure, lipid levels and glucose control in participants.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: tart cherry Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

two capsules daily for 60 days

Group II: placebo Placebo Group 1 Intervention

two capsules daily for 60 days

Powdered Tart Cherry is already approved in United States for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Tart Cherry Powder for:

• Supports healthy joint function
• Supports healthy cardiovascular system
• May help manage metabolic syndrome

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Ohio University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

73

Recruited

17,800+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials involving 147 participants showed that tart cherry concentrate significantly improves endurance exercise performance when consumed 7 days to 1.5 hours before exercise, with a standardized mean difference of 0.36.

The benefits of tart cherry concentrate for endurance performance may be attributed to its low glycemic index, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and its ability to enhance blood flow.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of Tart Cherry Concentrate on Endurance Exercise Performance: A Meta-analysis. Gao, R., Chilibeck, PD.[2021]

A 3-month study involving 50 middle-aged adults found that tart Montmorency cherry concentrate did not significantly affect vascular function or metabolic health indices compared to a placebo.

Despite the lack of efficacy in improving cardiometabolic health, the tart cherry concentrate was safe and well-tolerated, indicating it does not have harmful effects on these health outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Influence of Tart Cherry (Prunus cerasus, cv Montmorency) Concentrate Supplementation for 3 Months on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Middle-Aged Adults: A Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Kimble, R., Keane, KM., Lodge, JK., et al.[2023]

In a pilot study involving 19 adults with metabolic syndrome, daily consumption of 240 mL of tart cherry juice for 12 weeks led to significant reductions in oxidized low-density lipoprotein and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits.

Despite these positive changes in specific blood biomarkers, the study found no significant improvements in overall hemodynamics or arterial stiffness, indicating that while tart cherry juice may help with certain cardiovascular risk factors, its effects on blood pressure and arterial health need further investigation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Montmorency Tart Cherry Juice Consumption on Cardiometabolic Biomarkers in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial. Johnson, SA., Navaei, N., Pourafshar, S., et al.[2021]

In a 12-week randomized-controlled trial with 37 older adults, tart cherry juice significantly reduced systolic blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, indicating potential cardiovascular benefits.

While tart cherry juice improved certain lipid profiles, it also led to increases in glucose, triglycerides, and body mass index (BMI), suggesting that further research is needed to fully understand its effects on cardiovascular health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of tart cherry juice on systolic blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in older adults: a randomized controlled trial. [2018]

Montmorency tart cherry concentrate (MC) improved recovery in trained cyclists by maintaining muscle strength (MVIC) and enhancing cycling efficiency after high-intensity exercise, compared to a placebo.

MC also significantly reduced markers of inflammation (IL-6 and hsCRP) following strenuous cycling, suggesting it can help accelerate recovery and mitigate exercise-induced inflammation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Recovery facilitation with Montmorency cherries following high-intensity, metabolically challenging exercise. Bell, PG., Walshe, IH., Davison, GW., et al.[2022]

In a study involving 12 participants with Metabolic Syndrome, 7 days of Montmorency tart cherry juice (MTCJ) supplementation significantly reduced 24-hour blood pressure and improved key metabolic markers such as fasting glucose and cholesterol levels compared to a placebo.

The findings suggest that MTCJ may play a beneficial role in improving cardio-metabolic health, highlighting its potential as a preventive measure against cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes in individuals with MetS.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of short-term continuous Montmorency tart cherry juice supplementation in participants with metabolic syndrome. Desai, T., Roberts, M., Bottoms, L.[2022]

In a study involving 282 men with gout, the tart cherry supplementary citrate (TaCCi) mixture showed similar effectiveness in increasing urine pH and lowering serum urate levels compared to sodium bicarbonate and citrate mixture, indicating it is a viable option for gout management.

The TaCCi mixture led to greater reductions in urine albumin/creatinine ratio and C-reactive protein levels, suggesting additional benefits for kidney protection and inflammation reduction in gout patients starting urate-lowering therapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy and safety of tart cherry supplementary citrate mixture on gout patients: a prospective, randomized, controlled study. Wang, C., Sun, W., Dalbeth, N., et al.[2023]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7757578/

Effects of Montmorency Tart Cherry Juice Consumption on ... There is preclinical evidence that tart cherry consumption improves several parameters associated with MetS and its clinical sequelae, including hyperlipidemia, ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844023071955

Dose-dependent effect of tart cherry on blood pressure and ... This study aims to clarify the effectiveness of Tart cherry in controlling blood pressure, heart rate, and inflammatory biomarkers

3. tandfonline.com tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1186/s12970-016-0133-z

Full article: Effects of powdered Montmorency tart cherry ... Results revealed that short-term supplementation of Montmorency powdered tart cherries surrounding an endurance challenge attenuated markers of muscle ...

4. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/19/3391

Effects of Acute and One-Week Supplementation with ... Polyphenols have been shown to reduce uric acid levels and tart cherries (TCs) are a rich source of phenolic and anthocyanin compounds. This ...

5. news-medical.net news-medical.net/health/Tart-Cherry-Benefits-Fact-or-Fiction-for-Wellness-and-Recovery.aspx

Tart Cherry Benefits: Fact or Fiction for Wellness and ... Both cherry juice and capsules have also reduced insulin and SBP in individuals with metabolic syndrome.10 However, long-term studies have reported mixed ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4880859/

Effects of powdered Montmorency tart cherry ... The purpose of this study was to determine whether short-term supplementation of a powdered tart cherry supplement prior to and following ...

7. webmd.com webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-771/tart-cherry

Tart Cherry - Uses, Side Effects, and More Tart cherry fruit extract or powder is possibly safe when taken short-term. Some people might have diarrhea after taking tart cherry products. There isn't ...

8. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8481367/

Thirty Days of Montmorency Tart Cherry Supplementation ... 30 days of MTC supplementation does not modulate the gut microbiome, inflammation, or improve glycemic control in a healthy, diverse group of adults.