Research

Tart Cherry Extract Supports Urate Metabolism and Inflammatory Improvements in Healthy Adults: Study

The study validates Specnova's branded ingredient, NordicCherry, for exercise recovery formulations, according to the researchers.

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By: Mike Montemarano

Associate Editor, Nutraceuticals World

Photo: Nenov Brothers | Adobe Stock

A tart cherry extract marketed as NordicCherry by Specnova supported healthy urate metabolism and reductions in markers of low-grade systemic inflammation in healthy adults, according to a recent clinical study published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements.  The study demonstrated meaningful changes in plasma urate and C-reactive protein (CRP), two biomarkers recognized for their roles in evaluating cardiometabolic health.

Increased CRP levels are found in physically active populations, possibly due to muscle damage or oxidative stress associated with low-grade systemic inflammation. Diet, sleep, and minor infections can also contribute to similar inflammatory variations.

In the crossover study, 10 healthy men and women received either 500 mg of Nordic Cherry per day for four weeks or a placebo, with a 14-day washout period prior to crossover. Venous blood samples were collected at baseline and at two, four, and eight hours post-ingestion on day one, as well as eight hours post-ingestion on day 28.

Four weeks of tart cherry supplementation resulted in an average 37% reduction in plasma urate compared to baseline measures, while those taking a placebo saw a slight increase. Similarly, C-Reactive Protein levels were reduced by 23% after supplementation, while there was a modest increase in the placebo group.

Acute administration didn’t have any significant effects on CRP or urate, and the supplement was well-tolerated with no adverse events reported.

“NordicCherry Tart Cherry Extract is already a well-established ingredient used to support muscle strength and exercise recovery,” said Sebastian Balcombe, founder and CEO of Specnova. “This trial adds important new evidence that these benefits extend beyond sports nutrition to cardiometabolic health in otherwise healthy adults. This opens the door for new and unique formulations using NordicCherry.”

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