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A new study suggests that drinking two small glasses of Montmorency tart cherry juice per day may help reduce gut inflammation and improve the quality of life for patients with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis. The research, published in the journal Life, is the largest human trial of its kind and was conducted by the University of Hertfordshire and the University of Central Lancashire.
Study Findings The study found that consuming 130ml of diluted Montmorency tart cherry juice twice daily for six weeks resulted in a 40% reduction in gut inflammation markers. Participants also reported a 9% improvement in their health-related quality of life while continuing their standard medication treatment.
Professor Lindsay Bottoms, co-author of the study and Head of Centre for Research in Psychology and Sports at the University of Hertfordshire, stated, “Ulcerative colitis can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, requiring frequent hospital visits and, in some cases, surgery. While cherry juice cannot replace medication, our findings suggest it could be a useful supplement to improve symptoms and potentially delay intensive medical interventions.”
Understanding Ulcerative Colitis Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting approximately 300,000 people in the UK. The condition causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, fatigue, and frequent diarrhea. Standard treatments typically include anti-inflammatories, steroids, and immunosuppressants, but not all patients respond well to these medications. More severe cases may require biologic infusions or surgery.
According to Crohn’s and Colitis UK, around seven in 100 people with ulcerative colitis require major surgery within the first five years of diagnosis. Treating the condition also places a significant financial burden on healthcare systems, with estimates suggesting costs exceed £720 million annually in the UK alone.
Why Tart Cherries? Montmorency tart cherries are rich in anthocyanins, natural compounds that give the fruit its dark red color. Previous studies have demonstrated that these compounds possess anti-inflammatory properties. A 30ml serving of Montmorency tart cherry concentrate contains approximately 9.117 mg/ml of anthocyanins, which is equivalent to consuming around 100 cherries.
Professor Bottoms highlighted the mental health and financial burden ulcerative colitis imposes on patients, emphasizing the need for alternative treatment approaches with fewer side effects. “Montmorency tart cherries have higher anthocyanin levels than most dark fruits, making them a compelling subject for clinical research on inflammatory bowel disease,” she explained.
How the Study Was Conducted The randomized controlled trial involved 35 ulcerative colitis patients aged between 18 and 65. Participants were given either a 130ml Montmorency tart cherry beverage (30ml of concentrate mixed with 100ml of water) or a placebo drink twice daily for six weeks.
The study followed a single-blind design, meaning only the researchers knew who received the real supplement. Participants had to have a confirmed ulcerative colitis diagnosis for at least six months and be on stable medication for at least three months. Individuals with allergies to cherries or those with conditions such as diabetes, HIV, and rheumatoid arthritis were excluded from the trial.
The researchers assessed the patients’ quality of life using standardized questionnaires, including the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (IBDQ). They also analyzed blood and stool samples and asked participants to maintain food diaries to track any dietary changes that could impact the study outcomes.
Key Results and Future Research While the researchers did not observe significant changes in blood samples, they noted a substantial 40% reduction in fecal calprotectin levels, a key marker of gut inflammation.
Dr. Jonathan Sinclair, first author and Reader in Sport Exercise and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Central Lancashire, stated, “Ulcerative colitis can severely impact mental health and body image. Our findings suggest Montmorency tart cherry juice supplementation can offer meaningful improvements alongside pharmaceutical treatments, highlighting the potential of natural supplements in managing inflammatory bowel disease.”
The researchers plan to further explore the effects of cherry juice in patients with Crohn’s disease as part of the next phase of their study.
Expert Opinions Dr. Yarunnessa Khan, Senior Research Strategy Lead at Crohn’s & Colitis UK, commented, “A diagnosis of ulcerative colitis is life-changing, and one of the biggest challenges patients face is the unpredictability of their condition. Research that empowers individuals to manage their symptoms better is a major step forward, and we look forward to seeing the results of future studies.”
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on scientific research and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Patients should consult their healthcare providers before making any changes to their treatment plans.
