The Protective Effect of Powdered Tart Cherry Supplements or Eating Local Iraqi Tart Cherry Fruit on Moderate to Border Level of Uric Acid and Lipid Profile in Human Serum

Abstract

We aimed to compare the protective effect of short-term supplementation of a powdered tart cherry supplement (Prunuscerasus the sour cherry) and eating local tart cherry fruit in the north of Iraq, in managing hyperlipidemia and relieving the pain of gout. Four groups were recruited: Two for moderate to border level of uric acid and two for moderate to high hyperlipidemia patients; a group once dealing with300g local fresh tart cherry and the other group with 500mg of freeze dryer powder capsule of tart cherry fruits daily for six weeks. The participants were randomly assigned into a placebo or treatment group.  24-hr dietary records were required to be filled by the volunteers before taking blood, which allowed the assessment of any dietary changes. A fasting blood sampling occurred on the first day of the study (baseline). After a 6-week intervention period, the whole blood was collected for lipid profile analysis. Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglyceride were significantly lower in participants receiving local tart cherry fruits compared with those receiving freeze-dried tart cherry powder capsule and in the control group, a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL), along with a significant lowering of serum uric acid, especially for border level of serum uric acid patients without medication was found. All participants had a high degree of interest, mainly as the fruits existing were cheap in northern Iraq instead of its capsule that was expensive and not present in this region. We recommend local freeze dryer powder capsule be available in Iraq.