A Sweet Cherry Feeding Trial in Healthy, Overweight Males: Anthocyanin Bioavailability and Inflammatory Biomarker Response

Abstract

Background: Low-grade chronic inflammation has been implicated as a risk factor in prostate-related pathologies including benign hyperplasia and cancer. Sweet cherry containing the bioactive anthocyanin (ACN), has demonstrated tumor inhibitory action in model systems, specifically inhibition of inflammatory molecules and prostaglandin biosynthesis. Objective: To assess the urinary and plasma concentrations of ACN from the daily consumption of 3 cups of sweet cherries for 4 weeks and test the relationship of ACN levels and cherry consumption to inflammatory biomarkers in an at risk population. Results: Prostaglandin E2 Metabolite (PGEM) levels were reduced with cherry consumption in men with elevated baseline values. Conclusion: We conclude that 1c (142g) of sweet cherries 3 times daily for 4 weeks significantly reduced the COX-2 metabolite, PGEM, in men with elevated baseline levels. This was the first study to examine the chronic effects of daily sweet cherries on COX-2 inhibition in an at risk population.