Jash Botanicals Natural Health Corner

Earlier last week, the FDA addressed 29 warning letters to cherry juice manufacturers and resellers, demanding that they cease making health claims in regards to cherry juice, cherry juice concentrates, and derivatives thereof.  The warning letters addressed health claims that referenced the ability of cherries (specifically the anthocyanins) to assist in the relief of joint inflammation associated with gout and arthritis.  Well, to make a long story short, the letters were followed with the all too familiar FDA punchline, "…these claims cause your products to be defined as drugs in section 201 bla bla bla… so please stop it or we’ll get our henchmen to raid your little cherry juice companies in full tactical assault gear." (Im not joking about the raids either)

There are a some studies available in regards to the anti-inflammatory effects of cherry juice, yet most of them are immersed in a sea of advertising from the cherry juice manufacturers/resellers that have been targeted by the FDA. Even an advisory board member for the Arthritis Foundation (which is very conservative in regards to anti-arthritic claims) has made remarks in respect to the beneficial anti-inflammatory effects of cherry juice.

"Though it has not been proven in clinical trials, yes, I believe that drinking tart cherry juice mixed with water three times a day may be beneficial for some people with arthritis.  Cherries contain varied antioxidants, including kaempferol and quercetin. These compounds, particularly quercetin, may have anti-inflammatory effects that are similar to those of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)…"

Now for the million dollar question: Does it really matter that manufacturers make slightly inflated claims about the health advantages of their product, which is nothing more than fruit juice?  Not to me it doesn’t, but it might to a pharmaceutical company who sells an anti-inflammatory drug.

All I can say is this.  If I was a pharmaceutical heavyweight with umpteen-billion dollars and an itch to scratch… I would scratch it.

Everything has it place in natural therapies.  While cherry juice is definitely not the end all be all to natural arthritis treatment, it does have its place.

Im not going to bash the FDA anymore (I dont want to be their next itch), but I would recommend checking out Gary Nulls new video expose, "Prescription for Disaster."