Gout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid in the body. Interest in tart cherry juice for managing gout stems from it being a rich source of anthocyanins, which have potent anti-inflammatory properties, and its potential to decrease uric acid levels. In rodents, tart cherry juice was shown to inhibit hepatic xanthine oxidase and xanthine dehydrogenase activity,[1] suggesting that tart cherry juice can reduce uric acid production. In healthy humans who do not have gout, tart cherry products have been found to decrease uric acid levels and increase urinary excretion of uric acid.[2][3][4]
However, in people with gout, controlled trials have reported that tart cherry juice does not significantly affect uric acid levels.[5][6]
One study found that tart cherry juice concentrate did not affect the frequency of gout flares over 28 days.[5] Another study found that tart cherry juice concentrate reduced the frequency of gout flares over 4 months, even though there were no changes in uric acid levels.[6]
Further randomized controlled trials are needed to determine whether tart cherry juice can be beneficial for the management of gout.