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Introduction:
Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis are chronic digestive disorders of unknown cause and presently without cures. Approximately 100,000 Canadians and one million Americans suffer from these inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Ulcerative Colitis inflames the inner lining of the colon and rectum. Crohn’s disease primarily affects the lower part of the small intestine and colon but may occur at any other part of the digestive tract. All layers of the intestinal wall can be inflamed. Broad anti-inflammatory drugs such as Sulfasalazine and corticosteroids are standard medication for treatment of IBD, however, not all drugs can be tolerated by the infected person and not all patients respond to the drug with improvements.
Inflammation is the tissue response to trauma or injury. It is characterized superficially by pain, heat, redness, swelling, and sometimes loss of function in the affected area. Many of these characteristics are due to blood leaking into the site of inflammation, and the directed migration of white blood cells out of blood vessels into the tissues. White blood cell migration happens because cells in the tissue make “cytokines” like interleukin-8 (IL-8) that actively attract other cells. In the lab, IL-8 is made by epithelial cells resembling the cells that line our intestines but are now growing on plastic dishes. The amount of IL-8 can be increased by treating the epithelial cells with another cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). TNF-alpha as well as IL-8 is commonly found elevated in the tissues of IBD patients.
The cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon, is a native of North America. Cranberries have been used by Native Americans since the time before European contact to make pemmican (mashed cranberry cake). Native Americans believed that cranberries had a medicinal value. Medicine men used the berry as an ingredient in poultices to draw poison from arrow wounds. This berry has been used as a natural dye for rugs, blankets, and clothing. Cranberries are a source of vitamin C and potassium. Their characteristic tart flavor is attributable to the presence of several acids, including oxalic and citric acid. This berry is known for its caustic properties. It is said that cranberries are good for the blood circulation, the complexion, and the digestive system. Cranberries are also used in the treatment of urinary-tract infections.
The tart cherry, Prunus cerasus, also called the sour, red cherry or pie cherry, grows easily under harsh climatic conditions. They are commonly used in preserves, jams, pies, clafoutis, and various liqueurs. The Montmorency cherry is the most popular of the sour cherry varieties in the U.S. and Canada. It provides about 95% of the sour cherries on the market. For centuries, the cherry, either as bark, root or fruit, has been a source of medicine for indigenous peoples. Native Americans prized cherries as pain relievers, especially for sore throats. Various Native groups used an infusion of sour cherry bark to treat laryngitis, crushed root for stomach pain, infusion of the inner bark to alleviate internal pains. Tart cherries are high in potassium and provide fiber and vitamin A. The health benefits of these cherries continue to increase. According to ongoing research, Montmorency tart cherries are a rich source of antioxidants, which can help fight cancer and heart disease. Also, Montmorency tart cherries contain beneficial compounds that help relieve the pain of arthritis and gout. Other fruits and vegetables do not have the same pain relief of tart cherries. We were interested in confirming the anti-inflammatory property of these common fruit juices with a goal of possibly identifying a natural source for the production of effective anti-inflammatory medicine. |