Adding grapes to diet resulted in less pain related to activity
New
research presented last week at the Experimental Biology conference in San
Diego, California, suggests that regular grape consumption may help alleviate
pain associated with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee, and improve joint
flexibility and overall mobility. Researchers attribute these potential
benefits to the polyphenols found in grapes.
The
sixteen week clinical study, undertaken by Texas Woman's University, was
designed to investigate the benefits of grape consumption on inflammation and
osteoarthritis outcomes. 72 men and women with knee osteoarthritis (OA) were
assigned to either consume grapes in the form of a whole grape freeze-dried
powder, or a placebo powder.
The
study results, presented by lead investigator Shanil Juma, Ph.D., showed that
both men and women consuming a grape-enriched diet had a significant decrease
in self-reported pain related to activity and an overall decrease in total knee
symptoms. This beneficial effect was more pronounced in females. Additionally,
age-related differences were observed: there was a 70% increase in very hard
activity for those under 64 years of age consuming the grape powder, while
those receiving the placebo reported a significant decrease in very hard
activity. Participants over 65 years, whether consuming grapes or the placebo,
reported a decline in moderate to hard activities.
Evidence
of increased cartilage metabolism was observed in men consuming the
grape-enriched diet; they had higher levels of an important cartilage growth
factor (IGF-1) than those on placebo. This protective effect was not observed
in the females. The researchers noted that no difference in range of motion was
observed for either the grape group or the placebo group. The serum marker for
inflammation (IL1-β) measured was increased in both placebo and grape groups,
although much less of an increase was observed in the grape group.
"These
findings provide promising data that links grape consumption to two very
important outcomes for those living with knee osteoarthritis: reduced pain and
improvements in joint flexibility," said Dr. Juma. "More research is
needed to better understand the results of the serum biomarkers, as well as the
age and gender differences observed."
Dr.
Juma also shared results from a recent cell study that looked at the effects of
whole grape polyphenols on cartilage cell integrity and markers of cartilage
health. Cartilage cells were first treated with various doses of whole grape
polyphenols, and then stimulated with an inflammatory agent. Cell proliferation
significantly increased – in a dose dependent manner – in the grape polyphenol
treated cells in the presence of an inflammatory agent. Additionally a marker
for cartilage degradation was significantly lower with the three highest doses
of the whole grape polyphenols when compared to control cells and cells treated
with the inflammatory agent, suggesting a possible protective effect of grapes
on cartilage cells.
Osteoarthritis
is a condition where the natural cushioning between joints – the cartilage –
wears away. Millions of Americans are affected by osteoarthritis: according to
the Arthritis Foundation, more than 27 million people have osteoarthritis and
knees are an area most commonly affected. Osteoarthritis is more likely to
occur in people over 45 years of age, and women are more likely to have
osteoarthritis than men.
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