The Effect of Anthocyanins in Tart Cherries on Type 2 Diabetes and the Need for Expanded Research in the Field of Natural Medicine
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Authors
Prater, Anrianna R.
Issue Date
2018
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Anthocyanins are the pigment responsible for the deep reds, purples, and blues seen in many
fruits and vegetables. This chemical contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties,
making it very useful in helping to treat chronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, gout, heart
disease, and cancer. This paper focuses on the relationship between anthocyanins in tart cherries
and type 2 diabetes, based on information gathered from various research papers on this subject.
It was found that the antioxidant properties of cherries are capable of stabilizing excess free
radicals in the body that are the result of oxidative stress. This oxidative stress can cause
hyperglycemia which in turn can cause damage to bone, retinal tissue, and other cells. The
antioxidant properties of anthocyanins also help with the prevention of diabetic vascular
dysfunction, which is the leading cause of death for a type 2 diabetic. The anti-inflammatory
properties of cherries were found to slightly help decrease insulin resistance, thereby helping to
maintain consistent blood glucose levels. This paper also discusses the need for more research
concerning natural products and their medicinal uses. Many pharmaceutical companies are no
longer researching natural products due to their synthesis being time-consuming and costly,
despite the many chronic diseases that are treatable with these products.
Description
27 p.
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo, Mich. : Kalamazoo College.
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder. All rights reserved.