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Brain researchers turn to cherries

Powerful antioxidants in tart cherries and omega-3 essential fatty acids from emu and fish oils may help CMU researchers find treatments for neurological diseases.

Faculty and students of CMU’s Brain Research and Integrative Neuroscience Center are teaming up with northern Michigan-based Cerise Nutraceuticals to research treatments for Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases.

Research has linked antioxidants in cherries to anti-inflammatory effects against joint and muscle pain, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

Cerise has developed a cherry-based compound and is funding the research through $25,000 grants awarded to two CMU research teams.

Justin Oh-Lee, associate professor and director of the Applied Experimental Psychology Program at CMU, is looking for ways to deliver natural biological compounds, such as those found in Cerise products, to reduce side effects of Parkinson’s disease, such as dyskinesia, a frequent complication that can cause a severe loss of muscle control.

Another group of researchers, led by Gary Dunbar, professor and director of the Neuroscience Program and the Brain Research and Integrative Neuroscience Center at CMU, is testing the efficacy of this product in reducing memory deficits associated with Huntington’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. •