How do cherries ease arthritis symptoms?

Cherries are a traditional folk medicine remedy for arthritis. They are rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids (including quercetin, a flavonoid that is believed to have particularly potent antioxidant activity), vitamin C, and beta-carotene. Several studies have shown that consuming 20 cherries per day might be as effective in relieving pain as medications such as aspirin, and several studies have suggested a decrease in blood levels of uric acid, which can precipitate an attack of gout, an arthritis-like disorder. Blood markers for inflammation also tended to drop.