The Power Of Cherries Michigan State University research has confirmed that the compounds that give tart cherries their bright red shade also relieve the pain of arthritis, gout and even headaches.  Cherries have long been hailed as a mystery fruit, releiving the pains of arthritis sufferers.  MSU's research confirms that cherries have an anti-inflammatory property called anthocyanin.  What's more, the antioxidants they contain are 10 times more active than those in vitamin C.  Anitioxidants heip fight cancer and heart disease.