3, 4, 5 Uses and PharmacologyĪ review of the suggested mechanisms by which cranberry may act against pathogens of the urinary tract has been published. Extensive reviews of the chemical composition of cranberries have been published. 66 Dried berries contain little sodium or fat. Cranberries are also a dietary source of resveratrol. They also contain small amounts of protein, fiber, sodium, potassium, selenium, and vitamins A, C, and E (2 to 10 mg). Cranberries also contain iridoid glycosides and anthocyanins, triterpenoids, and other alkaloids and constituents. 4 ChemistryĬranberries contain about 88% water and are a rich source of phytochemicals, such as organic acids (including benzoic, cinnamic, sinapic, caffeic, ferulic and other acids) and flavonoids (including quercetin, myericetin, cyanidin, catechin, and epicatechin). Cranberries are used in Eastern European cultures because of their folkloric role in the treatment of cancers and reduction of fever. Despite a general lack of scientific evidence for their use as effective urinary acidifiers, interest in the medicinal use of cranberries persists among the public. Sailors used the berries to prevent scurvy. The berries were also used as a fabric and food dye, and as a poultice to treat wounds and blood poisoning. The cranberry was primarily used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of bladder and kidney ailments among American Indians. The cranberry plant should not be confused with another plant sometimes known as highbush cranberry, Viburnum opulus L., which is in a different family known as Caprifoliaceae). The genus Vaccinium also includes the blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.), deerberry (Vaccinium stamineum L.), bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), Caucasian whortleberry (Vaccinium arctostaphylos) and cowberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.).
Small, red berries start forming between June and July and are harvested in September to October. Their flowers vary from pink to purple and bloom from May to August depending on the species.
The plants grow from Alaska to Tennessee as small, trailing, evergreen shrubs. A number of related cranberry species can be found in areas ranging from damp bogs to mountain forests. Some research on the plant can be found under its former name, Oxycoccus macrocarpus (Aiton) Pursh. The cranberry plant is native to eastern North America. Cranberry juice should not be used to clear enteral feeding tubes. Concentrated cranberry tablets may predispose patients to nephrolithiasis. Large daily doses may produce GI symptoms, such as diarrhea. The berries and juice have few adverse reactions associated with their consumption. Information is limited however, when ingested at normal food consumption amounts, cranberry is considered relatively safe in pregnancy. Predisposition to or history of nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) known allergy to cranberry products. For the prevention of UTIs following catheterization during elective gynecologic surgery, cranberry extract 360 mg (proanthocyanidins 36 mg) has been used twice daily for 6 weeks.
Concentrated cranberry extract in the form of tablets and capsules is available and 600 mg to more than 1,200 mg/day in divided doses have been used in studies in UTIs. Doses of juice cocktail (25% pure cranberry juice) have ranged from 120 to 1,000 mL/day in divided doses. DosingĬranberry juice, juice concentrate, and dried extract have been studied in UTIs however, consistency in dosage regimens is lacking. Other possible uses for cranberry, with limited evidence, include reduction of the risk of cardiovascular disease. Some evidence exists for the use of cranberry in preventing, but not treating, urinary tract infections (UTIs). Scientific Name(s): Vaccinium macrocarpon AitonĬommon Name(s): American cranberry, Arandano Americano, Arandano rtepador, Cranberry, Grosse moosbeere, Kranbeere, Tsuru-kokemomo, Vaccinium