Cranberry
Keywords: American cranberry, bog cranberry, urinary tract
infection, dental plaque
 Cranberry
© Steven Foster
Introduction
This fact sheet provides basic information about
cranberry—common names, uses, potential side
effects, and resources for more information.
Cranberries are the fruit of a native plant of
North America. These red berries are used in foods and in
herbal products.
Common Names—cranberry, American cranberry, bog
cranberry
Latin Name—Vaccinium macrocarpon
What It Is Used
For
- Historically, cranberry fruits and leaves were used for
a variety of problems, such as wounds, urinary disorders,
diarrhea, diabetes, stomach ailments, and liver
problems.
- Recently, cranberry products have been used in the hope
of preventing or treating urinary tract infections
or Helicobacter pylori infections that can lead to
stomach ulcers, or to prevent dental plaque. Cranberry has
also been reported to have antioxidant and
anticancer activity.
How It Is Used
The berries are used to produce beverages and many other food
products, as well as dietary supplements in the form of
extracts, teas, and capsules or tablets.
What the Science
Says
- Some studies testing cranberry products for their
ability to prevent urinary tract infections have shown
promise. These studies have generally been small in size,
and some were not randomized or controlled; therefore, the
results are not conclusive.
- Cranberry products have not been adequately tested to
see if they can be used to help treat an existing urinary
tract infection.
- Research shows that components found in cranberry may
prevent bacteria, such as E. coli, from clinging to the
cells along the walls of the urinary tract and causing
infection. However, the mechanism of action of cranberry is
not fully understood.
- NCCAM, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive
and Kidney Diseases, and the National Institute for Dental
and Craniofacial Research are funding studies to understand
whether and how cranberry might work to:
- Prevent urinary tract infection
- Prevent the formation of dental plaque
Side Effects and
Cautions
- Eating cranberry products in food appears to be safe,
but drinking excessive amounts of juice could cause
gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea.
- People who think they have a urinary tract infection
should see a health care provider for proper diagnosis and
treatment. Cranberry products should not be used to treat
infection.
- Tell your health care providers about any complementary
and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture
of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure
coordinated and safe care.
Sources
- Cranberry (Vaccinium
macrocarpon)
Aiton. In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al.,
eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary
Supplements.
New
York,
NY: Marcel Dekker;
2005:143–149.
- Cranberry. Natural Medicines
Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed on
July 2,
2007.
- Cranberry (Vaccinium
macrocarpon).
Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed on
June 28,
2007.
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