Cranberry for urinary health

Friday 30th October 2009 8:27am

cranberry

Cranberry is botanically related to the blueberry and is native to North America. The North American Indians, who used this fruit for centuries in their folk medicine for the treatment of bladder and kidney diseases, introduced the Cranberry to Europeans who  still use it today.

Cranberry juice and solid dose forms are popular in nursing homes as urinary deodorising agents in older adults with incontinence. Although no clinical data is available to confirm efficacy, numerous anecdotal reports suggest that it is useful when used on a regular basis.

Herb Valley uses NutriCran ® BIO-100. A spray dried Cranberry concentrate powder standardized to contain 100% Cranberry Fruit (early black variety). Prepared with non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) GRAS (Generally Recognised As Safe) ingredients via a proprietary process that result in superior ellagic acid, proanthocyanidins, and phenolic content.

Description:

The Cranberry is a low, creeping shrub native to North America distinguished by its bright red Berry. It is related botanically to the Blueberry.

Common Name:

Cranberry

Other names:

Kronsbeere, marsh apple, moosbeere, preisselbeere

Botanical Name/Family:

Vaccinium marcrocarpon (family Ericaceae)

Plant Part Used:

Fruit

Chemical Components:

Catechin, flavone glycosides, fructose, organic acids, proanthocyanidins, vitamin C.

Urinary Tract Infections:

Urinary Tract Infections are Infections, usually caused by Detrimental Bacteria, of the Urinary Tract. They can involve the Parenchyma of the Kidney, the Renal Pelvis, the Ureter, the Bladder, the Urethra, or combinations of any of these organs.

Often the entire Urinary Tract is affected. Although urine contains a variety of fluids. salts, and waste products, it normally does not have bacteria in it. When bacteria get into the bladder and multiply in the urine, it causes a urinary tract infection.

UTIs are significantly more prevalent in women than in men. 50% of women experience UTIs at least once during their life. Sexually active women incur more UTIs due to anatomical vagaries. Postmenopausal women are particularly prone to UTIs - a large proportion of women aged 65+ experience at least one UTI each year. The prevalence of UTIs increases with age (in both men and women).

How does it work:

The Cochrane Review of many trials looking at this topic would seem to indicate that the proanthocyanidins within Cranberry hold the key to its effectiveness.

The most common urinary tract pathogen is E.Coli, a bacteria which is endemic in the body, particularly in the digestive tract. Cranberry’s active ingredients have been shown to inhibit the ability of E.Coli to adhere to the membranes lining the urinary tract. This then helps ensure that any increasing populations of these bacteria are flushed out of the system during urination thereby preventing significant numbers building up in the urinary tract. This decreases the likelihood of infections as well as helping to prevent the strong odour often associated with high bacterial loads in urine.

Dosage:

Studies suggest Cranberry capsules or tablets up to 10,000 mg 3-4 times daily.

Herb Valley Cranberry 20000 contains the equivalent of 20,000 mg of fresh fruit providing a 1 a day easy dosage in a convenient capsule.

FAQ

What will Cranberry do for me?

How long does it take to work?

How safe is it?

Evidence:

Four trials, conducted in different patients, in different countries, over different periods, and using different Cranberry products, produced consistent results. In each the number of urinary tract infections was reduced by about half.

In practical terms, it means that for every 10 women at increased risk of urinary tract infection who take Cranberry daily for six or 12 months, one fewer will have a urinary tract infection.

References:

Braun, Lesley, Cohen, Mark, Herbs & Natural Supplements: An evidence-based guide 2nd edition, Elsevier 2007, 264-267. In-Tele-Health 2006. Ahuja, S., Kaack, B. and Roberts, J. Loss of fimbrial adhesion with the addition of Vaccinium macrocarpon to the growth medium of pfimbriated. E. coil. Journal of Urology, 1998. 159: 559-562. Ahuja, S., Kaack, B. and Roberts, J. Loss of fimbrial adhesion with the addition of Vaccinium macrocarpon to the growth medium of p-fimbriated E. coil. Journal of Urology, 1998. 159: 559-562. Cochrane Review - Evidence for cranberries and blueberries in UTI prevention Avorn J et al. Reduction of bacteriuria and pyuria after ingestion of cranberry juice. JAMA 1994 271: 751-754. T Kontiokari et al. Randomised trial of cranberry-lingonberry juice and Lactobacillus GG drink for the prevention of urinary tract infections in women. BMJ 2001 322: 1571-1573. Strothers L. A randomized trial to evaluate effectiveness and cost effectiveness of naturopathic cranberry products as prophylaxis against urinary tract infection in women. Canadian Journal of Urology 2002 9: 1558-1562. McMurdo ME et al. Does ingestion of cranberry juice reduce symptomatic urinary tract infections in older people in hospital? A doubleblind, placebo-controlled trial. Age and Ageing 2005 34: 256-261. www.cranberryinstitute.org www.kidney.org.au

This information is not intended as a substitute for qualified medical advice. Please consult a properly qualified health care practitioner.