Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)

What is Cranberry?

Cranberries grow throughout the cooler, temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and are used in cooking for their tangy, acidic flavour. They're also among the most extensively studied fruits, particularly in relation to the urinary tract.

What does the research say about Cranberry?

Cranberries rank highly among fruits for their phenolic antioxidant content, including flavonol polyphenols. These compounds have antioxidant activity, meaning they can neutralise 'free radicals', which are unstable molecules. Cranberry has also been studied in relation to the bladder.

Cranberries are one of the richest food sources of proanthocyanidins. One type, A-type proanthocyanidins, has been studied for how it affects the ability of E. coli bacteria to stick to the cells lining the urinary tract, a property known as anti-adhesion activity. Clinical studies have looked at cranberry juice and cranberry products in children and in adults, including longer-term studies.

Drinking lots more cranberry juice isn't the same as taking an extract. In many juices, the proanthocyanidins are lost in production, and many are also packed with sugar to balance out the tart, tangy taste.

You may also enjoy reading 'What is Bacterial Vaginosis?', 'What you need to know about UTIs' and 'Vaginal Microbiome: How your gut and vagina are linked'.

Why it's in Women's ProMulti

Cranberry is well known for its role in urinary tract health. Its mechanisms of action include:

Inhibition of pathogen adhesion: Cranberry contains proanthocyanidins (PACs), which prevent E. coli from adhering to the urinary tract walls, preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs). Cranberry exerts its inhibitory effects on E. coli whist still in the digestive tract, rendering them incapable of clinging to urinary tissue cells before they leave the digestive tract.

Antioxidant properties: Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and flavonoids, which help neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

Support for immune function: The phytochemicals in cranberries promote the activity of immune cells, improving the body’s ability to fend off infections.

Anti-inflammatory effects: Cranberry extract has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the urinary tract and potentially other body areas.

Why it's in pH Hero®

Cranberry is well known for its role in urinary tract health and works in several ways.

Inhibition of pathogen adhesion: Cranberries are particularly rich in proanthocyanidins, a type of polyphenolic compound. PACs play a critical role in urinary tract health by preventing the adhesion of bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli (E. coli), to the uroepithelial cells lining the urinary tract. The anti-adhesion mechanism involves the binding of PACs to the fimbriae (hair-like structures) on the surface of E. coli.¹ This binding inhibits the bacteria’s ability to attach to the urinary tract walls, effectively reducing the risk of infection. The PACs act by blocking the lectin receptors on the bacterial surface, preventing them from binding to host cells. By inhibiting bacterial adherence, Cranberry consumption can significantly lower the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially in individuals prone to recurrent infections.

Antioxidant properties: Cranberries are high in antioxidants, including Vitamin C, flavonoids, and other polyphenols. These antioxidants help neutralise free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress in the body. Antioxidants scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prevent cellular damage by protecting the integrity of cellular membranes and DNA. The high concentration of Vitamin C enhances the immune system’s function by supporting the proliferation and activity of immune cells, such as lymphocytes and phagocytes. The phytochemicals in Cranberries may enhance immune function by promoting the activity of immune cells, improving the body’s ability to fend off infections. A robust immune response is essential for preventing infections, including UTIs and vaginal infections. By reducing oxidative stress and supporting immune function, Cranberries contribute to overall health.

Anti-inflammatory effects: Cranberries have been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. TNF-α, IL-1β) and enzymes (e.g. COX-2) involved in inflammation. The polyphenolic compounds in cranberries inhibit the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-^KB), a transcription factor that regulates the expression of genes involved in inflammation.² By inhibiting NF-^KB activation, Cranberry Extracts reduce the production of inflammatory mediators, thus alleviating inflammation in the urinary and vaginal tracts. The anti-inflammatory properties of cranberries can help protect the urothelial cells from inflammatory damage, contributing to a healthier urinary tract. Reducing inflammation in the urinary tract can alleviate symptoms associated with infections and support overall urinary health.

Support for gut microbiome: Cranberries may act as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. The dietary fibres and polyphenols in cranberries can enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. By providing a substrate for beneficial bacteria, Cranberries help maintain a balanced gut microbiome, which is crucial for overall health and immunity. A healthy gut microbiome can influence urinary tract health by preventing the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria and supporting the immune response.