Summary

Cranberry is both a food and an herb used primarily for urinary tract infections. It contains polyphenols (anthocyanins) that possess an anti-adherence action: they bind to certain infectious bacteria and prevent them from adhering and infecting the cells of the mucous membranes. In addition to binding to bacteria in the urinary tract (e.g. E. coli), cranberries also have an effect on bacteria that cause gingivitis and stomach ulcers.

Because cranberries are rich in polyphenols they possess important antioxidant effects and have also been shown to have benefit in cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Indications

Anti-adherance actions are used to treat and prevent UTI.

Urinary
• urinary tract infections (UTI)
• prostatitis
• urolithiasis (calcium oxalate stones)

Gastrointestinal
• gingivitis
• tonsilitis
• peptic ulcer - antiadherance effects H. pylori

Actions

• Antiseptic (Urinary)
• Antiadherence
• Diuretic
• Astringent
• Antilithogenic
• Antioxidant
• Anticancer

Constituents

• Proanthocyanidins
• Anthocyanidins
• Flavonols
• Phenolic Acids
• Fructose
• Triterpenoids

Posology

• Juice (unsweetened): 250-500 ml qd

Safety

• Generally considered safe when used as indicated.

Interactions

• Blood thinners • may interact with coumadin

• Iron supplements • may reduce the absorption of non-heme iron. Take iron supplements a few hours apart.

References

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Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002