Cranberry ( Vaccinium Macrocarpon)

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) has been known for its fruit, juice and sauces. A must have on Thanksgiving table. Native Americans have used cranberry for treating bladder and kidney diseases. Its juice is diuretic. Cranberries are anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. This is due to the presence of proanthocyanidins which gives them vibrant color and neutralize free radicals.

In addition to herbal supplement cranberry is used for treatment of digestive disorders and UTI’s, and bladder infections. 

Cranberries contains polyphenols as flavonoids and phenolics which helps treating UTI’s. This property is linked to the anti-adhesion of proanthocyanidins (PACs) against uropathogenic-bacteria.

Test conducted in women results suggested that cranberry may be effective in preventing UIT’s in healthy women. Studies show that cranberry may prevent bacteria from attaching to the walls of the urinary tract.  In one study of older women, cranberry juice reduced the amount of bacteria in the bladder compared to placebo. Another study showed that younger women with a history of frequent UTIs who took cranberry capsules had fewer UTIs compared to those who took placebo.