Cranberry - Research
A number of clinical studies in recent years have shown positive outcomes for the use of cranberry juice and its extract for urinary tract health.4,5,6,7
Due to its health benefits, cranberry has attracted widespread media and industry attention in recent years. Moving from beverages and mineral waters into dairy and confectionary products, cranberry is now recognized as a key ingredient in the supplement market.9
Cranberries and their leaves were used for treating various conditions including stomach ailments, liver problems, fever, swollen glands, and mumps.2
Traditionally, the fruit has also been used to treat urinary tract infections2 and as a urinary deodorizer for people with incontinence.3 In foods, cranberries are used widely in fruit juice, jelly, and sauce.
Reference:
2 Blumenthal M, Hall T, Goldberg A, Kunz T, Dinda K, Brinckmann J, et al, eds. The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; 2003.
3 Jellin JM, Gregory PJ, Batz F, Hitchens, K, et al. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database 5th ed. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty; 2003.
4 Avorn J, Monane M, Gurwitz J, et al. Reduction of bacteriuria and pyruria after ingestion of cranberry juice. JAMA 1994;27(11):751-754.
5 Yarnell E. Botanical medicine for cystitis. Altern Complement Ther. 1997 Aug;269-275.
6 Walker E, Barney D, Mickelsen JN, et al. Cranberry concentrate: UTI prophylasix. J Fam Pract. 1997;45(2):167-8.
7 Kessler T, Jansen B, Hesse A. Effect of black currant-, cranberry- and plum juice. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2002;36:1020-1023.
8 Pamela J. Karg.All bogged down: Record cranberry crops, soft markets force industry to eye marketing order. Available at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/pub/may01/allbog.htm. Accessed February 23, 2005.
9 Len Kasang. Health and Wellness with Cranberries. Nutraceuticals Now. Summer 2001. Available at: http://www.nutraceuticalsnow.com/issues/back/2001summer/cranberries.php. Accessed February 23, 2005.
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A WHO Organizational resource: Cranberry Research - FULL REPORT
