Cranberry

Cranberry refers to the fruit of the North American evergreen shrub *Vaccinium macrocarpon*. It is widely used as a dietary supplement and herbal product. The primary indication for medicinal use is the prevention (not treatment) of urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly in adult females and people prone to recurrent UTIs[3][5][7]. Other uses with limited or unproven evidence include reducing symptoms of an enlarged prostate and reducing urine odor in incontinent patients[3][7]. The proposed mechanism of action involves compounds in cranberries—mainly fructose and proanthocyanidins (PACs)—which inhibit the adhesion of *Escherichia coli* bacteria to uroepithelial cells by binding to bacterial fimbriae. This anti-adhesion effect prevents colonization and infection of the urinary tract mucosa[6][8]. Additional mechanisms may include conformational changes in bacterial surface molecules that reduce virulence[6][8]. Cranberries are available as juice drinks (often diluted), capsules/tablets containing dried extract or powder. There are no regulated manufacturing standards for many supplements; efficacy varies between products.

Brand names

Azo cranberryAZO Cranberry GummiesAzo-CranberryCranberry FruitCranberry with Vitamin CAmerican cranberryblack cranberryEuropean cranberrylow cranberrymossberry

Other names

Vaccinium macrocarponbearberryarándano americanogrosse moosbeerekranbeeretsuru-kokemomo