Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Berries have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, often valued for their general health-promoting properties, including purported benefits to the immune system and resistance to infections. Specifically, berries such as elderberry, cranberry, and bilberry have been used in folk medicine as remedies for colds, urinary tract infections, and other ailments where antibiotics might be considered today. The traditional rationale is often based on the presence of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, which are believed to possess antimicrobial and immune-modulating properties.

However, while there is some in vitro evidence that certain berry extracts can inhibit the growth of bacteria or viruses, robust clinical evidence supporting the use of unspecified berries as direct alternatives to antibiotics is limited. Most studies focus on specific types of berries and particular infections (e.g., cranberry for urinary tract infections, elderberry for influenza), and even these often produce mixed or inconclusive results. As a result, while berries are traditionally used to support health and may have some antimicrobial properties, they are not recognized as validated alternatives to antibiotics in medical practice. Their use for this purpose is primarily supported by tradition and limited preclinical evidence rather than strong clinical validation.

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