Evidence supporting the use of: Cranberry
For the health condition: Bladder (irritable)

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Synopsis

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

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is most commonly associated with urinary tract health, particularly in the context of preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs). Its use for supporting or treating "irritable bladder"—a term often used to describe overactive bladder symptoms—has some overlap with its UTI-related applications. The proposed mechanism involves cranberry’s content of proanthocyanidins, which may inhibit the adhesion of Escherichia coli and other bacteria to the uroepithelial cells lining the bladder and urinary tract, thereby reducing infection risk.

Clinical evidence for cranberry’s effectiveness in preventing recurrent UTIs is moderate, with several meta-analyses and systematic reviews suggesting a modest benefit, particularly in women with recurrent infections. However, evidence is limited or indirect when it comes to using cranberry for "irritable bladder" symptoms not caused by infection (such as urgency, frequency, or bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis). Most scientific studies have focused on infection prevention, not on alleviating the symptoms of non-infectious bladder irritability.

In summary, while cranberry has some scientific validation for reducing the risk of bacterial adherence and possibly preventing infection, there is little robust evidence to support its use specifically for irritable bladder symptoms unrelated to infection. Its use in this context is likely extrapolated from its anti-adhesive effects against bacteria, rather than direct action on bladder muscle or nerve function. Therefore, the evidence supporting cranberry for "irritable bladder" is limited (rated 2/5) and should be interpreted with caution.

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