Evidence supporting the use of: Cranberry
For the health condition: Urinary Tract Infections

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) has a long history of use in preventing and supporting the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly among women. The justification for its use is based on both tradition and a growing body of scientific evidence, though the quality and consistency of that evidence vary. The primary mechanism by which cranberry is believed to help prevent UTIs is through the presence of proanthocyanidins (PACs), which may inhibit the adhesion of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria to the urinary tract lining. By preventing bacterial adherence, cranberry may reduce the risk of infection or recurrence.

Several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have evaluated cranberry products (juice, capsules, or tablets) for UTI prevention. Some studies suggest a modest benefit, particularly in women with recurrent UTIs, while others show minimal or no effect. A 2023 Cochrane review concluded that cranberry products probably reduce the risk of symptomatic, recurrent UTIs in women, children, and people susceptible to UTIs, but the effect size is moderate and not all studies agree. The evidence is less robust for treating acute UTIs, where antibiotics are still the standard of care.

In summary, while cranberry is not a substitute for antibiotics in treating active UTIs, there is moderate scientific support for its role in prevention, particularly for individuals with frequent recurrences. The benefit appears to be greatest with standardized high-PAC cranberry extracts rather than juices with low PAC content.

More about cranberry
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Other ingredients used for Urinary Tract Infections

Abrus
Abuta
Achyranthes
Adzuki bean
Aerva lanata
Agave
Agrimonia pilosa
Agrimony
Akebia
Alchemilla
Alchornea
Alfalfa
Alisma
Allium tuberosum
Aloe vera
Amor seco
anamu
Angelica
anthocyanins
apple cider vinegar
arbutin
Aronia melanocarpa
asafoetida
asparagus
astragalus
aucubin
bacillus subtilis
bael
baicalin
baobab
barberry
Bauhinia
bearberry
berberine
Berberis (unspecified)
Bergenia
bergenin
big quaking grass
birch
black currant
black gram
bottle gourd
buchu
carambola
cardamom
carvacrol
cassia bark
celery
chanca piedra
Cistus
Clerodendrum phlomidis
cloudberry
Coconut Water
Coin-leaf desmodium
coix
coriander
corn
cornsilk
couch grass
cranberry
Crinum latifolium
cubeb
cucumber
Cucurbita
currant
Cynodon dactylon
D-mannose
dandelion
Desmodium
dong quai root
dwarf morning glory
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
Euryale seed
fennel
fenugreek
fleabane
fruit blend (proprietary)
fu ling
Galium
goji berry
gokhru
goldenrod
goldenseal
gravel root
Graviola
green tea
Guazuma ulmifolia
heather
hibiscus
honeysuckle
horse gram
Houttuynia
hydrangea
hydroxyquinoline
Indian gum arabic tree
Java tea
Job\'s tears
juniper berries
Kachnar
knotgrass
knotweed
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus brevis
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus crispatus
Lactobacillus fermentum
Lactobacillus gasseri
Lactobacillus jensenii
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactobacillus pentosus
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus salivarius
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lespedeza capitata
lime
lingonberry
Lomatium
Long Buchu
Longleaf buchu
lophatherum leaf
Lophira lanceolata
Loranthus
Lysimachia
mannose
manzanita
Marsh Tea
Melon
Methenamine
Methyl arbutin
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Mormon Tea
Mulberry
Mung bean
okra
Oldenlandia diffusa
ophiopogon root
Ovate Buchu
Palo Azul
Pareira
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pau d'arco
Pedalium
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Pelargonium
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Phragmites
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pumpkin
purslane
pygeum
Pyrola
radish
Rhus coriaria
Rosa laevigata
rosthorn snake gourd
Rumex acetosa
sage
Sambucus nigra
saponins
sarsaparilla
Scirpus
Semecarpus anacardium
sheep's sorrel
shepherd's purse
Shilajit
smilax
Spiny Restharrow
Stachytarpheta cayennensis
Stone Root
Swertia
Tannins
Taraxacum
Taraxol
Tribuloside
Vasicine
vitamin C
Watercress
Watermelon
Withanolides