Cranberry

Cranberry plant (Vaccium macrocarpon) is evergreen shrub native to North America. ^{[1, 2, 3]} Cranberries are low creeping shrubs can grow up to 2 meters, having slender, wiry stems with small evergreen leaves & dark pink colored flowers. ^[1] Cranberry plant has false berry which is dark red in color and larger than leaves. The berries are edible having acidic and bitter taste. ^[1]

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Native Americans first used cranberries to ease the pain, burning and frequency associated with urination. Then it rapidly became popular for its usage in reducing the formation of small stones in the bladder called bladder gravel. ^[3] Almost immediately, after 19th century cranberry was partially accepted as a helpful remedy for scurvy (gum disease) because it has considerable amount of vitamin C. ^[3]

Fast-forwarding to more contemporary era, Cranberry supplementation is tremendously admired and sturdily revered as one of the safest and easiest ways especially for women to encourage healthy bladders and urinary tracts. It is easily available in the wide variety of forms like tablets, capsules, softgels, extracts, juices & tea bags. Now for more than a century, the bitter extracts of cranberries are used to lessen the symptoms that are commonly associated with urinary bladder infections. ^[3]

Cranberry plant is rich in OPCs (Proanthocyanidins) and it is supposed that cranberry extracts enhance urine acidity and help discourage bacteria from clinging to the lining of the bladder and the urinary tract. ^[3]

Various studies suggest that cranberry has wholesome effects on urinary tract infections (UTI) of the bladder and urethra, especially help women to avoid and lessen the symptoms associated with urinary tract infections. ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 7]} Cranberry extract has potential to reduce the bacteria present in urinary tract. Cranberry extracts are rich in vitamin C which increases the acidity of urine and flush out bacteria from the body during frequent urination. ^{[3, 4]} Therefore, Cranberry is effective to manage the urinary tract infections. ^{[3, 4]} Cranberry extract has an efficacy to combat against kidney stones. ^{[1, 3, 4, 7]}

Cranberry contains a chemical compound arbutin which has antiobiotic and diuretic effect and helps the body to relieve excess water retention. ^[5]

Most recent research suggests that cranberry may have positive effects on reverse the damaging effects of ulcers. ^[3]

Cranberry contains antioxidants which help in reducing cholesterol levels, relaxing blood vessels and avoiding hardening of blood vessels. ^[2]

Cranberry has positive effects on long standing problems and inhibits growth of abnormal cells. ^{[2, 4]}

Some studies suggest that cranberries are useful for oral hygiene and promotes cavity free oral environment & avoid dental plaque formation. Cranberry improves gums and teeth health. ^[2]

Cranberry may have positive effects on night vision. ^[6]

Cranberry may also have favorable effects on fever. ^[5]

Cranberries have positive effects on candida (yeast) infections and may reduce inflammation. ^[5]

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cranberry
2. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/cranberry-000235.htm
3. Marcia Zimmerman, CN & Jayson Kroner, CSN. (2006). 7-Syndrome Healing. Page No. Chico, California: Nutrition Solution Publications.
4. Phyllis A. Balch, CNC & James F. Balch, M.D. (2000). Prescription for Nutritional Healing. (3rd edition) Page No. 95. Penguin Putnam INC. New York: Avery.
5. James A. Duke (1997). The Green Pharmacy. Page No. 80, 81, 198, 463. Pennsylvania: Rodale Press Emmaus.
6. Dr. Richard Firshein (1998) The Nutraceutical Revolution. Page No. 226. London: Vermilion
7. Michael T. Murray, N.D. (1995) The Healing Power Of Herbs. (Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition) Page No. 351, 373. New York: Gramercy Books.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.