Cranberry (American cranberry, black cranberry, European cranberry, low cranberry, mossberry, Oxycoccus macrocarpus, trailing swamp cranberry, Vaccinium edule, Vaccinium erythrocarpum, vaccinium macrocarpon, Vaccinium occycoccus, Vaccinium vitis)
Classes: Urology, Herbals
Suggested dosing of American cranberry, black cranberry (cranberry)
UTI, Prevention
Juice
- Cranberry juice cocktail (26% cranberry juice): 10-16 oz/day PO
- Cranberry juice: 15 mL BID PO
Capsule
- 400 mg BID PO
Urinary Deodorizer for Incontinent Patients
Cranberry juice cocktaiL
- 3-6 oz/day PO
Suggested uses of American cranberry, black cranberry (cranberry)
UTI (prevention), urinary deodorizer for incontinent patients, type 2 diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, scurvy, pleurisy, as a diuretic, antiseptic, antipyretic, & cancer
Efficacy
Studies show significant reduction in the risk of recurrent UTI's in the elderly, hospitalized patients, and pregnant women
No reliable evidence shows effectiveness for treating UTI
Urinary odor: Preliminary research shows there may be a reduction in urinary odor in patients receiving oral cranberry
Diabetes: Clinical studies show NO improvement in fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, fructosamine, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, or LDL cholesterol levels in patients with type 2 diabetes
American cranberry, black cranberry (cranberry) adverse (side) effects
GI upset, diarrhea, kidney stones at high doses
Increased risk of cancer oxalate uroliths in predisposed patients
Warnings
Contraindications
History of kidney stones
Cautions
Atrophic gastritis, hypochlorhydria
Potential interaction with warfarin & increased bleeding risk
Potential hypersensitivity
No evidence for efficacy in treatment
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: avoid use
Lactation: avoid use
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of American cranberry, black cranberry (cranberry)
Metabolism: N/A
Excretion: N/A
Mechanism of action
Proanthocyanidins, other compounds prevent bacterial adherence to urothelium
Does not significantly decrease urine pH
