Omnia Sana · Plant Monograph
American Cranberry
Vaccinium macrocarpon
This monograph compiles 4 documented constituents, 2 pharmacological actions, 3 traditional / indicated uses, supported by 13 cited sources, drawn directly from the Omnia Sana plant database.
Key Constituents
The constituents responsible for the anti-adhesion effect against uropathogenic E. coli.
Antioxidant polyphenols of the berry.
Contribute to the acidity and antioxidant capacity.
Present in relatively high amounts; relevant to kidney-stone risk.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
Prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI), especially in women
more plants for infection (general) →detailed sources →inferred from urinary-antiseptic action
more plants for urinary support →detailed sources →Anti-adhesion of uropathogenic Escherichia coli to the urinary tract lining; Prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI), especially in women
more plants for urinary tract infection (uti) →detailed sources →Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Best supported for PREVENTION of recurrent UTIs, not for treating an active infection; an established UTI needs proper medical assessment and, usually, antibiotics.
May interact with the anticoagulant warfarin (evidence is conflicting); people taking warfarin should be cautious and consult their clinician.
High in oxalates; people with a history of kidney stones should avoid large or prolonged intake. Many cranberry juices are also high in sugar.
References
REF-1338, REF-1339, REF-1340, REF-1341, REF-1342, REF-1343, REF-1344, REF-1345, REF-1346, REF-1347References & Sources
- Williams, G., Hahn, D., Stephens, J.H., Craig, J.C. and others (2023) 'Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 4(4), pp. CD001321. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001321.pub6 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001321.pub6 - Mantzorou, M. and Giaginis, C (2018) 'Cranberry Consumption Against Urinary Tract Infections: Clinical State-of-the-Art and Future Perspectives', Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 19(13), pp. 1049-1063. doi:10.2174/1389201020666181206104129 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2174/1389201020666181206104129 - Fu, Z., Liska, D., Talan, D. and Chung, M (2017) 'Cranberry Reduces the Risk of Urinary Tract Infection Recurrence in Otherwise Healthy Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis', The Journal of Nutrition, 147(12), pp. 2282-2288. doi:10.3945/jn.117.254961 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.117.254961 - Xia, J.Y., Yang, C., Xu, D.F., Xia, H. and others (2021) 'Consumption of cranberry as adjuvant therapy for urinary tract infections in susceptible populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis', PLoS One, 16(9), pp. e0256992. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0256992 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0256992 - Maki, K.C., Kaspar, K.L., Khoo, C., Derrig, L.H. and others (2016) 'Consumption of a cranberry juice beverage lowered the number of clinical urinary tract infection episodes in women with a recent history of urinary tract infection', The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 103(6), pp. 1434-1442. doi:10.3945/ajcn.116.130542 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.116.130542 - Babar, A., Moore, L., Leblanc, V., Dudonne, S. and others (2021) 'High dose versus low dose standardized cranberry proanthocyanidin extract for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infection in healthy women: a double-blind randomized controlled trial', BMC Urology, 21(1), pp. 44. doi:10.1186/s12894-021-00811-w Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12894-021-00811-w - Perez-Lopez, F.R., Haya, J. and Chedraui, P (2009) 'Vaccinium macrocarpon: an interesting option for women with recurrent urinary tract infections and other health benefits', Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 35(4), pp. 630-639. doi:10.1111/j.1447-0756.2009.01026.x Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1447-0756.2009.01026.x - Nemzer, B.V., Al-Taher, F., Yashin, A., Revelsky, I. and others (2022) 'Cranberry: Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity and Impact on Human Health: Overview', Molecules, 27(5), pp. 1503. doi:10.3390/molecules27051503 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27051503 - Davidson, E., Zimmermann, B.F., Jungfer, E. and Chrubasik-Hausmann, S (2014) 'Prevention of urinary tract infections with Vaccinium products', Phytotherapy Research, 28(3), pp. 465-470. doi:10.1002/ptr.5047 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5047 - Tsiakoulias, E., Gravas, S., Hadjichristodoulou, C., Oikonomou, K.G. and others (2024) 'Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study of prophylactic cranberries use in women with recurrent uncomplicated cystitis', World Journal of Urology, 42(1), pp. 27. doi:10.1007/s00345-023-04741-0 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-023-04741-0 - Gonzalez de Llano, D., Moreno-Arribas, M.V. and Bartolome, B (2020) 'Cranberry Polyphenols and Prevention against Urinary Tract Infections: Relevant Considerations', Molecules. doi:10.3390/molecules25153523 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25153523 - National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) (2020) 'Cranberry: Usefulness and Safety'. Available at: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cranberry Traditional / reference
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cranberry - Moro, C., Phelps, C., Veer, V., Jones, M., Glasziou, P., Clark, J., Tikkinen, K.A.O. and Scott, A.M (2024) 'Cranberry Juice, Cranberry Tablets, or Liquid Therapies for Urinary Tract Infection: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis', European Urology Focus. doi:10.1016/j.euf.2024.07.002 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euf.2024.07.002
Generated June 22, 2026 from omniasana.bio