Category Archives: Cranberry

Everything you wanted to know about cranberry

Drs. Catherine Neto and Joe Vinson from the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth and the University of Scranton, in Pennsylvania, contributed a chapter on cranberry in the textbook, Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition, 2011.

Most of the chapter is detailed biochemistry — their specialty. But, they also review the status of cranberry in cancer therapy and managing urinary tract infections.

Let’s focus on urinary tract infections. Continue reading Everything you wanted to know about cranberry

Effects of cranberry polyphenols on dental health

Several studies report that the polyphenols (a source of antioxidants) in cranberries have properties that may be beneficial for treating and/or preventing dental caries and periodontal disease.

Researchers at Laval University, in Quebec, summarized the scientific evidence supporting the potential of cranberry polyphenols to prevent and/or treat diseases of the mouth. Continue reading Effects of cranberry polyphenols on dental health

Cranberry juice to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infection

Catheter-associated bacteriuria is the most common healthcare–associated infection worldwide. It’s due to the widespread use of urinary catheterization.

An Expert Panel of the Infectious Diseases Society of America reviewed the evidence and made recommendations to minimize this risk. Here’s what they say about cranberry juice. Continue reading Cranberry juice to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infection

The risk of thrombocytopenia with CAM

When the number of platelets in the blood is low — thrombocytopenia — it’s more difficult for blood to clot. Early signs of thrombocytopenia include bruising, and bleeding from the nose or into the gastrointestinal tract.

Researchers from the College of Medicine University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, in Oklahoma City reviewed interactions between platelets and CAM, herbals, nutritional supplements, foods, and beverages. Continue reading The risk of thrombocytopenia with CAM

Effectiveness of cranberry in people with ileal enterocystoplasty

A diseased urinary bladder with low capacity and low compliance (ability to urinate) may require ileal enterocystoplasty (remove a part of the small intestine and attach it to the bladder to enlarge it and improve function [photo]).

Researchers at Hospital Foch, in Suresnes, France, studied a cranberry preparation with high levels of proanthocyanidin A (inhibits bacteria from sticking to tissue) to prevent repeated bacteriuria in people with an ileal enterocystoplasty. Continue reading Effectiveness of cranberry in people with ileal enterocystoplasty

Is there a cranberry:beta-lactam interaction?

 Drinking cranberry juice is often recommended along with taking low-dose antibiotics to prevent recurrent urinary tract infection.

Researchers from the University of Washington, in Seattle evaluated the potential risk of an interaction between cranberry juice and the β-lactam antibiotics, amoxicillin (amoxicilline, Amoxil) and cefaclor (Ceclor) that might lower the effectiveness of the antibiotics. Continue reading Is there a cranberry:beta-lactam interaction?