cranberry extract (Vaccinium macrocarpon)- 50g

🆘 1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Prevention

• Cranberry extract is most widely recognized for helping to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections, especially in younger women, children, or people with certain clinical susceptibilities.

  • A Cochrane 2023 review found reduced UTI risk in these groups (e.g. risk ratios of ~0.46–0.74) but saw no benefit in elderly communal-living adults, pregnant women, or those with bladder-emptying disorders

  • A randomized trial showed that 500 mg twice‑daily cranberry extract (approx. 9 mg/g PAC) reduced UTI incidence over 12 months by ~39% compared with placebo

• More recent evidence: A 6‑month randomized trial of 500 mg/day standardized cranberry powder (≥ 15% PAC) lowered culture-confirmed UTIs by ~52%, delayed time to first recurrence, and reduced urinary frequency symptoms 

• Mechanism: PACs in cranberry extract appear to inhibit adhesion of E. coli fimbriae to uroepithelial cells. Daily intake of ≥36 mg PAC (divided doses) is considered necessary for consistent anti‑adhesion bioactivity

• Limitations:

  • Not effective as frontline treatment for acute UTI or symptom relief compared with antibiotics or NSAIDs 

  • Mixed evidence overall; acceptable as adjunctive or preventive measure in recurrent UTI but not a substitute for antibiotic therapy.

🌿 2. Antimicrobial & Anti-Biofilm Activity

• Cranberry PACs demonstrate biofilm disruption and anti-adhesion effects against various pathogens in vitro.

  • They inhibit biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, and oral pathogens like S. mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus 

  • Effects reported in oral health contexts suggest potential for managing gum inflammation and reducing plaque formation

• While promising, these findings are mainly from laboratory or pilot studies and not yet clinically validated.

❤️ 3. Antioxidant, Cardiovascular & Metabolic Support

• Rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids, and polyphenols, cranberry extract offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may support:

  • Heart health: Possible improvements in LDL/HDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and vascular function—based on animal and limited human data

  • Gut and immune health: May prevent adhesion of harmful bacteria in intestines, thus supporting gut barrier function and lowering inflammation.

🏃♂️ 4. Exercise Recovery & Performance

• An exploratory study in runners found that chronic cranberry extract supplementation improved muscle reoxygenation and buffered lactate response during race efforts, indicating potential ergogenic benefits. This remains preliminary and needs further confirmation.

Cranberry extract is best supported for prevention of recurrent UTIs in certain populations, thanks to its PAC-mediated anti-adhesion mechanism and good safety profile at moderate doses. It may also have broader benefits in oral health, cardiovascular support, and exercise recovery—but these remain largely preliminary.