Recognition of the medicinal properties of the cranberry actually has a long
history in the Americas. Early settlers from England learned to use the berry
both raw and cooked for various ailments including appetite loss, digestive
problems, and scurvy (cranberry is high in vitamin C) and Native Americans made
poultices from whole dried berries for wounds. And, over the past several
decades, the use of cranberries in treating urinary tract infections (UTI) has
been gaining wide acceptance in conventional medicine
A Rutgers University research team has identified a compound in the cranberry
called proanthocyanidins (tannins). These tannins stop the E-coli (or
Escherichia coli, the bacteria that causes most UTIs) from sticking to
the cell walls in the bladder and the kidney. Bacteria are prevented from
sticking to the mucosal surface and end up passing through the urine.
The biochemical properties of the cranberry are not only effective in
treating UTI's but, according to recent research, may also help protect against
peptic ulcers. Another study suggests that cranberries may even help prevent the
plaque bacteria in the mouth that causes periodontal disease. (Note however that
because most commercial juices are high in dextrose and fructose, they are not
suitable for oral hygiene.)
So for a number of reasons, adding cranberries to your diet may be very
beneficial to your health. Cranberries are available as fresh or frozen berries,
cranberry concentrate, dried capsules, tablets, and of course as juice. However,
because most cranberry juice or cocktails typically contain sugar, which is
though to lower immunity, commercial cranberry juice may not be as effective in
alleviating symptoms of UTI and bacteria as other cranberry sources.
To date there have not been any reports or literature which establish any
clinically significant interactions between the cranberry and conventional
medications. In addition, the cranberry has not been considered by the German
Commission E and is not on the General Sale List in
Britain.
