Cranberry
Scientific names: Vaccinium macrocarpon, Oxycoccus macrocarpos, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Oxycoccus hagerupii, Oxycoccus microcarpus, Oxycoccus palustris, Oxycoccus quadripetalus, Vaccinium hagerupii, Vaccinium microcarpum, Vaccinium palustre
Family: Ericaceae
Alternate names: Agrio, Airelle à Gros Fruits, Airelle Canneberge, Airelle Européenne, Airelle Rouge, American Cranberry, Arándano, Arándano Americano, Arándano Rojo, Arándano Trepador, Atoca, Atoka, Bearberry, Canneberge, Canneberge à Feuillage Persistant, Canneberge d'Amérique, Canneberge Européenne, Cocktail au Jus de Canneberge, Cranberry Extract, Cranberry Fruit, Cranberry Fruit Juice, Cranberry Juice, Cranberry Juice Cocktail, Cranberry Juice Concentrate, Cranberry Powder, Cranberry Powdered Extract, Craneberry, Da Guo Yue Jie, Da Guo Yue Ju, Da Guo Suan Guo Man Yue Ju, European Cranberry, Extrait de Canneberge, Große Moosbeere, Gros Atoca, Grosse Moosbeere, Jus de Canneberge, Jus de Canneberge à Base de Concentré, Jus de Canneberge Frais, Kliukva, Kliukva Obyknovennaia, Kranbeere, Large Cranberry, Man Yue Ju, Man Yue Mei, Moosebeere, Mossberry, Oomi No Tsuruko Kemomo, Petite Cannberge, Pois de Fagne, Pomme des Prés, Ronce d'Amerique, Sirop de Canneberge, Small Cranberry, Trailing Swamp Cranberry, Tsuru-Kokemomo
Actions: Anticancer, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antiviral, Cytochrome P450, Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary, Oral plaque formation prevention, Periodontal disease prevention
Background
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is an evergreen shrub that grows in bogs in North America. It produces dark red fruits that contain salicylic acid.
Chemicals in cranberries keep bacteria from sticking to the cells in the urinary tract. But they don't seem to be able to remove bacteria that are already stuck to these cells. This might explain why cranberry helps prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), but doesn't help treat them.
People commonly use cranberry to prevent UTIs. Cranberry is also used for kidney stones, enlarged prostate, the common cold, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse cranberry with cramp bark, lingonberry, or uva ursi. These are sometimes also called cranberry but they are not the same.
Chemicals in cranberries keep bacteria from sticking to the cells in the urinary tract. But they don't seem to be able to remove bacteria that are already stuck to these cells. This might explain why cranberry helps prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), but doesn't help treat them.
People commonly use cranberry to prevent UTIs. Cranberry is also used for kidney stones, enlarged prostate, the common cold, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse cranberry with cramp bark, lingonberry, or uva ursi. These are sometimes also called cranberry but they are not the same.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Cranberry is commonly consumed in foods. Cranberry juice and cranberry extracts are likely safe for most adults. Drinking too much cranberry juice might cause some side effects such as mild stomach upset and diarrhea in some people.
Children: Cranberry is commonly consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if cranberry is safe to use as medicine or what the side effects might be.
Aspirin allergy: Cranberries contain significant amounts of salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is similar to aspirin. Avoid drinking large quantities of cranberry juice if you are allergic to aspirin.
Diabetes: Some cranberry juice products are sweetened with extra sugar. If you have diabetes, stick with cranberry products that are sweetened with artificial sweeteners.
Kidney stones: Cranberry juice and cranberry extracts contain a large amount of a chemical called oxalate. Since oxalate is found in kidney stones, cranberry might increase the risk of kidney stones. If you have a history of kidney stones, stay on the safe side and avoid taking cranberry extract products or drinking a lot of cranberry juice.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Cranberry is commonly consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if cranberry is safe to use in larger amounts when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.Children: Cranberry is commonly consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if cranberry is safe to use as medicine or what the side effects might be.
Aspirin allergy: Cranberries contain significant amounts of salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is similar to aspirin. Avoid drinking large quantities of cranberry juice if you are allergic to aspirin.
Diabetes: Some cranberry juice products are sweetened with extra sugar. If you have diabetes, stick with cranberry products that are sweetened with artificial sweeteners.
Kidney stones: Cranberry juice and cranberry extracts contain a large amount of a chemical called oxalate. Since oxalate is found in kidney stones, cranberry might increase the risk of kidney stones. If you have a history of kidney stones, stay on the safe side and avoid taking cranberry extract products or drinking a lot of cranberry juice.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
- Infections of the kidney, bladder, or urethra (urinary tract infections or UTIs). Taking certain cranberry products by mouth seems to help prevent UTIs in adult females, children, and people at risk for developing UTIs due to certain surgeries or radiation treatment. But it doesn't seem to help people with neurogenic bladder, a condition caused by a spinal cord injury. Cranberry products do not seem prevent UTIs in elderly or pregnant people. It's important to note that while cranberry might help prevent UTIs in some people, it shouldn't be used to treat UTIs.
Dosing & administration
Cranberry is commonly consumed in the diet in juices, jellies, sauces, and other foods.
As medicine, cranberry dried powder has most often been used by adults in doses of 250-1500 mg by mouth daily for up to 6 months. Cranberry extract has most often been used in doses of 120-1600 mg by mouth daily for 12 weeks. And cranberry juice drinks are often used in doses of 120-750 mL daily for up to 90 days. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
As medicine, cranberry dried powder has most often been used by adults in doses of 250-1500 mg by mouth daily for up to 6 months. Cranberry extract has most often been used in doses of 120-1600 mg by mouth daily for 12 weeks. And cranberry juice drinks are often used in doses of 120-750 mL daily for up to 90 days. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Cranberry might decrease how quickly the body breaks down atorvastatin. This might increase the effects and side effects of atorvastatin. Avoid drinking large amounts of cranberry juice if you are taking atorvastatin.
Diclofenac (Voltaren, others)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Cranberry might decrease how quickly the body breaks down diclofenac. Drinking cranberry juice while taking diclofenac might increase the effects and side effects of diclofenac.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Cranberry might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Cranberry might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Nifedipine (Procardia)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Cranberry might decrease how quickly the body breaks down nifedipine. Drinking cranberry juice while taking nifedipine might increase the effects and side effects of nifedipine.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Cranberry might increase how long warfarin is in the body, and increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. Your warfarin dose might need to be changed.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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Per tablet:
- Vaccinium macrocarpon (Cranberry) ext. 10 mg
- Beta-carotene carotenoids (Vitamin A) 4.2 mg
- Calcium ascorbate dihydrate (Vitamin C) 54.47 mg equiv. ascorbic acid 45 mg equiv. calcium 4.97 mg
- Cholecalciferol 25 µg equiv. vitamin D3 1000 IU
- Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) 10 µg
- d-alpha-Tocopheryl acid succinate 7 mg
- Zinc oxide 9.96 mg equiv. zinc 8 mg
- Biotin 150 µg
- Borax 4.41 mg equiv. boron 500 µg
- Calcium hydrogen phosphate 305.49 mg equiv. calcium 90 mg equiv. phosphorus 69.53 mg
- Calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5) 25.56 mg equiv. pantothenic acid 23.41 mg equiv. calcium 2.15 mg
- Chromium nicotinate 250 µg equiv. chromium 25 µg
- Silica - colloidal anhydrous 19.25 mg equiv. silicon 9 mg
- Copper gluconate 8.57 mg equiv. copper 1.2 mg
- Ferrous fumarate 36.47 mg equiv. iron 12 mg
- Folic acid 400 µg
- Magnesium oxide 99.47 mg equiv. magnesium 60 mg
- Manganese sulphate monohydrate 15.38 mg equiv. manganese 5 mg
- Molybdenum trioxide 67.5 µg equiv. molybdenum 45 µg
- Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) 50 mg
- Phytomenadione (Vitamin K1) 0.06 mg
- Potassium iodide (Iodine) 196.2 µg equiv. iodine 150 µg equiv. potassium 46.2 µg
- Pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) 30.39 mg equiv. pyridoxine 25 mg
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) 15 mg
- Selenomethionine 149 µg equiv. selenium 60 µg
- Thiamine nitrate (Vitamin B1) 18.5 mg equiv. thiamine 15 mg
- Ubidecarenone (Coenzyme Q10) 5 mg
- Citrus bioflavonoids extract 12.5 mg
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Per tablet:
- Vaccinium macrocarpon (Cranberry) ext. 0.25 mg
- Methylcobalamin (Activated B12) 200 μg
- Calcium ascorbate (Vitamin C) 30.25 mg equiv. ascorbic acid 25 mg
- Cholecalciferol 12.5 μg equiv. vitamin D3 500 IU
- d-alpha-Tocopherol 10 mg
- Zinc citrate 200 mg equiv. zinc 36.6 mg
- Beta-carotene carotenoids (Vitamin A) 3 mg
- Thiamine hydrochloride (Vitamin B1) 1.59 mg equiv. thiamine 1.25 mg
- Riboflavin 5-phosphate sodium (Activated B2) 1.71 mg equiv. riboflavin 1.25 mg
- Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) 12.5 mg
- Calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5) 5.46 mg equiv. pantothenic acid 5 mg
- Pyridoxal 5-phosphate (P5P) 2.03 mg equiv. pyridoxine 1.25 mg
- Magnesium ascorbate (Vitamin C) 21.87 mg equiv. ascorbic acid 15.33 mg
- Levomefolate glucosamine (Activated folate) 463 μg equiv. levomefolic acid 250 μg
- Phyllanthus emblica ext. 9.35 mg
- Menaquinone 7 (Vitamin K2) 40 μg
- Calcified lithothamnion (Red algae) 31.52 mg equiv. calcium 9.46 mg
- Magnesium 12.5 mg
- Chromium picolinate 1.61 mg equiv. chromium 200 μg
- Copper sulfate 2 mg
- Ascophyllum nodosum 18.75 mg
- Manganese gluconate 21.93 mg equiv. manganese 2.5 mg
- Selenomethionine 124.18 μg equiv. selenium 50 μg
- Borax 6.6 mg equiv. boron 750 μg
- Lutein 1 mg
- Lycopene 1 mg
- Silybum marianum ext. 5 mg
- Camellia sinensis ext. 5 mg
- Schisandra chinensis ext. 5 mg
- Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) 5 mg
- Euterpe oleracea (berry) ext. (Acai) 5 mg
- Chlorella vulgaris 5 mg
- Curcumin (Turmeric) 500 μg
- Zingiber officinale ext. 5 mg
- Laminaria digitara (Kelp) 5 mg
- Citrus sinensis ext. 5 mg
- Cruciferous vegetable blend 25 mg
- Ultra fruit blend 25 mg
- Live vegetable blend 22.5 mg
- Multi herb blend 12.5 mg
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Per tablet:
- Vaccinium macrocarpon (Cranberry) powder 5 mg
- Vaccinium macrocarpon (Cranberry) powder 250 μg
- Calcium ascorbate dihydrate (Vitamin C) 11.08 mg equiv. ascorbic acid 10 mg equiv. calcium 1.2 mg
- Magnesium ascorbate (Vitamin C) 10.83 mg equiv. ascorbic acid 7.74 mg equiv. magnesium 1.083 mg
- Phyllanthus emblica ext. 9.52 mg
- Cholecalciferol 12.5 μg equiv. vitamin D3 500 IU
- d-alpha-Tocopheryl acid succinate 5 mg
- Levomefolate glucosamine (Activated folate) 345.54 μg equiv. levomefolic acid 200 μg
- Co-methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12) 100 μg
- Zinc citrate dihydrate 15.65 mg equiv. zinc 5 mg
- Beta-carotene carotenoids (Vitamin A) 2 mg
- Menaquinone 7 (Vitamin K2) 20 μg
- Thiamine hydrochloride (Vitamin B1) 1.59 mg equiv. thiamine 1.25 mg
- Riboflavin 5-phosphate sodium (Activated B2) 850 μg equiv. riboflavin 625 μg
- Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) 6.25 mg
- Calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5) 2.73 mg equiv. pantothenic acid 2.5 mg
- Pyridoxal 5-phosphate monohydrate (P5P) 1.01 mg equiv. pyridoxine 625 μg
- Calcified lithothamnion (Red algae) 154.55 mg equiv. calcium 48.8 mg equiv. magnesium 3.58 mg
- Ferric pyrophosphate 40.03 mg equiv. iron 12 mg
- Chromium picolinate 201.13 μg equiv. chromium 25 μg
- Cupric sulfate 982.3 μg equiv. copper 250 μg
- Ascophyllum nodosum 18.75 mg
- Manganese gluconate 5.48 mg equiv. manganese 625 μg
- Selenomethionine 62.09 μg equiv. selenium 25 μg
- Borax 1.5 mg equiv. boron 175 μg
- Lutein 250 μg
- Lycopene 250 μg
- Choline bitartrate 15.19 mg equiv. choline 6.25 mg
- Inositol 12.5 mg
- Camellia sinensis ext. 2.5 mg
- Schizandra chinensis ext. 2.5 mg
- Euterpe oleracea (berry) ext. (Acai) 2.5 mg
- Chlorella vulgaris powder 2.5 mg
- Cynara scolymus powder 2.5 mg
- Echinacea purpurea powder 2.5 mg
- Allium sativum ext. 2.5 mg
- Brassica oleracea var. acephala (leaf) powder (Kale) 2.5 mg
- Punica granatum ext. 2.5 mg
- Lycopersicon esculentum powder 2.5 mg
- Hordeum vulgare (leaf) powder (Barley) 2.5 mg
- Vitis vinifera ext. 21.5 mg
- Citrus sinensis ext. 2.5 mg
- Magnesium aspartate 151.69 mg equiv. magnesium 30.34 mg
- Magnesium citrate 92.59 mg equiv. magnesium 15 mg
- Vitis vinifera ext. 2 mg
- Vaccinium myrtillus powder 250 μg
- Fragaria ananassa (Strawberry) 250 μg
- Rubus idaeus powder 250 μg
- Punica granatum powder 250 μg
- Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) 2.5 mg
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Per capsule:
- Vaccinium macrocarpon (Cranberry) powder 1.98 mg
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SB) 625 mg equiv. bakers yeast beta glucan 125 mg equiv. beta glucan 93.75 mg
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae (boulardii) (SB) 125 mg
- Cordyceps sinensis powder 25 mg
- Grifola frondosa powder 25 mg
- Lentinula edodes powder 25 mg
- Ganoderma lucidum ext. 25 mg
- Polyporus umbellatus powder 25 mg
- Tremella fuciformis 25 mg
- Silybum marianum ext. 1.98 mg
- Lutein 79 µg
- Camellia sinensis ext. 3.96 mg
- Schisandra chinensis ext. 1.59 mg
- Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) 1.59 mg
- Euterpe oleracea (berry) ext. (Acai) 1.189 mg
- Citrus sinensis ext. 1.59 mg
- Curcuma longa ext. 440 µg
- Zingiber officinale ext. 1.98 mg
- Phyllanthus emblica ext. 4.76 mg
- Laminaria digitara (Kelp) 1.59 mg
- Poria cocos ext. 25 mg
- Cruciferous vegetable blend 15.853 mg
- Live vegetable blend 11.892 mg
- Ultra fruit blend 7.927 mg
- Multi herb blend 15.853 mg
- Chlorella vulgaris powder 1.59 mg
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Per 5 g:
- Vaccinium macrocarpon (Cranberry) powder
- Green banana starch
- Larix spp. powder
- Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg)
- Malus domestica (peel) ext. (Apple)
- Brassica oleracea var. acephala (leaf & sprout) powder (Kale)
- Euterpe oleracea (berry) ext. (Acai)
- Oryza sativa (Rice)
- Cinnamomum verum (bark) powder
- Schisandra chinensis (berry) powder
- Rosmarinus officinalis (leaf) powder
- Zingiber officinale (root) powder
- Stevia rebaubiana
- Brassica oleracea var. italica (sprout) powder
- Punica granatum (peel) powder
- Glucosamine hydrochloride
- Hibiscus sabdariffa (flower) powder
- Prunus serotina (fruit) ext. (Black cherry)
- Punica granatum (fruit pericarp) powder
- Raphanus sativus (fruit) powder
- Theobroma cacao (seed) powder
- Hordeum vulgare (sprout) powder
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Per 6 g:
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Per 5 g:
- Vaccinium macrocarpon (Cranberry) (fruit) powder
- Inulin (Dietary fibre)
- Marine collagen peptides 250 mg
- Lepidium meyenii (root) powder
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LR-32)
- Bifidobacterium longum (BL-05)
- Zinc
- Cannabis sativa powder 520 mg
- Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) 370 mg
- Linum usitatissimum (seed) flour (Flaxseed) 250 mg
- Wheatgrass powder
- Sunflower lecithin
- Citrus limon (juice) (Lemon)
- Ananas comosus (Pineapple)
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
- Euterpe oleracea (berry) ext. (Acai)
- Chlorella pyrenoidosa powder
- Lycopersicon esculentum (Tomato)
- Apple pectin
- Beta vulgaris (root) powder (Beetroot)
- Citric acid anhydrous
- Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon)
- Fragaria ananassa (juice) powder (Strawberry)
- Garcinia mangostana (fruit) powder
- Punica granatum juice dry
- Carica papaya (fruit) powder
- Natural vanilla flavour
- Lycium barbarum (fruit)
- Aristotelia chilensis (Maqui berry)
- Silybum marianum powder
- Astragalus membranaceus (root) powder
- Equisetum arvense (herb) powder
- Laminaria digitara (Kelp)
- Silica - colloidal anhydrous
- Daucus carota powder (Carrot)
- Camellia sinensis powder
- Withania somnifera (root) powder
- Eleutherococcus senticosus (root) powder
- Echinacea purpurea (root) powder
- Melissa officinalis powder
- Taraxacum officinale (leaf) powder
- Zingiber officinale (root) powder
- Rosa canina powder
- Vaccinium myrtillus (fruit) powder
- Ulmus rubra (bark) powder
- Mushroom powder
- Kakadu plum powder
- Calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5)
- Panax ginseng powder
- Curcuma longa (root) powder
- Backhousia citriodora (leaf)
- Thaumatin
- Ananas comosus (Bromelain)
- Protease
- Phyllanthus emblica (fruit) powder
- Morindae officinalis (fruit) powder
- Marine algae
- Malpighia glabra (fruit) powder
- Medicago sativa 200 mg
- Sambucus nigra (fruit)
- Vaccinium corymbosum (fruit) powder
- Hordeum vulgare powder 200 mg
- Salvia hispanica (seed) powder
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Per 5 g:
- Vaccinium macrocarpon (Cranberry)
- Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Partially hydrolysed guar gum (PHGG))
- Bambusa vulgaris (fibre)
- Cichorium intybus (root) (Chicory)
- Malus (fibre) powder (Apple)
- Glucomannan powder
- Linum usitatissimum (seed) flour (Flaxseed)
- Plantago ovata (husk) (Psyllium)
- Prunus domestica powder (Prune)
- Daucus carota powder (Carrot)
- Apple pectin
- Acacia sp. (gum)
Practitioner product
Per 7.5 g:
- Vaccinium macrocarpon (Cranberry)
- Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (Guar gum) 6 g
- Camellia sinensis ext. 75 mg
- Acacia catechu 300 mg
- Tapioca maltodextrin
- Fragaria ananassa (juice) powder (Strawberry)
- Euterpe oleracea (berry) puree (Acai)
- Ribes nigrum (fruit) juice dry
- Lycium barbarum (fruit)
- Punica granatum
- Sambucus nigra (fruit)
- Vaccinium corymbosum (fruit) powder
- Rubus idaeus juice
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This monograph was last reviewed on 03/10/2024 10:00:00 and last updated on 12/06/2022 04:12:12. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
