cranberry

Action and Spectrum

Actions and spectrum: 

cranberry is a type of fruit that contains various phytochemicals, including flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, which are believed to provide health benefits.

The active ingredients in cranberry have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties and may help prevent urinary tract infections by preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls. 

In addition to its antibacterial properties, cranberry may also have antiviral and anticancer effects, and may improve cardiovascular health by decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

GI upset 

kidney stones 

diarrhea 

increased risk of oxalate uroliths cancer in patients who are predisposed 

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• Allergy: Individuals who are allergic to berries should avoid cranberry or cranberry products. 
• Kidney stones: cranberry contains high levels of oxalate, which may contribute to forming kidney stones in some people. 
• Blood thinning: cranberry can interfere with blood clotting in some individuals, so caution should be taken when using cranberry supplements or products in conjunction with blood thinning medications such as warfarin. 
• Stomach ulcers: cranberry juice may exacerbate symptoms of stomach ulcers, so individuals with ulcers or a history of ulcers should speak with their healthcare provider before consuming cranberry supplements or products.

Caution: 

cranberry is generally considered safe for most people when consumed in typical food and beverage amounts. However, caution is advised in individuals with a history of kidney stones, as cranberry may increase the risk of kidney stone formation. Additionally, those taking blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, should use caution when consuming cranberry as it may increase the risk of bleeding. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also use caution and speak to their healthcare provider before consuming large amounts of cranberry supplements, as there is limited safety data available.  

Comorbidities: 

• Kidney stones: cranberry juice contains a high amount of oxalate, which may have an increased risk of developing kidney stones in susceptible individuals. 
• Bleeding disorders: cranberry juice may increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. 
• Diabetes: cranberry juice contains sugar and carbohydrates, which can affect blood sugar levels. People with diabetes should be monitored for blood sugar levels when consuming cranberry juice. 
• Gastrointestinal disorders: cranberry juice may worsen symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome in some people. 
• Allergies: People with a known allergy to cranberries or other berries should avoid consuming cranberry products. 
• Drug interactions: cranberry juice may interact with medications, such as blood-thinning medications like warfarin, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. It may also interact with some antibiotics and increase their concentration in the body. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: N/A 

Lactation: N/A  

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: Satisfactory and well-controlled studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• Category B: There is no evidence of risk to the fetus found in animal reproduction studies and there are not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: Adverse effects on the fetus found with evidence in animal reproduction studies and no adequate evidence for an effect in humans, care must be taken for potential risks in pregnant women. 
• Category D: There is adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite potential risks may be used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh risks over benefits These category drugs should be prohibited for pregnant women. 
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

cranberry contains various phytochemicals, such as proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and organic acids, that contribute to their pharmacology. The proanthocyanidins and other compounds in cranberry have been shown to interfere with bacterial adhesion to the urinary tract, preventing the formation of biofilms and helping to reduce the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

cranberry also exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may contribute to their potential health benefits. Additionally, cranberry has been shown to have a positive effect on cardiovascular health, including reducing the risk of hypertension, improving lipid profiles, and reducing inflammation.  

Pharmacodynamics: 

cranberry’s pharmacodynamics are attributed to its high content of proanthocyanidins (PACs), which are thought to prevent bacteria from adhering to urinary tract walls and bladder. PACs work by binding to the bacterial fimbriae, preventing bacterial attachment to the uroepithelial cells. This mechanism of action prevents the formation of biofilm and reduces the risk of bacterial colonization, which in turn lowers the risk of urinary tract infections. cranberry also contains other compounds like flavonoids and organic acids, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.  

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

After oral ingestion, the active components in cranberry are rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. However, some compounds may not be absorbed completely, and bioavailability may be affected by food or other co-administered drugs. 

Distribution 

The distribution of cranberry compounds in the body is not well-characterized, but some studies suggest that the active components may be distributed to various tissues and organs, including the bladder and urinary tract. 

Metabolism 

cranberry is mainly metabolized in the liver by phase I and phase II reactions, including glucuronidation and sulfation. However, the metabolism of specific cranberry compounds is not well understood. 

Elimination and excretion 

The elimination of cranberry metabolites occurs primarily through the kidneys and urinary tract. Some compounds may also be eliminated through feces. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

cranberry can be consumed in different forms, including fresh or frozen cranberries, cranberry juice, dried cranberries, and cranberry extract supplements. The recommended dose and form of administration may vary based on the specific product and its intended use. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: cranberry 

Pronounced: (KRAN-ber-ee)  

Why do we use cranberry? 

cranberry is commonly used for preventing and treating urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly in women. It is also used for other conditions, such as preventing certain types of cancer, reducing inflammation, improving cardiovascular health, and as a source of antioxidants. Some people also use cranberry to help with gastrointestinal issues such as stomach ulcers and diarrhea. Additionally, cranberry is used in food and beverages as a flavoring agent.