cranberry

Authors:

Maryam Hashemian, Neda Dolatkhah, Negar Bonyadi, Yaghoub Salekzamani

Findings:

This systematic review of 11 clinical trials concludes that existing evidence suggests berry-based supplements and foods may have beneficial effects on resting brain perfusion, cognitive function, memory performance, executive functioning, processing speed, and attention indices in older adults with normal cognition or MCI. However, the review noted inconsistent findings across measured outcomes and methodological limitations in most of the included trials.

Participants:

Older adults with no recognized cognitive impairment or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The systematic review included studies performed on adult or old subjects with healthy cognitions or MCI.

Dosage:

The reviewed studies utilized various forms of berry-based interventions including frozen blueberry (n=4 studies), blueberry concentrate (n=2), beverage (n=3), capsule (n=1), and extract/powder (n=1). Specific examples from reviewed trials include blueberry juice (6–9 mL/kg/day for 3 months), purified wild blueberry extract (100mg daily for 6 months), whole wild blueberry powder (500mg or 1000mg daily), and two cups of frozen blueberry daily. Durations of interventions ranged from a single dose to 6 months. Many studies used dosages considered achievable for daily consumption.

Study Quality Assessment:

Systematic review of 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), following Cochrane Handbook and PRISMA guidelines. Quality of included trials (seven randomized parallel group, two crossover, one pilot study) assessed using Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for risk of bias. Limitations of reviewed studies acknowledged: Nine of 11 trials were of poor or modest methodological quality (suspicions about blinding of outcome assessment, allocation concealment, random allocation); most had small sample sizes; heterogeneity in study design, intervention type/dose/duration, outcomes, and cognitive tasks used. Funding for this systematic review was from Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; the sponsor had no role in study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, or publication decisions.

All Effects:

Authors:

Ameneh Najafgholizadeh, Amir Hadi, Farahnaz Joukar, Fariborz Mansour-Ghanaei, Makan Pourmasoumi

Findings:

Cranberry administration significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) and body mass index (BMI). No statistically significant change was observed for most other markers including triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL (overall), fasting plasma glucose, and C-reactive protein. SBP reduction was more pronounced in studies with ≥50 mean age participants, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations significantly increased in subgroups with subjects <50 mean age. Cranberry supplementation may be effective in managing SBP, BMI, and HDL in younger adults.

Participants:

Adult populations. Stratified analysis considered participants with ≥50 mean age, and subgroup analysis considered subjects with <50 mean age.

Dosage:

Subgroup analysis mentioned triacylglycerol levels in subsets with cranberry administered in juice form, but specific dosages or overall administration details are not provided in the abstract.

Study Quality Assessment:

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Databases searched: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar (up to June 2018). The conclusion states that further high-quality studies are needed.

Authors:

Daniel Perri, Dugald Seely, Edward Mills, Gideon Koren, Jean-Jacques Dugoua

Findings:

This systematic review found no direct evidence of safety or harm to mother or fetus from cranberry consumption during pregnancy, though indirect evidence from a survey of 400 pregnant women suggests minimal risk with regular consumption. The safety or harm of cranberry during lactation is unknown. Given evidence supporting cranberry for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and its safety profile, cranberry supplementation as fruit or fruit juice may be a valuable therapeutic choice for treating UTIs during pregnancy.

Participants:

Pregnant and lactating women. The review cites a survey of 400 Norwegian postpartum women regarding cranberry use during pregnancy. A study on healthy volunteers consuming cranberry tablets is mentioned in the context of kidney stone risk. Adverse effects (gastrointestinal distress) from high juice consumption (>3L/day) were noted in infants and young children.

Dosage:

Cranberry supplementation as fruit or fruit juice is discussed. A study on healthy volunteers consuming cranberry tablets for one week at the manufacturer's recommended dose found increased urinary oxalates. Consumption of up to 4L/day of cranberry juice has been shown to be non-toxic in healthy individuals, while consumption of more than 3L/day by infants and young children has reported gastrointestinal distress. Safety in pregnancy and lactation is supported when consumed in food amounts; safety at higher dosages is unconfirmed. Caution is warranted for individuals predisposed to nephrolithiasis.

Study Quality Assessment:

Systematic review of literature. Searched 7 electronic databases (AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, Cochrane Library, MedLine, Natural Database, Natural Standard) from inception to June 2006. Data was compiled according to the grade of evidence found (Tables 1 and 2 for efficacy and harm provided). Acknowledges no direct evidence of safety or harm during pregnancy and unknown safety/harm during lactation. Mentions a survey of 400 Norwegian postpartum women.

All Effects:

Findings:

Chronic consumption of Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) for 12 weeks improves episodic memory and regional brain perfusion in healthy older adults.

Participants:

Healthy Older Adults

Dosage:

Chronic consumption of Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) for 12 weeks.

Study Quality Assessment:

Study design: Randomised, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Groups Feas. Duration: 12 weeks.

Findings:

Cranberry fruit grown in Serbia was used for preparing juice by cold-pressing. UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS analysis confirmed the presence of seventeen compounds.

Study Quality Assessment:

UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS analysis