Categories & Effectiveness

Brain Health

Brain Circulation Boost

7/10

Strong evidence of effectiveness

Brain Antioxidant Shield

4/10

Moderate evidence of effectiveness

Synaptic Plasticity

2/10

Limited evidence of effectiveness

Cognition

Memory & Recall

4/10

Moderate evidence of effectiveness

Systemic Health

Blood Pressure Regulation

7/10

Strong evidence of effectiveness

Systemic Antioxidant

7/10

Strong evidence of effectiveness

Vascular Health

7/10

Strong evidence of effectiveness

Cellular Anti-Aging

2/10

Limited evidence of effectiveness

Dosage & Side Effects

Recommended Dosage

The effective dosage of cranberry can vary widely depending on the form (juice, tablets, powder, or whole fruit) and the intended benefit, with studies using equivalents from 500mg of powder daily to several milliliters of juice per kilogram of body weight. While consumption of up to 4 liters of cranberry juice per day has been shown to be non-toxic in healthy individuals, high doses (e.g., over 3L/day of juice) may cause gastrointestinal distress, and concentrated tablets may increase urinary oxalates. Pregnant women have used cranberry commonly in food amounts with minimal risk, though safety at higher therapeutic dosages is less confirmed; individuals prone to kidney stones should exercise caution.

Potential Side Effects

Common mild side effects from high cranberry consumption (especially juice) can include gastrointestinal distress and diarrhea. With high doses or chronic use of concentrated cranberry products, there's a potential increased risk of kidney stone formation due to elevated urinary oxalates. Individuals predisposed to nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) or those taking warfarin should consult a healthcare professional, as cranberry may interact with these conditions or medications.

Bioavailability & Half-Life

The bioavailability of cranberry's active phytochemicals, such as proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins, can be influenced by processing and individual metabolism, though specific absorption speeds and peak plasma times are not consistently detailed across all compounds. Cranberry components are metabolized in the body, and there has been research into their potential interactions with metabolic pathways like the cytochrome P450 enzyme system; for instance, while some lab studies suggested cranberry juice might inhibit enteric CYP3A4, clinical studies on CYP3A4 substrates like cyclosporine showed no significant alteration, and no significant impact on CYP2C9 (which metabolizes warfarin) was found in one clinical study. The elimination half-life of specific cranberry compounds varies, contributing to the need for consistent intake for sustained benefits like UTI prevention.

Interactions & Stacks

Cranberry is often used alone for urinary tract health but its antioxidant properties may complement other neuroprotective or anti-inflammatory nootropics. Caution is advised when combining cranberry with warfarin due to anecdotal reports of interaction, although some clinical studies have not found significant effects on warfarin metabolism; similarly, while lab studies suggest potential inhibition of CYP3A4 enzymes, clinical impact on drug metabolism (like cyclosporine) appears limited. User consensus and systematic reviews primarily support its use for UTI prevention, with less established stacking strategies for cognitive enhancement.

Benefits by Use Case

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Prevention

Helps prevent UTIs by inhibiting bacterial adherence to urinary tract walls. Consistent daily intake is generally needed for this protective effect.

Antioxidant Support

Provides significant antioxidant activity, helping to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress throughout the body. Benefits are general and contribute to overall cellular health.

Cognitive Improvement in Older Adults

May improve episodic memory and regional brain perfusion with chronic consumption (e.g., 12 weeks). Effects are more studied in older populations and may not be as pronounced in younger, healthy individuals.

Cardiovascular Health Support

May contribute to reduced systolic blood pressure and body mass index, and potentially increase HDL cholesterol in younger adults. These effects are part of a broader healthy lifestyle and diet.

Neuroprotection

Its compounds like anthocyanins and ellagic acid show potential in modulating signaling pathways linked to neurodegeneration and protecting neurons. Much of this evidence is from preclinical studies or reviews, with more human trials needed.

Mechanism of Action

Cranberry's primary mechanism, especially for urinary tract health, involves A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs) and fructose, which inhibit the adherence of P-fimbriated Escherichia coli to uroepithelial cells lining the bladder and urethra, thus preventing infection. Beyond this, cranberry's rich anthocyanin content contributes to its neuroprotective and cognitive benefits by reducing central oxidative stress and inflammation, regulating synaptic plasticity, improving cerebral vascularization, and modulating signaling pathways linked to neurodegeneration. Ellagic acid, another phytochemical found in cranberries, exerts neuroprotective effects through its antioxidant properties, iron-chelating capabilities, and mitochondrial protection, potentially influencing cell signaling transmissions to slow neurodegenerative processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cranberry safe to take daily?

When is the best time to take cranberry?

Can cranberry help with existing UTIs?

Does cranberry improve memory?

Are there any major drug interactions with cranberry?

Is cranberry safe during pregnancy?

Can cranberry help lower blood pressure?

Summary & Expert Opinion

Cranberry is well-established for its strong antioxidant properties and its effectiveness in preventing urinary tract infections by inhibiting bacterial adhesion. Its strengths lie in these well-supported benefits and its general safety profile when consumed as food or juice, with emerging evidence pointing towards cognitive, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular advantages, particularly from its anthocyanin and ellagic acid content. Individuals seeking natural UTI prevention or a dietary source of potent antioxidants may find cranberry beneficial. However, those with a history of kidney stones or taking warfarin should exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider before regular, high-dose supplementation.

Research Studies

Showing 5 of 10 studies

Effect of berry-based supplements and foods on cognitive function: a systematic review (2022)

attention brain perfusion cognitive function +2 more

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:

attention brain perfusion cognitive function executive function memory

The effects of cranberry on cardiovascular metabolic risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis (2020)

body mass index reduction high-density lipoprotein increase systolic blood pressure reduction

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.

SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF CRANBERRY (Vaccinium Macrocarpon) DURING PREGNANCY AND LACTATION (2008)

UTI prevention UTI treatment lactation safety +2 more

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:

UTI prevention UTI treatment lactation safety pregnancy safety urinary tract infections

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

episodic memory regional brain perfusion

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.

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon L.) fruit juice from Serbia: UHPLC

compound identification phytochemical analysis

Current evidence on cognitive improvement and neuroprotection promoted ...

anti-aging cognitive improvement learning and memory +2 more

Findings:

Anthocyanins modulate cognitive parameters through direct and indirect mechanisms, delay age-related cognitive deficits, and modulate signaling pathways linked to neurodegeneration. The administration of anthocyanin-rich products or berries shows potential to reduce central oxidative stress, inflammation, and degeneration, regulate synaptic plasticity, improve vascularization, and enhance cognitive tasks such as learning and memory, with mechanisms mainly proven by animal studies.

Participants:

This review covers in vitro studies (primary cultures of neurons and neuronal cell lines), in vivo studies (rodents), and clinical trials (young and old adults, with or without some level of cognitive impairment). One cited prospective study involved N=923 participants aged 58–98 years.

Dosage:

The review discusses the administration of anthocyanin-rich products, ACN-rich foods and extracts, or berries ingestion. One cited prospective study associated 'consumption of at least 2 servings of berries per week' with lower rates of AD. The review notes 'difficulties on translating the dose and the frequency' from the existing literature.

Study Quality Assessment:

This is a review article summarizing findings from in vitro studies, in vivo studies, and clinical trials. One specific study mentioned is a prospective study (N=923, followed for 4.5 years). A limitation acknowledged in the review is 'difficulties on translating the dose and the frequency'. Funding sources are mentioned: 'CAPES-Finance Code 001; CNPq (403328/2016-0; 301108/2016-1) and FAPESP (2015/50333-1)'. Conflict of interest statement: 'Nothing declared.'

All Effects:

anti-aging cognitive improvement learning and memory neuroprotection oxidative stress modulation

Neuroprotective Effects of Ellagic Acid in Alzheimer's Disease: Focus on Underlying Molecular Mechanisms of Therapeutic Potential

antioxidant effect cell signaling iron chelating +2 more

Findings:

Ellagic acid may initiate numerous cell signaling transmissions and decrease the progression of neurodegeneration. Its neuroprotective effects are attributed to its antioxidant effect, iron chelating, and mitochondrial protective capabilities, potentially offering a therapeutic approach against Alzheimer's disease by addressing aspects like neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and acetylcholinesterase activity.

Study Quality Assessment:

This is a review article aiming to critically analyze the molecular mechanism of action of ellagic acid against AD.

All Effects:

antioxidant effect cell signaling iron chelating mitochondrial protection neuroprotection

Phytochemical Importance of Medicinal Plants as Potential Sources ...

anticancer properties antitumor activity apoptosis induction +2 more

Authors:

Debasis Chakrabarty

Findings:

This review compiles information from scientific literature on numerous geographically diverse medicinal plants and their phytochemical constituents that exhibit anticancer properties. It details various plant species, their active compounds (e.g., alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins), and their mechanisms of action, which include inducing apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation, disrupting microtubules, and modulating signaling pathways in cancer cells, primarily based on in vitro and some in vivo studies. The review emphasizes the potential of these natural compounds for further research and development into new anticancer drugs.

Participants:

The review discusses studies primarily involving various human cancer cell lines (e.g., human breast cancer cells, human liver cancer cells (HepG2), prostate cell lines, human hepatoma-derived Hep3B cell, Bel-7402 liver cancer cell line, human prostate tumor, human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells, mouse epidermal JB6 cell line, pancreatic cancer cell lines, human lung cancer cell lines, CCRF-CEM cell line, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, cultured human tumor cell lines, KB, HeLa), murine leukemic cell lines (P388, L1210), and animal models (e.g., human prostate tumor xenograft mice, rats with Walker 256 sarcoma, Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) in mice).

Dosage:

For Boswellia serrata, its active component AKBA "suppressed tumor growth in human prostate tumor xenograft mice treated daily with a dose of 10 mg/kg". For Scutellaria baicalensis, metabolites baicalein, wogonin, wogonoside, and skullcapflavone II "at micromolar concentrations have shown inhibitory effects against the proliferation of human tumor cell lines". For Mangifera indica, lupeol induces apoptosis "in a dose-dependent manner".

Study Quality Assessment:

This document is a "Review Article" published in the Turkish Journal of Botany. It compiles information with "data gathered from the scientific literature of the PubMed database." The review describes findings from "in vitro studies," "experimental studies," "cell-free assays," and "in vivo" animal studies. It notes that "16 plant-derived anticancer drugs have been subjected to clinical trials thus far." A specific example of an animal study mentioned is for Boswellia serrata: "human prostate tumor xenograft mice treated daily with a dose of 10 mg/kg after solid tumors reached ~100 mm3 (n = 5)."

All Effects:

anticancer properties antitumor activity apoptosis induction cytotoxic effects phytochemicals

Phytochemicals of cranberries and cranberry products: characterization, potential health effects, and processing stability

anti-inflammation anti-viral activity bacterial pathogen protection +3 more

Findings:

This review compiles known phytochemical components of American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), detailing their prevalence in the fruit and its products. It discusses debated health effects, with compelling evidence for protection from several bacterial pathogens, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and inflammation, while neuroprotection and anti-viral activity are also gaining consideration. The review also considers bioavailability data, potential molecular mechanisms, and the effects of processing and storage on cranberry phytochemicals.

Participants:

Health effects in humans and animals, as well as in vitro, are debated.

Study Quality Assessment:

Review article. Mentions in vitro studies.

All Effects:

anti-inflammation anti-viral activity bacterial pathogen protection cancer protection cardiovascular disease protection neuroprotection

We value your privacy

Categories & Effectiveness

Brain Health

Brain Circulation Boost

Brain Antioxidant Shield

Synaptic Plasticity

Cognition

Memory & Recall

Systemic Health

Blood Pressure Regulation

Systemic Antioxidant

Vascular Health

Cellular Anti-Aging

Dosage & Side Effects

Recommended Dosage

Potential Side Effects

Bioavailability & Half-Life

Interactions & Stacks

Benefits by Use Case

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Prevention

Antioxidant Support

Cognitive Improvement in Older Adults

Cardiovascular Health Support

Neuroprotection

Mechanism of Action

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary & Expert Opinion

Research Studies

Effect of berry-based supplements and foods on cognitive function: a systematic review (2022)

Authors:

Findings:

Participants:

Dosage:

Study Quality Assessment:

All Effects:

The effects of cranberry on cardiovascular metabolic risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis (2020)

Authors:

Findings:

Participants:

Dosage:

Study Quality Assessment:

SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF CRANBERRY (Vaccinium Macrocarpon) DURING PREGNANCY AND LACTATION (2008)

Authors:

Findings:

Participants:

Dosage:

Study Quality Assessment:

All Effects:

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

Findings:

Participants:

Dosage:

Study Quality Assessment:

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon L.) fruit juice from Serbia: UHPLC

Findings:

Study Quality Assessment:

Current evidence on cognitive improvement and neuroprotection promoted ...

Findings:

Participants:

Dosage:

Study Quality Assessment:

All Effects:

Neuroprotective Effects of Ellagic Acid in Alzheimer's Disease: Focus on Underlying Molecular Mechanisms of Therapeutic Potential

Findings:

Study Quality Assessment:

All Effects:

Phytochemical Importance of Medicinal Plants as Potential Sources ...

Authors:

Findings:

Participants:

Dosage:

Study Quality Assessment:

All Effects:

Phytochemicals of cranberries and cranberry products: characterization, potential health effects, and processing stability

Findings:

Participants:

Study Quality Assessment:

All Effects:

Vaccinium Macrocarpon: An Interesting Option for Women ...

Participants: