Cranberry
- Latin
- Vaccinium macrocarpon
Cranberry juice and extracts are studied mainly for preventing recurrent urinary tract infections, not treating an active infection. Evidence varies by product and population, and large or concentrated amounts deserve caution with warfarin and a history of kidney stones.
Also Known As
Latin: Vaccinium macrocarpon
Traditional Context
American cranberry is not a classical Traditional Chinese Medicine material. It is included as a common food-based supplement with a distinct North American history.
Primary Actions
- Traditionally used as a food and for urinary complaints
Secondary Actions
- Used as juice, dried fruit, and concentrated extract
Classical References
- North American food and herbal traditions
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- A-type proanthocyanidins
- Anthocyanins
- Flavonols
- Organic acids
Studied Effects
- Prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections in selected populations
- Bacterial anti-adhesion activity
- Warfarin and transplant-drug interaction reports
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Use as a replacement for diagnosis or treatment of an active urinary tract infection
- Regular high-dose use in people prone to calcium oxalate kidney stones
Cautions
- Large amounts can cause stomach upset or diarrhea.
- Cranberry contains oxalates and concentrated products may increase kidney-stone risk in susceptible people.
- Cranberry products differ substantially in proanthocyanidin content.
Drug Interactions
Evidence for a cranberry and warfarin interaction is conflicting, but increased INR and serious bleeding have been reported. A tacrolimus case and laboratory findings involving CYP and UGT enzymes add reasons to review concentrated cranberry products with a clinician.
- Warfarin … Large or prolonged cranberry intake may increase anticoagulant effect, although controlled data are conflicting. (Major) Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs
- Tacrolimus … A transplant case reported subtherapeutic tacrolimus levels during cranberry extract use. (Major) Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs
- CYP3A, CYP2C9, and UGT substrate medicines … Laboratory studies suggest altered metabolism or transport, but human relevance is inconsistent or unknown. (Uncertain) Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs
Conditions
- Urinary Tract Infection Research ★★★☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cranberry used for?
Cranberry is traditionally used to Traditionally used as a food and for urinary complaints. Research has investigated its effects on: Prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections in selected populations; Bacterial anti-adhesion activity.
What are other names for Cranberry?
Cranberry is also known as American Cranberry, Large Cranberry. In TCM: Vaccinium macrocarpon.
Is Cranberry safe during pregnancy?
The safety of Cranberry during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
What are the contraindications for Cranberry?
Cranberry should not be used in: Use as a replacement for diagnosis or treatment of an active urinary tract infection; Regular high-dose use in people prone to calcium oxalate kidney stones. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
Does Cranberry interact with any medications?
Cranberry may interact with: Warfarin - Large or prolonged cranberry intake may increase anticoagulant effect, although controlled data are conflicting. - (Major severity); Tacrolimus - A transplant case reported subtherapeutic tacrolimus levels during cranberry extract use. - (Major severity); CYP3A, CYP2C9, and UGT substrate medicines - Laboratory studies suggest altered metabolism or transport, but human relevance is inconsistent or unknown. - (Uncertain severity). Always inform your healthcare provider of any herbal supplements you are taking.