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Cranberry
(Vaccinium macrocarpon)
DESCRIPTION
Cranberry is a member of the same family as Bilberry. It is
from North America and grows on moist land. The ripe fruit
is used for medicinal purposes.
Cranberry has been used
to prevent Kidney stones as well as to remove toxins from
the blood. It has been recommended for persons with recurrent
urinary tract Infections (UTIs).
FOOD AND HERBAL USES
Cranberry juice has been
used in food preparations for flavouring or colouring, but
is also thought to possess a number of therapeutic properties
as an extract.
PHARMACOLOGY
The active principles in
the herb are a number of flavonoids that have been investigated
for their nutritional benefits and antibacterial activity.
Studies have shown that the particular flavonoids produced
by the cranberry have a strong antibacterial effect.
Cranberries contain many
bio-active components including the Antioxidants known as
proanthocyanidins/anthocyanidins, as well as beneficial organic
acids: ellagic, citric, malic, quinic, benzoic, chlorogenic,
eugenol, ferrulic, as well as Beta
Carotene , lutein, Quercetin,.
Nutrients: Calcium,
folate, Iron,
Magnesium,
Manganese
, Phosphorus, Potassium
, Selenium,
Sulphur
, Zinc, vitamins
A, B1,
B2, B3,
B5, C
and E.
SUGGESTED INTAKES
The fruit contains the active
principle of the herb and the suggested intake of the herb
extract is 200mg providing 60mg of organic acids, one to two
times daily.
SUPPLEMENTAL USES
Urinary tract Infections
(UTIs):
Cranberry has long been linked to helping defeat UTIs. The
urinary tract is subject to several diseases. One of the more
common is the creation of Kidney stones, or calculi. Caused
by disease, infections, or mineral excretion problems, the
most common types of kidney stones contain various combinations
of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, or oxalate. While kidney
stones are more common in males, urinary tract infections
are more prevalent in females. More than 60 per cent of women
experience a UTI sometime during their lives. For many women,
infection is a chronic problem.
These infections are caused
by the introduction of bacteria into the urinary tract. Once
inside, they thrive in the warm, moist environment. Ultimately,
they begin to affect urine production and the function of
the bladder, resulting in significant Pain.
Cranberry prevents E.Coli, the most common cause of UTIs and
recurrent UTIs from adhering to the cells lining the wall
of the bladder. This anti-adherence action renders the bacteria
harmless in the urinary tract.
Cranberry has been shown
to reduce bacteria levels in the urinary bladders of older
women significantly better than placebo, which may help to
prevent future infections.
Reducing LDL levels:
Cranberry extracts have the ability to inhibit the oxidative
modification of LDL particles.
Kidney stones:
Cranberry extract reduces the amount of ionized Calcium in
the urine by more than 50 per cent in patients with recurrent
Kidney stones.
SAFETY
Cranberry should not be
used as a substitute for antibiotics during an acute urinary
tract infection, but is ideal to use once a course of antibiotics
is completed, to avoid reoccurrence of an infection.
REFERENCES
1. Life Sci 1998: 62(24): PL381-6
2. J. Urol 1984, 131: 1013-1016.
3. JAMA 1994, 271, 751-754.
4. Urology 1973, 1: 67-70.
5. "The Herbal Drug Store", 2000, L.B.White and
S.Foster. Rodale.
6. "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" 2000,
3rd Edition. P.A Balch and J.F. Balch. Aqvery publishers.
7. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1989, 33: 92-98.
8. New Engl J Med 1998: 339: 1005-1006.
9. "The Natural Pharmacy" Healthnotes. 1999, 2nd
Edition. Prima Publishing.
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