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Nutritional supplement 
Composition One capsule contains: - Standardized cranberry Vaccinium macrocarpon) extract - 300 mg,
- Vitamin C - 250 mg.
Recommendations for use: - for individuals prone to urinary diseases,
- to relieve symptoms of urinary diseases,
- in recurrent urinary diseases.
Action of active substances Cranberry Cranberry is a plant originating from the coasts of the North America. Cranberries are rich in fructose, organic
acids (benzoic acid converted to hypuric acid), proantocianidins, glicoproteins and iron. Cranberries proved to
relieve chronic urethral inflammation, symptoms of kidney stones, cystitis (cranberries inhibit calcium crystal
growth). Antocianins (flavonoids) contained in cranberries have antioxidant effect and cardiovascular protection
properties. Preliminary trials evidence that cranberries may reduce cholesterol levels. Antioxidant properties
and ability to reduce cholesterol levels account for benefits of the cranberries on cardiovascular disorders.
Parascorbic acid present in cranberries has strong anti-fungal action. It is a very important invention as urinary
disorders are usually accompanied by Candida infections or Candida infections may develop as secondary in
bacterial urinary inflammation. Cranberries are rich in Vitamin C, which is known to combat infections, increase
intracellular contents of Vitamin C, reduce capillary permeability, and inhibit collagen destruction in addition to
its antioxidant actions. Cranberries have high content of iron. Local residents of the North American coasts appreciated cranberries for their detoxifying properties and abilities to strengthen blood. Preliminary trials evidence that cranberries may help in gum disorders. Currently one of the antocianins is being tested for its anti-cancer
properties.
Historical data • English seamen used cranberries against scorbutus.
• In 1840, German researchers discovered the presence of hypuric acid in cranberries. Hypuric acid was thought to acidify urine and protect urinary tract from infections.
• Clinical trials involving cranberries were commenced in 1930. There are evidences that cranberries reduce urine alkalinity and therefore develop more acid medium.
• In 1960 the scientists discovered that concentration of hypuric acid in cranberries is insufficient for inhibition of bacterial growth and prevention of urinary disorders. It was concluded that substances contained in cranberries prevent bacteria from adhering to the walls of urinary tract.
• The most current theory claim cranberries to protect mucous glands of the urinary tract and inhibit E.coli and other bacteria adherence to the cell receptors of mucous gland. This opinion is currently supported.
• Numerous trials accomplished in 1960-1970 evidence ability of cranberries to improve the condition of the patients with urinary disorders. Cranberries relieve pains and burning during urination as well as pains in urinary bladder. Cranberries expedite bacteria elimination from urinary tract, neutralize bad urine smell. Usage of cranberries for preventive purposes may reduce recurrence of urinary disorders.
Scientific researches evidencing efficiency of cranberries: • Active substances in cranberries inhibit E.coli adherence to the cell receptors of mucous gland. E.coli is responsible for 80-90 percent of all urinary disorders. (Sobota AE. Inhibition of bacterial adherence by cranberry juice: potential use for the treatment of urinary tract infections. The Journal of Urology 1984; 131: 1013-1016 )
• Tel Aviv University scientists discovered that cranberries contain specific substances with anti-E.coli properties.(Ofek I, Goldhar J, Zafriri D, Lis H, Adar R, Sharon N. Anti-Escherichia coli adhesion activity of cranberry and blueberry juices. New England Journal of Medicine 1991; 324: 1599)
• Harvard University scientists examined 153 female patients and proved that cranberries may significantly reduce bacteria levels in urine.( Avorn J, Monane M, Gurwitz JH, Glynn RJ, Choodnovskiy I, Lipsitz LA. Reduction of bacteriuria and pyuria after ingestion of cranberry juice. Journal of the American Medical Association 1994; 271: 751-754.)
• In Weber University, a double blind randomized trial involving females aging between 18-45 was performed. One group was administered cranberries and the other- placebo. After 6 months it was noticed that those who used cranberries were less prone to urinary disorders if compared to placebo group. (Walker EB, Barney DP, Mickerlsen JN, Walton RJ, Mickelsen RAJr. Cranberry concentrate: UTI prophylaxis. The Journal of Family Practice 1997; 45: 167-168.)
• An Oulu University (Finland) scientists carried out a scientific trial involving 150 female patients and discovered that regular intake of cranberries reduces recurrence of inflammations by 50 percent. (Kontiokari T, Sundqvist K, Nuutinen M, Pokka T, Koskela M, Uhari M. Randomised trial of cranberry-lingonberry juice and Lactobacillus GG drink for the prevention of urinary tract infections in women. British Medical Journal 2001; 322: 1571-1575.)
• „ British Columbia“University scientists investigated the effect of cranberries on recurrence of urinary tract infections. Intake of cranberries improved the condition in 40 percent of cases. It also reduced the need for treatment with antibiotics. ( June 2002 - Stothers L. A randomized trial to evaluate effectiveness and cost effectiveness of naturopathic cranberry products as prophylaxis against urinary tract infection in women. The Canadian Journal of Urology 2002; 9: 1558-1562.)
• The trial report published in January, 2004 in Great Britain highlighted ability of cranberries to reduce recurrence of symptomatic urinary tract infections in women.
Dosage 1 or 2 capsules twice a day half an hour before or 2 hours after meal with a glass of water. Literature: Avorn J., et al: Reduction of Bacteriuria and Pyuria After Ingestion of Cranberry Juice. JAMA 271, 751-754, 1994
Castleman, M~, The Healing Herbs, Rodale Press, Emmaus, PA. 1991; pp 141-142
Dugan, C., Cardaciotto, P.S., [Cranberry and Incontinence], Journal of Psychiatric Nursing 8: 467, 1966.
Light I., et al: Urinary Ionized Calcium in Urolithiasis. Effect of Cranberry Juice. Urology 1, 67-70, 1973.
Sobota A. E.: Inhibition of Bacterial Adherence By Cranberry Juice:... J Urol. 131, 1013-1016, 1984.
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