Vaccinii macrocarpon fructus

The quality of Vaccinii macrocarpon fructus, also known as cranberry fruits, is not specified in the pharmacopoeias (Ph. Eur., DAB, DAC), Europe does not classify cranberry fruits as medicinal products but as food supplements and they are subject to food law.

No pharmacopoeial quality.

HMPC monograph: Traditional-use: Mild, recurrent lower urinary tract infections, burning on urination, urination after exclusion of organic causes. Prevention of recurrent uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections

ESCOP monograph: prevention of urinary tract infections

Commission E: not processed

The study situation justifies the prophylactic and therapeutic use for recurrent urinary tract infections, as well as for the post-treatment of short-term sulphonamide or antibiotic therapy to eliminate residual bacteria, and also to support healthy bladder function.

Vaccinii macrocarpon fructus contains proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, flavonoglycosides, hydroxycinnamic acids, ursolic acid derivatives, malic and citric acid, dextrose and fructose.

Cranberry fruit prevents Escherichia coli and other uropathogenic germs from attaching to the urothelium. They also have an antimicrobial, antioxidant, vasodilatory, mild antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory effect.

Cranberry fruits are used to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections, to prevent and treat frequently recurring inflammation of the lower urinary tract and to support healthy bladder function. They are also used in the follow-up treatment or prophylaxis of Helicobacter pylori eradication and in a 3 to 4-week follow-up treatment of short-term sulphonamide or antibiotic therapy to eliminate residual bacteria such as Escherichia coli.

The daily dose is 350 to 700 ml cranberry juice with at least 160 mg/l proanthocyanidins, taken in 2 to 3 portions spread over the day. The use of capsules has proven to be effective: 400 to 500 mg dry cranberry extract in capsules twice a day.

In rare cases, allergic reactions may occur, although these have not yet been clearly attributed to the intake of cranberry.

Gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and dyspepsia. Urticaria and skin rash

We do not recommend taking it if you have existing kidney or urinary stones. As no data is available, this also applies to existing pregnancies or during breastfeeding, as well as to children and adolescents under the age of 18.

As cranberry fruits contain antioxidant ingredients that inhibit cytochrome P 450, there may be interactions with warfarin-type anticoagulants (see systemic coumarins) that may increase their effect. The same applies to flubiprofen. In isolated cases, there may be an increased tendency to bleed.

1. Schilcher H (ed.) in Leitfaden Phytotherapie, Urban & Fischer Verlag (2016) Munich, p. 102 f.
2. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/cranberry.php
3. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/draft-european-union-herbal-monograph-vaccinium-macrocarpon-aiton-fructus-first-version_en.pdf