Vaccinii macrocarpon fructus

The quality of Vaccinii macrocarpon fructus, also called cranberry fruits, is not defined 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.

HMPC monograph: Traditiona-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

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 for the prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infections, for the prophylaxis and therapy of frequently recurring inflammations of the lower urinary tract and as support for healthy bladder function. Furthermore, they are used in the post-treatment or prophylaxis of a Helicobacter pylori eradication and in a 3 to 4-week post-treatment of a short-term sulfonamide 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.

Since cranberry fruits contain antioxidant ingredients that inhibit cytochrome P 450, there may be interactions with anticoagulants of the warafin type (increase their effect). The same applies to flubiprofen. In isolated cases, an increased bleeding tendency may occur.

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