Cranberry components for the therapy of infectious disease

Summary of the in vitro data support a beneficial effect of cranberry or its proanthocyanin constituents by blocking adhesion to and biofilm formation on target tissues of pathogens. In vivo data partially support these beneficial effects. Consumption of various cranberry products benefited young and elderly females in preventing urinary tract infections, and in conjunction with antibiotic treatment in eradicating Helicobacter pylori infections in women. Mouthwash supplemented with an isolated cranberry derivative reduced significantly the caryogenic mutans streptococci. None of the mice infected intranasal with lethal dose of influenza virus and treated with cranberry fraction died after two weeks. Further studies should focus on the active cranberry component as supplement for food and other products especially where whole juice or powder cannot be used.

► Anti-adhesion agents attenuate the selection of resistant bacterial strains.
► So far, cranberry is the only nutritional therapy effective in preventing infectious disease.
► Beneficiary effects of cranberries on urinary tract infections caused by E. coli was proven.
► Gastrointestinal and oral health may be better controlled by cranberry constituents.
► Cranberry constituents may play a role in preventing viral infections.