Cranberry and recurrent cystitis: more than marketing?

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Pharmacology
• Natural Products

Background:

• Recurrent cystitis affects millions, necessitating antibiotic prophylaxis and incurring significant social costs.
• Cranberry has a long history as a folk remedy for cystitis and has been extensively studied for urinary tract infection (UTI) management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent preclinical and clinical studies on cranberry for UTI treatment.
• To summarize evidence on cranberry's efficacy and safety in preventing UTIs.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of scientific literature sourced from Medline via PubMed.
• Analysis of experimental evidence on proanthocyanidin mechanisms, structure-activity relationships, and pharmacokinetics.

Main Results:

• Recent evidence elucidates the anti-adhesive mechanisms of proanthocyanidins.
• Clinical studies and efficacy/safety evaluations support cranberry for preventing recurrent UTIs in young and middle-aged women.

Conclusions:

• Cranberry use is strongly supported for prophylaxis of recurrent UTIs in specific demographics.
• Evidence for cranberry's efficacy in other patient populations remains inconclusive.