Fruit · Berry

Cranberry

Provisional Strong Scorebotanical

Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia

Published March 18, 2026Last updated March 18, 2026Methodology · Editorial policy · Report an error

Evidence review status: unreviewed

Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.

Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION

Provisional Summary

Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins (PACs) that prevent bacterial adhesion to urinary tract walls, particularly effective against E. coli infections. These berries also provide anthocyanins and flavonols that reduce oxidative stress and support cardiovascular health through anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

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Screened PMID Records

Reported Benefits

Pending

Synergy Review

At a Glance

CategoryFruit

GroupBerry

Public Score StatusProvisional Strong

Primary Keywordcranberry benefits

Cranberry — botanical close-up

Reported Benefits (Provisional)

Cranberries are renowned for supporting urinary tract health by preventing bacteria from adhering to the bladder walls. - Rich in antioxidants, they protect cells from damage, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. - Their polyphenols improve heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol. - Cranberries may enhance oral health by preventing bacteria from sticking to teeth and gums. - They have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the risk of chronic inflammation-related diseases. - High in vitamin C, cranberries boost the immune system, helping to fight off infections. - Their fiber content aids digestion, promoting a healthy gut microbiome.

Origin & History

Natural habitat

Cranberry is a small, tart berry native to North America, often associated with Thanksgiving and known for its vibrant red color.

“Cranberry has been used by Native Americans for food, medicine, and dye, and was later adopted by European settlers.”Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

Cranberry is well-studied for its role in preventing urinary tract infections, with mixed results on its efficacy.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

- High in vitamin C and fiber. - Contains proanthocyanidins and flavonoids. - Low in calories and fat.

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

Cranberry proanthocyanidins (A-type PACs) block P-fimbriae on E. coli bacteria, preventing adhesion to uroepithelial cells in the urinary tract. Anthocyanins activate the Nrf2 pathway, enhancing antioxidant enzyme production and reducing inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6. The flavonoids also inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, contributing to cholesterol reduction.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

Multiple randomized controlled trials demonstrate cranberry's efficacy for UTI prevention, with meta-analyses showing 26-35% reduction in recurrent infections when consuming 36mg PACs daily. A 12-week study of 78 women found cranberry extract reduced UTI recurrence by 39% compared to placebo. Cardiovascular studies show modest improvements in HDL cholesterol and endothelial function, though evidence remains mixed for heart disease prevention. Most trials use standardized extracts containing 25-36mg proanthocyanidins.

Also Known As

Vaccinium macrocarponAmerican cranberryLarge cranberryBearberryBog cranberrySwamp cranberryBounceberry

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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