SYS ONLINE

Cranberry Extract

Vaccinium macrocarpon for UTI prevention.

Buy

Overview

Vaccinium macrocarpon for UTI prevention.

Natural sources
  • Whole dried plant material (root, leaf, flower, or aerial parts depending on the species)
  • Standardized hydroethanolic or aqueous extract (capsule, tincture, or tea)
  • Powdered traditional preparation used in Ayurvedic, TCM, or Western herbal practice
Common forms
  • Standardized extract capsule
  • Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin)
  • Powdered whole herb
  • Traditional decoction or tea

Mechanism of action

Proanthocyanidins prevent E. coli adhesion.

Pathways
  • · Proanthocyanidins prevent E
  • · coli adhesion

Effects on the body

Decreases
UTI recurrence

Organ system effects

Immune System

Cranberry Extract modulates innate and adaptive immune responses, including cytokine signaling and barrier function.

Reproductive

Cranberry Extract has documented effects on female reproductive endocrinology and cycle regulation.

Evidence-based benefits

Reduces UTI recurrence

Moderate evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · GI upset
Rare
    Serious

      Drug interactions

      Prescription medications (general)
      Always disclose Cranberry Extract use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.
      minor

      Safety & non-supplemental interactions

      Educational summary — always confirm with your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining with prescription therapy.

      Avoid if you are
      • ·Pregnant or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
      • ·Children under 18 (unless directed by a clinician)
      Avoid with these conditions
      • ·Autoimmune disease (theoretical immune activation)
      Avoid / monitor with these medications
      • ·Immunosuppressants

      Supplement interactions

      Pairs well with
      • Vitamin D3 + K2
        Foundational immune modulation.
      • Zinc
        Required cofactor for innate and adaptive immune function.
      Avoid combining with

      No specific avoidances listed.

      Dosing & bioavailability

      Typical dose
      500 mg standardized
      Best form
      Most evidence is based on the standardized extract capsule form.
      Timing
      Consistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
      With food?
      Either with or without food.

      Where to buy

      Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

      Scientific evidence8Show studies
      Meta-analysisCochrane · 2012

      Cranberry for UTI prevention

      Jepson RG, et al.

      24 RCTs

      Key findings

      Reduced UTI risk in women.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Cranberry Extract — Reduces UTI recurrence

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Cranberry Extract Reduces UTI recurrence" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Cranberry Extract and "Reduces UTI recurrence". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Cranberry Extract — randomized controlled trial

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Cranberry Extract randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Cranberry Extract and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Cranberry Extract — meta-analysis

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Cranberry Extract meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Cranberry Extract and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Cranberry Extract — pharmacokinetics

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Cranberry Extract pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Cranberry Extract and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Cranberry Extract — safety adverse events

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Cranberry Extract safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Cranberry Extract and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Cranberry Extract — dose response

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Cranberry Extract dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Cranberry Extract and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

      Google Scholar: Cranberry Extract — clinical evidence

      Live Scholar search

      Cross-database citation index for Cranberry Extract as it relates to "clinical evidence".

      Key findings

      Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

      Open study
      Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.

      Community discussion

      (0 threads)

      Share your experience or read what others have tried. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

      Sign in or create a free account to post or reply.
      Loading discussion…