Page 86 - Pharmacognosy 02-06203

Large Cranberry

It consists of the fresh or dried ripe fruit of Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait. Family Ericaceae.

Note: Cranberry liquid preparation is official in the United States Pharmacopeia.

Synonyms: Oxycoccus macrocarpus, (Alt.) Pursh., American cranberry, bear berry, black
cranberry

Chemical constituents
• Anthocyanins: The primary constituents of interest in cranberry are the anthocyanins

based on the anthocyanidins, cyanidin and peonidin, to which are attached a glucose,
arabinose or galactose sugar at the number 3 carbon, giving a total of 6 anthocyanins.
• Acids: organic acids (e.g. citric and quinic acids), phenolic acids (e.g. chlorogenic and
p-coumaric acids).
• Tannins: contain up to 10% tannins (mostly catechol tannins).
• Carbohydrates: Fructose and oligosaccharides.
• Other constituents: Cranberries are a good source of fibre. Cranberry juice contains more
carbohydrate than do products (i.e. soft or hard gelatin capsules) based on cranberry powder
(prepared from rapidly dried fruits), whereas the latter contain more fibre.

Medicinal uses

Uses supported by clinical data

Orally as adjunct therapy for the prevention and symptomatic treatment of urinary tract
infections in adults.

Results from clinical trials involving the use of cranberry for the treatment of children with
urinary tract infections were negative and do not support the use of cranberry products in
paediatric populations.

Adverse reactions
It has been claimed that ingesting large amounts of cranberry juice may result in the
formation of uric acid or oxalate stones secondary to a constantly acidic urine and
because of the high oxalate content of cranberry juice. While the use of cranberry juice in
preventing the formation of stones which develop in alkaline urine, such as those
comprised of magnesium ammonium phosphate and calcium carbonate, has been
described. Contraindications
The use of cranberry for the treatment of diseases of the urinary tract in paediatric
populations is ineffective and is not recommended.

Warnings:

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