Cranberry Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is Cranberry Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Cranberry is generally considered safe when used orally and in appropriate amounts. Clinical trials have shown that cranberry juice and extracts have been well-tolerated, with daily doses within the recommended ranges.

For children, cranberry juice in typical dietary amounts is considered safe. However, there is limited information about the safety of using cranberry in medicinal amounts for children.

Pregnant and lactating individuals are advised to consume cranberry in dietary amounts, as there is not enough reliable data to support its therapeutic use during these periods.

How Does Cranberry Work? What Is the Mechanism of Action?

Cranberry contains a range of beneficial compounds, including anthocyanidins, ellagitannins, flavonols, catechins, and quinic, malic, and citric acids. These components collectively contribute to cranberry's health effects.

In the urinary tract, cranberry's proanthocyanidins (PACs) are thought to interfere with the adherence of bacteria, such as E. coli, to urinary tract epithelial cells. This action helps prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) by preventing the bacteria from attaching to the tract walls.

Cranberry's salicylic acid content provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, resembling aspirin's properties. Cranberry juice also has potential antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects, contributing to its overall health benefits.

Pharmacokinetics

After consuming cranberry juice, plasma phenol levels peak at around one hour, and vitamin C concentrations reach a plateau at two hours. Anthocyanins in plasma peak between one to three hours after cranberry juice ingestion.

Healthy individuals who ingest cranberry juice excrete anthocyanins in their urine within three to six hours after consumption. Urinary recovery of anthocyanins after consuming cranberry juice has been observed, indicating the elimination of these compounds through urine.

Interaction Overview

Cranberry may interact with certain medications:

• Cranberry might affect the levels and effects of atorvastatin (Lipitor), a medication for cholesterol management.
• There is contradictory evidence about cranberry's effect on CYP2C9 enzymes, which are involved in metabolizing certain drugs.
• Cranberry might interact with drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 enzymes, affecting their levels and effects.
• Cranberry may interact with drugs like diclofenac (Voltaren) and nifedipine (Procardia).
• Cranberry might impact warfarin (Coumadin) levels, although research findings are conflicting.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

Common side effects of cranberry supplements may include diarrhea and gastrointestinal discomfort. These effects are generally mild and well-tolerated.

Are Supplements Standardized?

Some cranberry preparations are standardized based on their content of specific compounds, such as proanthocyanidins. The content of these standardized compounds can vary between different cranberry products.

What Is Cranberry Typically Used For?

Cranberry supplements are commonly used for:

• Preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) by inhibiting bacterial adherence to urinary tract walls.
• Antioxidant support due to cranberry's flavonoids and phenolic compounds.
• Potentially aiding in age-related cognitive decline and reducing symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
• Exploratory uses like cancer prevention, cardiovascular disease risk reduction, and more, though evidence is limited and further research is needed.

Drugs that interact with Cranberry