Benefits
Urinary tract health
Cranberry is widely used and studied for supporting urinary tract health and reducing the recurrence of urinary tract infections, a benefit recognized in reviews of non-antibiotic options.
Anti-adhesion action
Cranberry proanthocyanidins help stop certain bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall, the leading proposed mechanism for its urinary benefit.
Antioxidant polyphenols
The whole-fruit polyphenols provide antioxidant support beyond the urinary tract.
Mechanism of action
Type-A proanthocyanidins
Cranberry's distinctive type-A PACs interfere with the fimbriae that E. coli use to stick to the urinary lining, helping bacteria be flushed out.
Whole-fruit polyphenols
Using the whole fruit provides a broad mix of polyphenols with antioxidant activity.
Clinical trials
Review of non-antibiotic interventions, including cranberry, to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections. (Santer et al. 2026, British Journal of General Practice)
Adults prone to recurrent UTIs.
The review supports cranberry among non-antibiotic options for reducing recurrent urinary tract infections, consistent with its anti-adhesion mechanism.