Background: Cranberry fruit (Vaccinium macrocarpon L) contains a mixture of phytochemicals such as flavonoids which consist of flavonoids, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, catechins, phenolic acids, and triterpenoids, all of which have possible antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral) activity. 

Aim: This study aimed to determine the antibacterial effect of the ethanol extract of cranberry juice (CJ) against uropathogen commonly found in urinary tract infections (UTIs) associated with pregnancy. 

Methods: Cranberry fruits were purchased from local markets and juiced, filtered, and dried. The dried powder was extracted with 70% ethanol for 8–10 days. The bacterial isolates used in this study [Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus sp., and coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS)] were collected from the Maternity and Children Hospital in Al-Diwaniyah City, Iraq. The antibacterial activity of the ethanol extract of CJ was measured using a standard Disc diffusion method. Sterile paper discs were soaked in 20 μl of different concentrations (12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/ml) of the extract, placed in Mueller–Hinton agar plates, and inoculated with bacterial cultures adjusted to 0.5 McFarland standards. Amoxicillin (30 μg) was used as a positive control, and 70% ethanol was used as a negative control. 

Results: The ethanol solution of CJ displayed a significant (p < 0.05) inhibitory activity against all tested bacteria. The CNS showed the highest sensitivity with 100% inhibition, followed by S. aureus (90%), Enterococcus sp. (85%), P. vulgaris (75%), and E. coli (60%). The effect was dose dependent, as increasing the extract concentration resulted in broader inhibition zones. 

Conclusion: The results show that the ethanol extract of CJ has potent antibacterial activity against uropathogenic bacteria, suggesting a possible role for CJ ethanol extract in treating UTIs when combined with recently emerging facts about increasing antibiotic resistance.

INTRODUCTION. Elimination of microorganisms from the root canal system is an important consideration in endodontic treatment and hence use of irrigants with adequate antimicrobial and antifungal properties is an enormously essential factor. However, an optimal root canal irrigant remains unidentified within the current scientific literature. Herbal alternatives are garnering increasing interest due to their potential benefits, including biocompatibility, antimicrobial properties, and reduced adverse effects compared to conventional chemical irrigants. AIM. To conduct a comparative evaluation of the antimicrobial efficacy of cranberry extract, sodium hypochlorite (5.25%), and chlorhexidine digluconate (2%) when used as root canal irrigants in vitro against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. 

MATERIALS AND METHODS. Based on the irrigating solution used, 24 premolars were divided into 3 groups (8 in each group), Group I - cranberry extract irrigant, Group II - Sodium hypochlorite (5.25%), Group III - Chlorhexidine digluconate (2%). The teeth were sectioned at the cemento-enamel junction, and they were incubated with primary culture of E. faecalis and C. albicans and irrigated using 2 ml of the respective irrigants. Pre and post irrigation microbiological sample collection were done using paper points. 

RESULTS. Sodium hypochlorite as a root canal irrigant has shown highest antimicrobial efficacy against E. faecalis and C. albicans, followed by Chlorhexidine digluconate group, and the least was with Cranberry extract group. CONCLUSIONS. Cranberry extract as a root canal irrigant has shown considerable activity against the root canal pathogens, however, is not as efficacious as sodium hypochlorite or chlorhexidine digluconate.

Cranberry juice (CJ), a natural source of anthocyanins, may provide additional health benefits when enriched, as anthocyanins have been shown to influence gut microbiota composition. This study investigated the effects of varying anthocyanin and mineral concentrations in CJ on gut microbiota in mice. Using electrodialysis with filtration membranes (EDFM), five CJ samples with different anthocyanin/mineral enrichment levels (0/0, -31/-85%, -19/-70%, 26/-32%, and 44/-60%) were produced and administered to C57BL/6J mice for four weeks. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing, and inflammation was determined in macroscopic observations of intestinal tissues. While alpha and beta diversity remained unchanged, differential abundance analysis revealed that gut microbiota changes were influenced by anthocyanin and mineral concentrations. Synergistic trends were observed for Colidextribacter and Oscillibacter (increasing with both compounds) and for Turicibacter, Romboutsia, Enterorhabdus, and Bifidobacterium (decreasing with both compounds). Antagonistic trends emerged for Dubosiella, Acetatifactor, A2, Ruminococcus, and Intestinimonas (decreasing with anthocyanins and increasing with minerals), and the reverse was found for Ligilactobacillus. The most significant microbiota shifts occurred with the -31/-85% CJ, suggesting a strong effect of its low anthocyanin and mineral content. But further analysis is needed to assess their metabolic effects and impact on intestinal health.

Cranberry oil is known for nutritional benefits, and this work is aimed at studying its soothing properties and potential as an intimate care ingredient. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-irritation properties of cranberry oil were evaluated on epithelial cells and tissues, including the vaginal epithelium. The impact of the oil on vaginal microbiota was assessed in vitro. Cranberry oil reduced oxidative stress in keratinocytes (ROS -43%) and lowered inflammation by lessening the release of cytokines IL-8 (-33%) and TNF- alpha (-32%). Irritation induced by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in skin explants was lowered by 24%. Cranberry oil and fruit extract acted synergistically on inflammation, decreasing TNF- alpha release by 75% (vs. -34% and -16%, respectively). Cranberry oil reduced inflammation on EpiVaginalTM tissue, decreasing IL-6 by 36%. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of cranberry oil on the pathogenic vaginal microorganisms C. albicans and G. vaginalis was 0.5% and 0.1%, respectively. The oil promoted the growth of commensal L. jensenii (x79 at 0.1%) and favored a high proportion of lactic acid bacteria when co-cultured with C. albicans. Cranberry oil has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties on skin. Anti-inflammatory activity was confirmed on vaginal epithelium, and initial in vitro evidence indicates that the oil can balance vaginal flora to prevent dysbiosis.

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) is an herbaceous, evergreen, dwarf shrub of the genus Vaccinium in the family Ericaceae, often used as a functional food. Cranberries are primarily distributed in the northern United States-including Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and Maine-as well as in Quebec, Canada; the state of Columbia; Chile in South America; and northeastern Europe. They are also found in China's Greater Khingan Range and Fuyuan City, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang Province. The plants thrive in cool environments and exhibit considerable adaptability to soil conditions, preferring acidic soils. Cranberries are rich in a variety of biologically active components, such as polyphenols (proanthocyanidins, chlorogenic acid, flavonols, anthocyanins, caffeic acid, etc.), triterpenoids, and other nutrients. Studies have shown that the chemical components extracted from cranberry fruit have pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and urinary tract infection prevention and treatment, and are commonly used clinically in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, the prevention of urinary tract infections, blood pressure lowering, and the fight against Helicobacter pylori, among other clinical diseases. Cranberries also play a huge role in daily nutrition, and they are named for their richness in a variety of mineral elements, trace elements and vitamins. This work uses information from Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), and related papers. In this paper, a comprehensive review of the phytochemical composition, pharmacological mechanism of action, clinical application value and nutritional significance of cranberry was conducted in recent years to provide references for the further extraction of chemical components in cranberry and rational clinical application, which can help to guide people to rationalize their diets and promote the formation of healthy diets.

Cranberries are a distinctive source of bioactive compounds, containing polyphenols such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and triterpenoids. Cranberries are often associated with potential health benefits for the urinary tract and digestive system due to their high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties. Cranberry induces the production of antioxidant enzymes, suppresses lipid peroxidation, reduces inflammatory cytokines, modulates immune cells, maintains gut microbiota, and inhibits bacterial adhesion and growth. Cranberry polyphenols also have metal-binding motifs that bind with metals, particularly zinc and iron. The combination of cranberry polyphenols and metals displays increased biological activity. In this review, an attempt is made to describe the physiological properties and health benefits of cranberries for livestock, including poultry, swine, canine, feline, and ruminant animals, as either feed/food or as supplements. Cranberry, and/or its components, has the capability to potentially control infectious diseases like diarrhea, urinary tract infection, gut integrity, and intestinal probiotic health. Moreover, cranberries show efficacy in suppressing the growth of pathogenic microorganisms such as Salmonella species, Campylobacter species, Streptococcus species, and Enterococcus species bacteria. Thus, cranberry could be considered as a potential natural feed additive or food supplement for animal health improvement.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of cranberry extract on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) levels and renal histopathological improvement in a rat model of pyelonephritis. Seven treatment groups were used, including a sham group, a negative control, a positive control (ciprofloxacin), and cranberry extract groups at doses of 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kgBW. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test followed by an all-pairwise comparison. The results showed a significant difference inVEGF levels among the groups (p = 0.046), with notably higher VEGF expression in the 300 mg/kgBW and 400 mg/kgBW cranberry groups compared to the negative control. Histopathological analysis revealed reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and improved tubular structure in the high-dose cranberry groups. These effects are associated with the bioactive compounds of cranberry, particularly proanthocyanidins and flavonoids, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and angiogenic activities by enhancing VEGF expression. In conclusion, cranberry extract at doses of 300 mg/kgBW and 400 mg/kgBW demonstrates strong potential as a natural nephroprotective agent that accelerates renal tissue healing in pyelonephritis. These findings support the use of cranberry extract as an adjuvant therapy to complement conventional treatment for urinary tract infections.

Purpose: Cranberry juice is widely consumed to improve urinary health; however, its effects on the urinary microbiome (urobiome) of healthy individuals are unclear. We aimed to investigate the effect of continuous consumption of cranberry juice on the urobiome of healthy adults. 

Methods: this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial included 40 healthy adults (21 women and 19 men) who completed the study. Participants consumed 80 mL of either cranberry juice or a placebo daily for 4 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout period and crossover to the alternate intervention. The urobiome was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. 

Results: At baseline, the urobiome composition differed significantly between men and women (PERMANOVA, P [ .015). Overall, alpha and beta diversities did not change significantly after either intervention. In women, cranberry juice consumption was associated with decreased relative abundance of the genus Lactobacillus (median: 28.4%-18.4%; P [ .025); however, this change was not significant following correction for multiple comparisons (q [ 0.25). No significant compositional changes were observed in men after the intervention. 

Conclusion: In this exploratory study, continuous cranberry juice consumption showed a potential to modulate the urobiome in a sex-specific manner. The observed trend toward decreased Lactobacillus abundance in women provides a basis for future, larger studies for validation and assessment of its clinical relevance for female urinary health.

BACKGROUND: Pre and probiotics may help restore a dysbiotic oral ecosystem. The first years of life provide a window of opportunity to modulate the composition of the oral microbiota and prevent disease. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of a tablet containing inactivated Ligilactobacillus salivarius CECT 5317 and the cranberry extract on the development of caries in cariesactive preschool children. 

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study employed a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind design. Preschool children (N = 73) with at least one active carious lesion were enrolled and randomly assigned to the test group or the placebo group. The intervention period was 3 months. Caries was assessed according to the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) II criteria at baseline and after 9 months, and oral hygiene was evaluated with the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S). The salivary counts of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. were determined at baseline, and then after 3 and 9 months through the conventional cultivation on TYCSB and MRS agar, respectively. 

RESULTS: Sixty children completed the trial (a dropout rate of 19%). The baseline caries prevalence was high in both groups (~71%) and there were no major differences between the groups with regard to background variables. The 9-month incidence of initial carious lesions (ICDAS 1+2) was significantly lower in the test group as compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). The plaque levels, and the salivary counts of S. mutans and Lactobacillus spp. remained unchanged in both groups throughout the study. 

CONCLUSIONS: A daily intake of a tablet containing a paraprobiotic and the cranberry extract reduced the 9-month incidence of initial non-cavitated carious lesions in caries-active preschool children. The present study is one of the first to show the impact of synbiotics on the development of caries in children.

PURPOSE: Recurrent cystitis, particularly common in women, substantially diminishes patient quality of life and represents a major clinical practice and public health burden. Increasing development of resistance to antibiotics has encouraged the search for alternative treatments. The benefits of a food supplement associating two Lactobacillus strains with proanthocyanidin A-rich cranberry and cinnamon extracts were evaluated in 80 women with a history of cystitis recurrence. 

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Post-inclusion recurrence frequency was compared between women taking the investigated supplement daily for 6 months and non-supplemented women, based on patient-completed Acute Cystitis Symptom Score (ACSS) questionnaires. 

RESULTS: Two-thirds (64.9%) of supplemented women experienced no further episodes of cystitis during the first 6 months of the study compared to only one-third (31.6%) of non-supplemented women (p=0.004), the difference between the two groups being significant from 3 months onward. ACSS scores revealed significantly fewer and less severe urinary symptoms in supplemented women, as well as a significantly reduced impact of these symptoms on quality of life (p<0.0001). 

CONCLUSIONS: The results shown by extensive data on women suffering from recurrent cystitis, collected over 8 months, indicate that taking the tested supplement daily for 6 months can provide significant benefits in terms of recurrence frequency, symptoms, and quality of life. The study is registered on the ClinicalTrials.gov site under the identifier NCT04987164.