Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections acquired during a hospital stay. A common cause of these infections are through the use of a urinary catheter.
The American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) has been widely studied for the prevention of UTIs. Rich in antioxidants including proanthocyanidins additional health benefits reported by scientists include antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular benefits.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology reported on the results of cranberry for preventing UTIs in patients who had a urinary catheter during their hospital stay.
Scientists from the University of Michigan enrolled 160 women in their study to see if two capsules of cranberry powder taken twice daily could prevent UTIs. Patients took the cranberry capsules over a 4-6 week period.
The cranberry supplement used in this study was standardized to contain at least 10% proanthocyanidins. This means that 10% of the supplement was proanthocyanidins.
The process of standardization is a way to ensure that a consistent product is being provided because growing conditions, harvesting and processing all have an impact on what phytochemicals are in a plant extract.
Here are the results of the study:
- 38% Patients (i.e. 30 of 80) not taking cranberry supplement had a UTI
- 19% of patients (i.e. 15/80) taking cranberry supplement had a UTI
- Cranberry was associated with a 50% decrease in UTIs in patients who had a catheter.
Several mechanisms have been proposed for cranberry reducing UTI incidence. Possible mechanisms include: Diuretic (i.e. encourages more frequent urination) and preventing bacteria from sticking to the bladder).
Take away message: An important point is that the cranberry supplement tested in this clinical trial was standardized to proanthocyanidins. The reduction of UTIs by 50% with cranberry powder would be comparable to what is expected with a prescription antibiotic. Interestingly, this published research study led to a physician writing to the editor suggesting this is an approach that should be considered given the major problems associated with UTIs acquired during a hospital stay. This study provides evidence that cranberry could be beneficial in reducing the chance of developing a UTI with patients who have a urinary catheter during an elective surgery.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2015 August; Volume 213 (Issue 2): Page194
His research on plant medicine has led to more than 45 publications and abstracts.This research has been presented at international meetings in the USA, France, Turkey, Peru, Israel, Austria, and Italy.
Categories: Antioxidant, Clinical Trials, Infection, Plant Medicine
New double blind placebo controlled study evaluates elderberry for reducing symptoms of cold and infection during air travel