Background: The collection of microorganisms that colonize the human genital and urinary tract is referred to as the genitourinary microbiome. Urinary tract infections (UTIs), which predominantly affect women, are linked to alterations in the genitourinary microbiome. Cranberries (Vaccinium oxycoccos), rich in proanthocyanidins, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), known for their urinary acidification properties, are commonly used for UTI prevention. However, their effects on the genitourinary microbiome remain inadequately characterized. This pilot study assesses the genitourinary microbiome composition in healthy women and evaluates the influence of cranberry and ascorbic acid supplementation. 

Methods: In a randomized, controlled, and open-label trial, 27 healthy women in their reproductive age (18-40 years) were assigned to three groups: cranberry (n = 8), ascorbic acid (n = 10), and control (n = 9). Urine samples were collected at three time points and processed for 16S rRNA gene amplicon-based microbial community composition analysis. Microbiome composition was compared within and between groups, and between study visits.

Results: Sufficient microbial DNA was extracted from all midstream urine samples. The genitourinary microbiome was predominantly composed of Lactobacillus spp., as reported previously. No significant shifts in microbial composition were observed in response to cranberry or ascorbic acid supplementation, and no statistically significant differences were detected between the intervention and control groups or between study visits. 

Conclusion: The genitourinary microbiome of healthy women remained stable during cranberry or ascorbic acid supplementation. Further studies in patients with recurrent UTIs are needed to explore the potential impacts of these supplements on the genitourinary microbiome in disease states.

Background: Cranberry fruit (Vaccinium macrocarpon L) contains a mixture of phytochemicals like 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 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 cranberry juice was measured using a standard Disc diffusion method. Sterile paper discs were soaked in 20 micro L 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 micro g) was used as a positive control, and 70% ethanol was used as negative control. 

Results: The ethanol solution of cranberry juice 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 cranberry juice has potent antibacterial activity against uropathogenic bacteria, suggesting a possible role for cranberry juice ethanol extract in treating UTIs when combined with recently emerging facts about increasing antibiotic resistance.

Background: Dental caries remains a prevalent oral health concern among children worldwide, necessitating effective preventive measures. This study evaluates the efficacy of cranberry extract mouthwash and fluoride mouthwashes in reducing Streptococcus mutans counts among children aged 6–12 years with moderate to severe dental caries. 

Materials and methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving children with three or more carious lesions [Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST) types 3–9]. Participants were assigned to receive either cranberry extract mouthwash or fluoride mouthwash, administered weekly for 6 months. S. mutans colony-forming units (CFUs) were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months to measure bacterial load reduction. 

Results: Both cranberry extract mouthwash and fluoride mouthwashes demonstrated statistically significant reductions in S. mutans CFUs at 3 months (p < 0.01) and 6 months (p < 0.01) compared to baseline. No significant difference was observed between the two mouthwashes, suggesting comparable efficacy in bacterial count reduction. 

Conclusion: This study supports the use of cranberry extract mouthwash as a natural alternative to fluoride mouthwash in managing dental caries among children. Both interventions effectively reduced S. mutans counts, highlighting their potential as adjuncts to conventional caries management strategies.

The diameter, length, and shape of bacteria are maintained with such high fidelity that these parameters are classically used as metrics in the distinction of bacterial species. Increasing evidence indicates that bacteria transiently shift their shapes into distinctive morphologies in response to environmental changes. Elongation of bacterial length into a filamentous shape provides unique survival advantages for many bacterial species. Analysis of 42 clinical isolates of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) revealed that filamentation to host-derived antimicrobials is a conserved phenotype. Therefore, we hypothesize that filamentation represents a conserved mechanism of pathogenic bacterial persistence that can be targeted for narrow-spectrum, anti-virulence therapies. We demonstrate that cranberries prevent SulA-mediated filamentation of UPEC. Furthermore, we identify multiple fractions of cranberries that retain anti-filamentation properties. These studies provide mechanistic insight into the clinical efficacy of cranberry for patients with recurrent urinary tract infections. Inhibition of filamentation represents a novel approach to promote bacterial pathogen susceptibility to immune and antibiotic-mediated clearance to attenuate disease.

The pathophysiology of diabetes-induced brain injury involves pyroptosis, an inflammatory programmed cell death. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effect of cranberry extract (CE) against diabetes-induced brain injury. Type 1 diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin in rats. Brain tissue samples were investigated for biochemical determination of the reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and the quantitative RT-PCR for the gene expression of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), lncRNA GAS-5, and pyroptosis markers. ELISA was used to determine the caspase-1 level and immunohistochemical staining for assessing IL-1beta. Prophylactic dosing of the CE in diabetic rats improved cognitive behavior and significantly suppressed MDA concentration, pyroptosis genes expression (gasdermin D and caspase 1), and lncRNA GAS-5. In addition, CE significantly elevated GSH concentration, SOD activity, and gene expression of GDNF and markedly reduced IL-1beta positive stained cells score in the brain. Phytochemical characterization of the CE by FT-IR and UPLC-PDA-MS/MS revealed cyanidin arabinoside, procyanidins, quercetin, and isorhamnetin as key components. CE protects against diabetes-induced cognitive dysfunction in rats by targeting redox-related signaling pathways and inducing an anti-inflammatory effect. LncRNA GAS-5 downregulation and pyroptosis pathway inhibition may contribute to its beneficial effects, suggesting its therapeutic potential.

Indomethacin (IND) belongs to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) prescribed for the treatment of rheumatoid diseases and linked to the development of gastric ulcers in many people. Cranberry is a rich source of polyphenols and flavonoids, which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The study aimed to evaluate the activity of cranberry aqueous extract on IND-induced gastric ulcers in albino rats. Twenty adult male rats were sequentially assigned to four groups of five each. The control group consumes distilled water (DW) orally for 15 days. The IND group received a single oral dosage (60 mg/kg) of IND. The omeprazole (OMP) group got 60 mg/kg of IND as a single oral dose and then 20 mg/kg/day of OMP for 15 days. The cranberry group was given a single dose of IND 60 mg/kg orally and 200 mg/kg/day of cranberry aqueous extract for 15 days. Rats were euthanized on day 16, and gastric tissues were removed for biochemical and histopathological evaluations. Cranberry extract considerably ameliorated the severity of IND-induced gastric ulcerations and fixed the histopathological alterations, including mucosal membrane necrosis, congestion, inflammatory cell penetration, and deteriorations of GIT. Furthermore, IND-exposed rats treated with cranberry extract exhibited dramatically lower serum levels of oxidative biomarkers like MDA and inflammatory biomarkers like TNF-alpha and IL-6, but higher levels of anti-oxidative biomarkers like SOD and GPx and anti-inflammatory biomarkers like IL-10. The bioactive flavonoids and polyphenols content of cranberry extract could account for its profound gastroprotective effects. The anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cranberry extract could be a promising strategy for ameliorating the IND-aggravated gastrotoxicity.

Objective: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) rank as the second most prevalent infectious condition globally, impacting approximately 150 million individuals each year. Due to anatomical and physiological changes, UTIs are particularly common during pregnancy, presenting with symptoms such as dysuria, turbid urine, increased urinary frequency, and occasionally hematuria. Recurrent UTIs are characterized by two or more episodes within six months or three within a year. Cranberries are widely acknowledged for their role in preventing UTIs during pregnancy. Their preventive mechanism involves inhibiting uropathogenic bacterial adhesion to the urinary tract epithelium, facilitated by phenolic compounds and A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs). 

Materials and Methods: In this systematic review, the authors PubMed, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar for relevant articles published between 2013 and 2024. The search strategy utilized Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and keyword terms related to Cranberry Extract/Juice and UTI Measurement Methods in Pregnancy. Search phrases were tailored to each database to enhance retrieval accuracy. All retrieved articles were evaluated in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. 

Results: Among the 30 studies reviewed, a daily dose of 500 mg cranberry extract over six months demonstrated promising efficacy as an alternative treatment for UTIs in pregnancy. 

Conclusion: Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) extract effectively prevents UTIs by inhibiting bacterial adhesion and exerting antibacterial effects. This review confirms cranberry as a promising, safe alternative for UTI treatment and prevention in pregnancy, suitable for daily consumption

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a widespread, complex health issue that poses a substantial global health burden with increased healthcare costs and reduced quality of life, necessitating effective prevention and management strategies. This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of cranberry extract (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and metformin on metabolic syndrome in a rat model. Forty rats were divided into the following groups: normal control, MetS (high fat and fructose for 4 weeks followed by streptozotocin 35 mg/kg, i.p.), MetS + cranberry (50 mg/kg), MetS + cranberry (100 mg/kg), and MetS + metformin (200 mg/kg) groups. Treatments were given orally for four weeks with the continuation of a high-fat and high-fructose diet. The evaluations included key metabolic parameters, liver and kidney pathology, and relevant molecular pathways. The present results revealed that MetS induction significantly increased body weight, BMI, fasting glucose, and OGTT results; impaired lipid profile, creatinine and blood pressure; and upregulated hepatic gene expression of Rho-associated protein kinase 1 (Rock1 ) and sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1 (Srebf1), which encodes the protein SREBP-1c. In addition to hepatic and renal structural abnormalities, increased collagen and increased iNOS/TGF-β1 immunoreactivity were observed. Cranberry ameliorated metabolic parameters in a dose-dependent manner, upregulated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), downregulated Rock1 and Srebf1 expression, improved the histopathology of the liver and kidney and decreased the immunoexpression of iNOS and TGF-β1. The results for cranberry were generally comparable to those for metformin. In conclusion, cranberry extract is potentially a safe therapeutic strategy for MetS, offering broad-spectrum action, organ protection, and molecular pathway modulation. These findings strongly support cranberry as a promising natural approach for managing MetS.

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a global health concern, increasingly complicated by antibiotic resistance. Cranberry-derived bioactive compounds, particularly proanthocyanidins (PACs), have emerged as a promising non-antibiotic strategy for UTI prevention. This review examines their efficacy, mechanisms of action, and the evolving research landscape through bibliometric analysis. 

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to assess the role of cranberry metabolites in UTI prevention, focusing on anti-adhesive and antimicrobial mechanisms. Additionally, a bibliometric analysis of publications from 1962 to 2024 was performed to evaluate research trends, collaboration networks, and thematic developments. 

Results: Cranberry metabolites, particularly A-type PACs, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, inhibit Escherichia coli adhesion to urothelial cells, reducing UTI recurrence. Gut microbiota-driven transformation of PACs into bioactive metabolites enhances their efficacy, while cranberry oligosaccharides disrupt biofilm formation in high-risk populations. Bibliometric analysis reveals a surge in research interest post-2000, with increasing global collaborations and a focus on clinical applications. 

Discussion and conclusion: Cranberry bioactives demonstrate significant potential in UTI management, yet variations in formulation, dosage, and metabolic bioavailability present challenges. The growing research interest underscores the need for standardized clinical studies to optimize therapeutic efficacy and establish evidence-based guidelines for their use.

Background/Objectives: FimH adhesin, located at the tips of type 1 pili in Escherichia coli (E. coli), plays a crucial role in bacterial adhesion to the surface urothelial cells - a key step in the pathogenesis of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Given the rising concern over antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and considering that E. coli is one of the pathogens with the largest AMR burdens on a global scale, alternative strategies targeting bacterial adhesion are gaining increasing attention. Products that contain D-mannose and cranberry-derived phenolic compounds have shown promise in preventing E. coli colonization and infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiadhesive effects of cranberry-related phenolic compounds on FimH-mediated E. coli adhesion using a cellular hemagglutination inhibition assay, as well as to assess the synergistic effects of mannose and phenolic compounds on biofilm formation. 

Methods: A range of phenolic acids (benzoic, chlorogenic, hippuric, p-coumaric, ferulic and caffeic), resveratrol, (+)-catechin and procyanidin A, as well as a Vaccinium macrocarpon extract, were evaluated for their ability to inhibit FimH-mediated adhesion. A binocular microscope was used to observe agglutination, and we also evaluated the biofilm inhibition potential of the phenolic compounds in the presence of D-mannose. 

Results: Our results demonstrated that these compounds significantly reduced hemagglutination, with benzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and resveratrol exhibiting strong inhibitory effects at concentrations as low as 0.25 mM. Furthermore, the addition of 1 mM solutions of these phenolic compounds to D-mannose resulted in a twofold reduction in the inhibition titer, suggesting synergistic interactions. In addition to their antiadhesive properties, the tested phenolic compounds contributed slightly to the inhibition of FimH-mediated biofilm formation, further supporting their potential roles in UTI prevention.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential of cranberry-derived phenolics as natural antiadhesive agents against E. coli and warrant further investigation into their mechanisms of action and possible applications in infection control.