Background: Recently, research in the field of caries prevention is emphasizing upon identification of edible non-toxic compounds that can interfere with the formation of cariogenic biofilm. 

Aim: This trial aimed to assess the effectiveness of non-dialyzable material (NDM) containing cranberry mouth rinse (C-MR) on the Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) counts and compare with that of a sodium fluoride (F-MR) mouth rinse. 

Methods: 280 children (8-12 years old) were enrolled in this double-blind single center, parallel, one-month, IRB/IEC approved non-inferiority trial. The participants fulfilling the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated into one of the two groups: C-MR and F-MR. All participants were given verbal and written instructions about at-home mouth-rinsing regimen under parental supervision for a month. Dental plaque samples were collected before and after a month of mouth-rinsing and subjected to culture techniques. S. mutans counts were assessed and compared in both groups. Primary outcome was the difference in the S. mutans counts between two interventions. Both intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol analysis were carried out using two-sample t test with equal variance. 

Results: The mean S. mutans counts (after log transformation) in C-MR group were: 14.66 (90% CI 14.4,14.9) at baseline and 12.85 (90% CI 12.5, 13.2) colony-forming units/ml (CFU/ml) at one-month post intervention (p = 0.001); while these counts were 14.69 (90% CI 14.5, 14.9) at baseline and 12.71 (90% CI 12.3, 13.1) at one-month intervention in F-MR groups (p = 0.001). ITT analysis showed an inter- group difference of 0.14 CFU/ml (90% CI - 0.32,0.59) in post-SM counts between groups (p = 0.629). 

Conclusion: The study demonstrated that the cranberry mouth rinse was non-inferior to the fluoride mouth rinse in terms of S. mutans levels change. Cranberry-based mouth rinse can be used effectively to reduce the S. mutans counts in children. Trial registrationRegistration number in case of Clinical Trials-CTRI/2019/05/019395.

Background: Cariogenic bacteria has always been considered as the highest risk factor for dental caries. The eradication of microorganisms from the oral health environment is important and hence may remedies have been suggested for its removal for a better oral health. 

Objectives: To assess the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Cranberry extract and to determine the efficacy and compare the effect of the three products on salivary Streptococcus Mutans count and lactobacilli count. 

Materials and Methodology: A randomized control, double blind, parallel-group clinical trial was conducted on 75 subjects of age group of 15 years who were divided into three study groups, Cranberry, Ozonized water and Chlorhexidine mouthwash. Microbial analysis was done by colony counter unit at baseline, 8th day and 15th day of using the mouthwashes. The inter-group variations were analysed by using one way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc and Repeated measures for intra-group variations at different time intervals. 

Results: Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli colony count showed a statistically highly significant difference in reduction of colony count between the three groups (p=0.001) at 8th and 15th day of using the mouthwashes. Ozonized water showed better reduction when compared with Cranberry mouth wash in reduction of Streptococcus mutans count. Cranberry mouth wash had shown a better reduction when compared with Ozonized water in reduction of Lactobacilli colony count. 

Conclusion: The test mouthwash was effective in reducing the microbial count, similar to Chlorhexidine mouth wash. Recent advances may allow the dental community to be exposed to much better oral health care.

The phytochemical diversity and potential health benefits of V. oxycoccos and V. macrocarpon fruits call for further scientific inquiry. Our study aimed to determine the phytochemical composition of extracts from these fruits and assess their antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties in vitro. It was found that the ethanolic extracts of V. oxycoccos and V. macrocarpon fruits, which contained more lipophilic compounds, had 2-14 times lower antioxidant activity compared to the dry aqueous extracts of cranberry fruit, which contained more hydrophilic compounds. All tested cranberry fruit extracts (OE, OW, ME, and MW) significantly inhibited the growth of bacterial strains S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae in vitro compared to the control. Cytotoxic activity against the human prostate carcinoma PPC-1 cell line, human renal carcinoma cell line (CaKi-1), and human foreskin fibroblasts (HF) was determined using an MTT assay. Furthermore, the effect of the cranberry fruit extract samples on cell migration activity, cancer spheroid growth, and viability was examined. The ethanolic extract from V. macrocarpon fruits (ME) showed higher selectivity in inhibiting the viability of prostate and renal cancer cell lines compared to fibroblasts. It also effectively hindered the migration of these cancer cell lines. Additionally, the V. macrocarpon fruit extract (ME) demonstrated potent cytotoxicity against PPC-1 and CaKi-1 spheroids, significantly reducing the size of PPC-1 spheroids compared to the control. These findings suggest that cranberry fruit extracts, particularly the ethanolic extract from V. macrocarpon fruits, have promising potential as natural remedies for bacterial infections and cancer therapy.

Cranberry polyphenols (CPs) were obtained via ultrasound-assisted extraction and purification on a macroporous resin X-5 column. A green synthesis method of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using CPs as reducing agents was then developed. Two types of SeNPs (CP-SeNPs1 and CP-SeNPs2) were successfully constructed and characterized. The spherical particles were well-dispersed on the polyphenol templates and the addition of the polyphenols reduced the aggregation of the nanoparticles. Both CP-SeNPs1 and CP-SeNPs2, with average particle sizes of 85.62 +/- 0.11 nm and 107.97 +/- 0.12 nm, respectively, demonstrated radical-scavenging activities and protective effects on erythrocyte hemolysis. CP-SeNPs2 possessed more significant antioxidant activity, as evidenced by its higher radical-scavenging rate and greater enhancement of the erythrocyte antioxidant state compared to those of CP-SeNPs1. This study provides a new application of CPs and confirms their great potential in stabilizing SeNPs.

Cranberry supplements are commonly used to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, their usefulness is uncertain in pregnant women. We aimed to comprehensively summarize the current knowledge on cranberry supplements' efficacy and acceptability during pregnancy in addition to the outcome's measurement methods and studies' feasibility. To achieve it, we searched PubMed, PMC, and Europe PMC databases plus screened citations followed by critical appraisal of included eligible English written primary studies that (1) focused on pregnant women supplemented with any cranberry supplements; (2) provided data on cranberry supplements' efficacy, acceptability, outcomes measurement methods, and studies' feasibility; (3) included human subjects; and (4) published worldwide. Two randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and one nested cohort study, including 1156 pregnant women in total, contributed to our analysis. A tendency toward UTI reduction was demonstrated, although the results' validity was impacted by significant juice-induced gastrointestinal intolerance (23%; 44 of 188 subjects). Changing the form of supplementation from cranberry juice to capsules reduced the issue, causing side effects in one of 49 subjects (2%). Nevertheless, both RCTs still experienced significant recruitment and retention problems, which were at 33% and 59% on average, respectively. Newly acquired safety data on 919 more subjects suggests no increased risks of all malformations, vaginal bleeding, and neonatal complications. Investigating cranberry capsules' efficacy as a non-antibacterial option for UTI prevention in pregnant women has become a feasible and important direction with the current advancement in understanding cranberry supplements' actions, recommended doses plus regimens, and their safety in the population. We reviewed the challenges and discovered knowledge gaps and the implementation strategies for future studies.

Background: Cranberries (particularly in the form of cranberry juice) have been used widely for several decades for the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The aim of this review is to assess the effectiveness of cranberries in treating such infections.

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of cranberries for the treatment of UTIs.

Search methods: We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 1 August 2023 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Registry Portal (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov.

Selection criteria: All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs of cranberry juice or cranberry products for the treatment of UTIs. Studies of men, women or children were to be included.Data collection and analysisTitles and abstracts of studies that were potentially relevant to the review were screened and studies that were clearly ineligible were discarded. Further information was sought from the authors where papers contained insufficient information to make a decision about eligibility.Main resultsNo studies were found that fulfilled all of our inclusion criteria. Seven studies were excluded because they were the wrong study design, mixed interventions or did not report any relevant outcomes. One study is ongoing; however, its current status is unknown.

Authors' conclusions: After a thorough search, no RCTs which assessed the effectiveness of cranberry juice for the treatment of UTIs were found. Therefore, at the present time, there is no good quality evidence to suggest that it is effective for the treatment of UTIs. Well-designed parallel-group, double-blind studies comparing cranberry juice and other cranberry products versus placebo to assess the effectiveness of cranberry juice in treating UTIs are needed. Outcomes should include a reduction in symptoms, sterilisation of the urine, side effects and adherence to therapy. The dosage (amount and concentration) and duration of therapy should also be assessed. Consumers and clinicians will welcome the evidence from these studies.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Still waiting for evidence about whether cranberries are useful for treating urinary tract infectionsCranberries contain a substance that can prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder. This may help reduce bladder and other urinary tract infections (UTIs). Cranberries (usually as cranberry juice) have been used to try and treat UTIs, particularly in high-risk groups such as older people. Cranberries have few adverse effects. This review found no studies reporting the effects of cranberry juice or other cranberry products on the treatment of UTIs.

Mitophagy, a process that removes damaged mitochondria, plays a key role in healthy cellular homeostasis. Decreased mitophagy contributes to the aging process and induction of mitophagy has been identified as a novel anti-aging mechanism for a few polyphenols. Cranberries have numerous health benefits which have been ascribed to their rich polyphenol content. Cranberries and cranberry polyphenols may also have the ability to induce mitophagy. To evaluate this hypothesis, the mitophagy inducing abilities of cranberry extracts and a few abundant cranberry polyphenols were examined in normal human fibroblasts, monitoring via confocal microscopy and Western blots. A cranberry extract (polyphenol content 120-125 mg/g) induced mitophagy with a maximum effective concentration of similar to 4 mu g/mL. Cranberry polyphenol subfractions, flavonols (0.4 mu g/mL) and anthocyanins (5 mu g/mL), induced mitophagy at low concentrations, while proanthocyanidins required a significantly higher concentration (50 mu g/mL) to achieve efficacy. When tested separately, the most abundant cranberry flavonols, quercetin, myricetin and kaempferol each induced mitophagy in a dose-dependent manner but were less efficient than the flavonol subfraction. A mixture of quercetin, myricetin and kaempferol at their most effective concentrations induced mitophagy comparable to the flavonol subfraction. These results suggest cranberry polyphenols induce mitophagy with flavonols requiring the lowest concentration to effectively induce mitophagy due to complementary or synergistic effects, shedding new light on the bioactivity of cranberries.

Background: Beneficial effects of fish oil n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been reported in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) however, high doses of n-3 fatty acids have been associated with increased total and LDL cholesterol and impaired glucose metabolism. Cranberry products have been reported to improve markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and the metabolic profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and with metabolic syndrome. We hypothesized that including low-energy cranberry juice on a regimen of fish oil supplementation could improve oxidative stress and attenuate the undesirable effects of fish oil in lipid and glucose metabolism in patients with RA. 

Methods: A 90-days randomized controlled trial was conducted. Patients (n = 70) were assigned to one of three groups: control (C); fish oil (FO) received 3 g of fish oil PUFAs supplementation/day; and fish oil and cranberry (FOCR) received 3 g of fish oil PUFAs and 500 mL of cranberry juice/day. 

Results: There was no difference in parameters between FO and the C. FOCR group showed decreased glucose (p = 0.0225), lipid (p = 0.0079), protein (p = 0.0063) oxidation, and Oxidative Stress Index (p = 0.0375) values compared to FO. FOCR reduced glucose values (p = 0.0104), triacylglycerol (p = 0.0065), protein oxidation (p = 0.0042) and Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) (p = 0.0053) compared to the C. Compared to baseline, FO group decreased triacylglycerol (p = 0.0374) and increased glucose (p 0.0001), whereas FOCR group decreased tri-acylglycerol (p = 0.0398) values. 

Conclusion: 500 mL/day of reduced-calorie cranberry juice in patients with RA using fish oil supplementation decreased lipid, protein oxidation and OSI. Turn on screen reader support To enable screen reader support, press Ctrl+Alt+Z To learn about keyboard shortcuts, press Ctrl+slash

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: With over 50% of women suffering from at least one episode of urinary tract infection (UTI) each year and an increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance, efforts need to be made to clearly identify the evidence supporting potential non-drug interventions. This study aims to compare the effects of cranberry juice, cranberry tablets, and increased liquids for the management of UTIs.

METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched for randomised controlled trials. The primary outcome was the number of UTIs, and the secondary outcomes were UTI symptoms and antimicrobial consumption. A risk of bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and the certainty of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 20 trials (3091 participants) were included, with 18 studies highlighting a 54% lower rate of UTIs with cranberry juice consumption than no treatment and a 27% lower rate than placebo liquid. Cranberry juice also resulted in a 49% lower rate of antibiotic use than placebo liquid and a 59% lower rate than no treatment, based on a network meta-analysis of six studies. The use of cranberry compounds also reduced the prevalence of symptoms associated with UTIs.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: With moderate to low certainty, the evidence supports the use of cranberry juice for the prevention of UTIs. While increased liquids reduce the rate of UTIs compared with no treatment, cranberry in liquid form provides even better clinical outcomes in terms of reduction in UTIs and antibiotic use and should be considered for the management of UTIs.

PATIENT SUMMARY: With the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant UTIs, alternate non-drug treatment options for its management are required. Available evidence supports the use of cranberry compounds and increases in fluid intake for managing UTIs.

PURPOSE: Cranberries have the highest polyphenol and antioxidant capacity among fruits and vegetables and may protect against exercise-induced free radical production, consequently improving performance. This study aimed to investigate the effect of polyphenol-rich cranberry extract (CE) on time-trial performance and lactate response following exercise.

METHODS: A total of 14 trained runners were tested at i) baseline, ii) 2 h following an acute CE dose (0.7 g/kg of body mass), and iii) 4 weeks after daily supplement consumption (0.3 g/kg of body mass). At each time point, runners performed a 1500-m race followed by a 400-m race where the live vastus lateralis oxygenation changes were determined by near-infrared spectroscopy and blood lactate was measured at rest and 1 and 3 min after each trial. The Shapiro-Wilk test and repeated-measures analysis of variance were used to establish significance (P <0.05).

RESULTS: Cranberry supplementation over 28 d improved aerobic performance during the 1500-m time trial, whereas the acute dose had no effect. More specifically, muscle reoxygenation rates were significantly faster after 28 d compared to baseline (P = 0.04; eta = 0.29), and a trend towards slower deoxygenation rate was observed (P = 0.13; eta = 0.20). Chronic CE consumption also buffered the post-exercise lactate response for the 400-m race (P = 0.01; eta = 0.27), while no effects were seen for the longer race.

CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that cranberry supplementation may have ergogenic effects, as it improves physiological markers of performance during short- and long-distance running.