Vaccinium macrocarpon (Cranberry Extract)
Well-researched extract that prevents UTI-causing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract — best for prevention, not treatment.
Cranberry extract contains proanthocyanidins (PACs) that prevent E. coli bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract lining. It's one of the most studied natural approaches to UTI prevention, though it works best for prevention rather than treatment of active infections. Often used alongside D-mannose for comprehensive urinary tract protection.
Prevents bacteria from sticking to bladder wall
How Cranberry Extract works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
36mg PACs (proanthocyanidins) or 400-500mg extract standardized to PAC content
Can be taken without food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 💊Extract standardized to 36mg PACs (A-type) | Recommended |
| 💊Unsweetened cranberry juice | Alternative |
| 💊Dried cranberries | Alternative |
PAC content matters most — 36mg is minimum effective dose. Most juice/cocktails have too much sugar and too little PACs.
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Split dosing may maintain more consistent anti-adhesion activity in urine.
Reduced frequency of UTIs
Generally considered safe
Use with caution — cranberry is high in oxalates
May increase INR/bleeding risk
May have additive effects
Tip: Take with food
Tip: Use extract instead of juice
Top studies from 36+ peer-reviewed papers
Monici Silva I et al. • European journal of oral sciences (2024)
“Only naringin, quercetin, proanthocyanidins, and glutaraldehyde showed statistically significant efficacy over untreated controls.”
Long Z et al. • Frontiers in immunology (2023)
“Dietary polyphenols may improve DAS28, reduce C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and improve oxidative stress, etc.”
Nguyen PY et al. • BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology (2025)
“ECGC and resveratrol supplements have been investigated for potential effects in managing clinical signs and symptoms of preeclampsia; however, evidence on the clinical and adverse effects of polyphenols is limited and uncertain.”
Castellanos JS et al. • BMC oral health (2024)
“The overall results showed that the extracts of cranberry and grape seed were effective in reducing the virulence factors of the oral pathogen.”
Rondanelli M et al. • Nutrients (2024)
“In conclusion, highly standardized cranberry extract phytosome supplementation reduced UTI recurrence.”
What would you like to do next?
Olive Leaf Extract
8.5/10Oleuropein-rich extract with antiviral, antibacterial, and blood pressure-lowering effects — part of the Mediterranean diet's protective profile.
Eleuthero
7/10Adaptogen that supports endurance, stress resilience, and immune function — distinct from true ginseng.
Aged Garlic Extract
9/10Odorless garlic extract with strong evidence for cardiovascular health, blood pressure, and immune support.
Echinacea
9/10Reduces cold risk and shortens infection duration — most effective when started at first sign of symptoms.
Tap node to isolate • Pinch to zoom • Tap edge for research