(14-01-12) Natural cranberry juice more effective than pills for fighting infections

by Michelle Bosmier

(NaturalNews) A new study from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in
Massachusetts confirms that natural cranberry juice is more effective in
fighting infections than pills containing concentrated doses of the flavonoids
found in cranberries. The study published in the Food Science and Biotechnology
journal was led by Dr. Terri Camesano, professor of chemical engineering.

The new paper adds to the highly positive conclusions previously published by
professor Camesano on the health benefits of cranberries. Earlier WPI studies
have shown that their juice can prevent infectious bacteria, specifically a
virulent form of E. coli, from attaching to the wall of the urinary tract. This
strain is covered with hair-like projections that help it hook onto urinary
tract cells.

Exposure to bioactive elements in cranberries reduce the ability of the
bacteria to adhere to healthy cells. As a result, the E. coli is unable to form
a biofilm, which would allow the bacteria to grow and spread further.
Eventually they are easily eliminated by the natural flow of urine.

The new experiments have focused on observing the difference between the use
of pills containing cranberry flavonoids and the intake of natural juice. Until
now, a group of flavonoids called proanthocyanidins, or PACs, were thought to
be responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of cranberries. Based on
this assumption, pharmacologists have tried to artificially replicate and
increase the effects of this substance through the use of concentrated doses in
pills.

The scientists' study proves these assumptions were wrong all along. Although
at first they focused on the PACs themselves, the team's new experiments show
that the natural remedy has greater effect than the isolated compound. "The
data shows that they aren't the silver bullet, cranberry juice's ability to
prevent biofilms is more complex than we may have originally thought," said Dr.
Terri Camesano.

During the experiments, researchers incubated two different types of E. coli
in the presence of two different mixtures of cranberry juice. At the same time,
the bacteria was also incubated in the presence of a substance similar to the
one found in cranberries. The results showed that in the presence of natural
juice, the bacteria was completely unable to form a biofilm and create the
conditions needed for an infection. The PACs, on the other hand, had a limited
impact on the E. coli and only after a prolonged exposure. "This study shows
that cranberry juice is better at inhibiting biofilm formation than isolated A-
type cranberry flavonoids and PACs, although the reasons for this are not yet
clear," the professor concluded.

"Cranberries have been recognized for their health benefits for a number of
years," explained the professor. Besides their unmatched ability to fight
urinary tract infections, they are a source of bioactive substances that can
help maintain a vibrant health.

Raw cranberries have elevated antioxidant contents that help the immune and
cardiovascular systems, as well as fight free radicals. Medical experts remind
us that substances found in these fruits can help prevent tooth decay by
inhibiting the formation of plaque. Moderate amounts of dietary fibers, vitamin
C and various essential minerals can also be obtained from the regular
consumption of cranberries.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.wpi.edu/news/20112/more-power-cranberry.html

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028103725.htm

http://www.wpi.edu/news/20101/2010cran.html

News

---

In evidenza

"L'informazione presente nel sito serve a migliorare, e non a sostituire, il rapporto medico-paziente."

Per coloro che hanno problemi di salute si consiglia di consultare sempre il proprio medico curante.