Cranberry Extract
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Cranberry Extract (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a dietary supplement with 5 published peer-reviewed studies involving 15,000 participants, researched for UTI Prevention.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
UTI Prevention
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
UTI Prevention
To assess cranberry products for preventing urinary tract infections (50 RCTs).
Study Type
Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To assess cranberry products for preventing urinary tract infections (50 RCTs).
Dose
Various cranberry products standardised by proanthocyanidin (PAC) content
Participants
8857 participants across 50 studies
Duration
Up to 12 months
Results
Cranberry products significantly reduce risk of symptomatic, culture-verified UTIs in women with recurrent UTIs, children, and high-risk individuals. PAC-standardised extracts most effective.
How They Measured It
Symptomatic culture-verified UTI incidence, recurrence rates across RCTs
To evaluate whether cranberry products reduce UTI incidence.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To evaluate whether cranberry products reduce UTI incidence.
Dose
Various cranberry products
Participants
4473 participants across multiple RCTs
Duration
Various
Results
Cranberry ingestion significantly decreases UTI incidence (26-35% reduction) in susceptible populations. Higher PAC doses (36mg+) most effective. Evidence supports use in recurrent UTI patients.
How They Measured It
UTI incidence rate ratios, relative risk reductions
To compare high vs low dose cranberry PAC extract for UTI prevention in healthy women.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To compare high vs low dose cranberry PAC extract for UTI prevention in healthy women.
Dose
High dose: 72mg PAC vs low dose: 18mg PAC daily
Participants
312 healthy women with recurrent UTIs
Duration
24 weeks
Results
Higher PAC dose (72mg) significantly more effective than low dose. 26% reduction in UTI episodes. Clear dose-dependent relationship confirmed.
How They Measured It
Symptomatic UTI episodes, culture-confirmed infections, safety
To characterize how cranberry A-type PACs prevent bacterial adhesion to uroepithelium.
Study Type
Mechanistic study
Purpose
To characterize how cranberry A-type PACs prevent bacterial adhesion to uroepithelium.
Dose
N/A - mechanistic study
Participants
Cell and in vitro models
Duration
N/A
Results
A-type proanthocyanidins uniquely inhibit type P fimbriae-mediated adhesion of E. coli to uroepithelial cells at clinically achievable concentrations. Core UTI prevention mechanism confirmed.
How They Measured It
E. coli adhesion assays, P-fimbriae expression, in vitro uroepithelial models
To assess cranberry extract on cardiovascular risk factors in metabolic syndrome.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess cranberry extract on cardiovascular risk factors in metabolic syndrome.
Dose
Cranberry extract 500mg daily
Participants
56 subjects with metabolic syndrome
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Significant improvement in HDL cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and oxidative stress markers. CRP reduced. Multiple cardiovascular risk factors improved.
How They Measured It
HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, blood pressure, oxidative stress, CRP
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cranberry Extract research
There are currently 120 peer-reviewed studies on Cranberry Extract (Vaccinium macrocarpon), involving 15,000 total participants. Research covers UTI prevention, Urinary tract health, Antioxidant protection and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (4 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Cranberry Extract has been researched for: UTI prevention, Urinary tract health, Antioxidant protection, Cardiovascular health. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 4 out of 120 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
