Cranberry Plus is a food supplement made from plants (American cranberry, bearberry), D-mannose and vitamins C and E. The most well-known use of cranberry is the treatment of urinary tract infections. Its mechanism of action is to prevent bacterial adhesion (especially the pathogenic P-fimbriated Escherichia coli, which causes 80% of urinary tract infections) to the urothelial cells of the urinary tract walls, allowing them to be eliminated in the urine. The EMA (European Medicines Agency) approves its traditional use for the prevention and relief of symptoms of mild recurrent lower urinary tract infections (2). Bearberry leaf (Arctostaphylos uva ursi L.) mainly contains arbutin, which gives it antimicrobial properties, primarily in the urinary tract (arbutoside is hydrolyzed by the bacterial flora and released as hydroquinone through the kidneys) (1). ESCOP approves its traditional use for the prevention and relief of symptoms of mild lower urinary tract infections such as cystitis, when antibiotic treatment is not considered necessary (3). D-Mannose is a simple sugar present in small quantities in many plants and fruits. Its properties in relation to cystitis appear to be due to its structure allowing it to bind to type 1 fimbriae of mannose-sensitive E. coli and prevent its adhesion to the urinary tract mucosa (4,5). This reduces the recurrence of infections. Vitamin C contributes to the acidification of urine and thus enhances the action of cranberry since its anti-adhesive effect is reinforced in acidic environments. Vitamin C also contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system. Vitamins C and E contribute to the protection of cells against oxidative damage. Instructions for use Adults: Take two tablets a day, preferably one in the morning and one at night, accompanied by a glass of water.
