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Vaccinium macrocarpon also known as Cranberry
Natural Encyclopaedia

Cranberry

FAMILY: Ericaceae.

HABITAT: Abundant in undergrowth with siliceous and therefore acidic soil in mid-mountains, throughout the northern hemisphere.

PART USED: the leaves and berries harvested in summer.

RECOMMENDED PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS: nebulised dry extract titrated in total anthocyanosides expressed as anthocyanidins min. 23.2% (Italian Pharmacopoeia X). Its daily dosage ranges from 80 to 120 mg. per day divided into two administrations between meals. It can also be administered over long periods of time.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: is a plant rich in anthocyanins, of which at least seven have been identified. Tannins, which account for about 7% of the dry plant's weight, and flavonoids are also abundant.

THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES:
Action on the eye and blood vessels: Blueberry extracts have long been known to improve night vision. In fact, they facilitate the regeneration of rhodopsin, which is the retinal pigment essential for low light vision.
Their usefulness at ocular level is not limited to this, however. In fact, they have been shown to combat fragility and excessive vascular permeability, thus displaying an anti-oedemigenous and capillaroprotective action, now well demonstrated in both retinal and peripheral blood vessels. These actions are explained by the fact that anthocyanins are able to inhibit the activity of certain proteolytic enzymes that destroy collagen, such as elastases and collagenases, thus making collagen itself more stable and elastic.
Anti-radical action: Recent studies have shown that dry bilberry extract can significantly reduce copper-induced oxidation of LDL-cholesterol particles. This action is very important, as the importance of LDL oxidation as the main cause of vascular atherosclerosis is now well established.
Anti-cystic action: It has recently been discovered that the anthocyanins present in Bilberry or Cranberry inhibit the adhesion of colibacilli to the wall of the Gut and bladder, thus providing an explanation for their use as anti-diarrhoeals and urinary disinfectants.
Fifteen controlled clinical studies were done to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of cranberry on bladder infections. 11 studies indicate a superiority of bilberry over placebo in the treatment and especially in the prevention of bladder infections. In fact, about 60 per cent of women with recurrent cystitis who took cranberry extract had no recurrence of the disease after six months of treatment with this extract. The efficacy of cranberry extract against bladder infections has also been demonstrated in children and even in elderly bladder catheter patients. Its tolerability is excellent.
In view of all this, it can be said that this plant is particularly indicated in the treatment of circulatory disorders, especially of venous origin, and in all cases of capillary fragility, especially of the retina. It is also useful in the treatment of diarrhoea and cystitis.

SIDE EFFECTS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS: none worth mentioning. Bilberry can promote the formation of kidney stones based on calcium salts, so it is contraindicated in individuals suffering from kidney stones. It can be used during pregnancy, during lactation and in children.

 

Cranberry can be found in rubis® FORTE