Cranberry juice for treatment and prevention of urinary tract infection

The scientific name for cranberry plant is Vaccinium macrocarpon. Cranberries, blueberries, and Concord grapes are the only 3 fruits that are native to the United States and Canada.

Native Americans were the first to use cranberries for their medicinal properties. Cranberries were used for a variety of complaints, including blood disorders, stomach ailments, liver problems, and fever.

Urinary tract infections are caused by microorganisms, mainly Gram-negative bacteria. Indeed, Escherichia coli (E. coli) account for most cases. Treatment usually involves antibio-tics, and recurrence is a major concern.

Traditionally, cranberry juice has been used for the treatment and prophylaxis of urinary tract infections. Cranberry appears to be a safe, herbal choice for UTI prophylaxis and has relatively good tolerability.

The UTI prevention mechanism of cranberry juice is related to anti-adhesive properties of proanthocyanidins and fructose, which work against adhesion molecules of E. coli. These compounds inhibit the adherence of E. coli to tissues, thereby preventing infection.

Cranberry juice for treatment and prevention of urinary tract infection 

Production of cranberry juice

Cranberry juice cocktail is produced from the thawed cranberries. Thawed cranberries are put through a tapered screw extractor. A yield of 66 – 70% of juice is obtained from each 100 kg of fruit. The juice is diluted with an equal volume of water and sugar is added to bring the specific gravity up to 15° Brix.

The juice is then clarified and filtered. Mostly membrane clarification and filtration are used for cranberry juice. The juice is then heated to 185° F (85° C) to inactivate enzymes and thus prevent further action during storage.

The hot juice is then filled into bottles or cans (must be lined with fruit lacquer), and the containers are sealed and turned on their sides to cool. Fruit lacquers are used since cranberry juice is very corrosive to tin plate.
Production of cranberry juice