Cranberry belongs to the fruits with the highest content in anti oxidants there are.  The dark reddish berries from North America are also especially rich in secondary plant substances, which are important for a healthy bladder and good urine conduct function.

Various studies demonstrate the efficiency of cranberries in preventing infections in mouth, stomach and urine conduct.  The studies confirmed that cranberries do not act bacteria static that is to say; they don’t have an antibacterial effect.  They function by preventing the formation of a bio film. Normally a bio film provides the ground for bacterial formation and that of other micro organisms, which than can lead to infections.  It also has been observed that persons who consume cranberries produce more Salicylic acid which reduces the infecction process.

Clinical studies have demonstrated that cranberries, cranberry juice or cranberry extract are beneficious in preventing urine conduct infections including these provoced by Escherichia coli bacteria.  However the positiveffect could not yet be demonstrated in allready infected persons.  The active ingredients of cranberries are most likely its proanthocyanidines, ethylgalactose, prunin and phlorizin.

Cranberries positive effect in case of mouth infections with Streptococcus mutans is based on inhibition of the bio film.