The Uses of Cranberry Fruit Extract

The uses of cranberry fruit extract, according to MayoClinic.com, are not limited to the well-known use of treating urinary tract infections in conjunction with other treatment like antibiotics; there are many other uses for which cranberry has been studied. The Mayo Clinic recommends use of cranberry to prevent urinary tract infections; MayoClinic.com also provides information on other medical uses that are still in the process of being researched, but that have shown unclear to good scientifically sound results.

Urinary Tract Infection Prevention

• The uses of cranberry fruit extract includes preventing urinary tract infections; according to MayoClinic.com, "the sum total of favorable evidence combined with laboratory research tends to support this use." Though the Mayo Clinic does not specify a particular dose for optimal use, they do know that the extract seems to function by keeping bacteria from sticking to cells that line the bladder. The Mayo Clinic considers the scientific evidence for this use to be "good."

H. Pylori Infection

• H. Pylori is a bacteria that lives in the stomach; sometimes it lives there without causing problems. Other times, people end up developing ulcers because of it, among other stomach issues. The Mayo Clinic explains that early research shows that cranberry might aid in the reduction of the Helicobacter pylori bacteria that live in the stomach, thereby decreasing the chance for ulcers. The use of cranberry fruit extract for this condition also receives a grade of "good" from MayoClinic.com.

Other Uses

• MayoClinic.com gives the following uses for cranberry fruit extract a grade of "unclear" as far as evidential proof is concerned; research is being conducted and the extract is being used, however, as a potential treatment: Cranberry may be used as an antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal. Based on research, cranberry has been recommended as being an option to prevent cancer. There is a possibility that cranberry fruit extract might contribute to preventing the formation of kidney stones. Also, cranberry may not be able to work alone to treat urinary tract infections, but in conjunction with other treatment like antibiotics, it may be helpful.