Cranberry
Latin name:
Vaccinium macrocarpon
Common name:
Cranberry
Family:
Ericaceae
Origin:
North-East of North America
Parts of plant used:
Fruit, fruit juice
Description
A creeping plant native to northeastern North America, the plant (cranberry) has been traditionally used by the Indians for many purposes. The cranberry is characterized by its high content of acids, sugars and antioxidants. Some of the latter have been studied for their potential action against the adhesion of bacteria and a number of micro-organisms to the mucous membranes of the body. An interesting point to note is that the effect observed is "mechanical" and not "bactericidal", so there is no risk of developing resistance phenomena.
The benefits
- Fight against recurrent cystitis: cranberry prevents the adhesion of Escherichia coli bacteria on the uro-epithelial cells lining the genitourinary tract. Cranberry and its juice were thus the first plant extracts in the world to have their health properties recognized by the health authorities in a number of countries (including France initially);
- Fight against dental plaque: the anti-adhesion effect has positive repercussions on the formation of dental plaque and gum inflammation;
- Prevention of stomach ulcers: cranberries prevent the attachment of Helicobacter pylori bacteria to the stomach wall.
