Part of Plant Used:
Fruit / Berry
Main Uses:
Cranberries are a useful source of vitamin C and flavanoids.
Research in the 1990’s in the USA indicated that it is a beneficial nutritional aid for urinary infections and cystitis.
Contra-Indications:
Allergy or hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.
Caution is suggested for patients with diabetes or glucose intolerance; commercially prepared cranberry juices can contain large quantities of sugar; patients who have a risk of kidney stones should also use with care due to cranberry's high level of oxalate.
Aspirin allergy: Cranberries contain significant amounts of salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is similar to aspirin. Avoid drinking large quantities of cranberry juice if you are allergic to aspirin.
Diabetes: Some cranberry juice products are sweetened with extra sugar. If you have diabetes, stick with cranberry products that are sweetened with artificial sweeteners.
Warnings:
Rated relatively safe when taken in appropriate quantities for short periods of time.
When taken for any ailment if symptoms persist for more than one week consult your doctor or herbal practitioner.
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation may be hazardous. Always consult with your doctor or herbal practitioner.
Interactions:
Many tinctures contain high levels of alcohol and may cause nausea or vomiting when taken with metronidazole (Flagyl®) or disulfiram (Antabuse®).
Warfarin (coumadin): A suggestion made in preliminary studies is that an interaction between warfarin and cranberry exists. The antioxidants, including flavanoids, in cranberry are known to inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes and warfarin, processed by this path, may be affected. More studies are needed for clarification and for a final conclusion to be drawn
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Increased absorption of vitamin B12 in patients has been recorded in preliminary studies when taking cranberry juice concurrently with proton pump inhibitors
Don’t take with amitriptyline (Elavil), diazepam (Valium), zileuton (Zyflo), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), fluvastatin (Lescol), glipizide (Glucotrol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), phenytoin (Dilantin), piroxicam (Feldene), tamoxifen (Nolvadex), tolbutamide (Tolinase), torsemide (Demadex), warfarin (Coumadin), Antibiotics: (Theoretically) effects of antibiotics in the urinary tract could be increased by using cranberry and Antacid drugs: (Theoretically) antacids may be counteracted by cranberry's acidic PH..
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with Cranberry. Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Cranberry might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking cranberry along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before taking cranberry, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.Some medications that are changed by the liver include amitriptyline (Elavil), diazepam (Valium), zileuton (Zyflo), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), fluvastatin (Lescol), glipizide (Glucotrol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), phenytoin (Dilantin), piroxicam (Feldene), tamoxifen (Nolvadex), tolbutamide (Tolinase), torsemide (Demadex), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
There are no other known interactions; however, with the proliferation of available drugs it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care professional before taking this or any other supplements.
Pregnancy & Lactation:
Problems with pregnant women or those planning pregnancy have not been proved. It is however always advisable to consult with your doctor or herbal practitioner before taking any medication or supplements
Breast-fed infants of lactating mothers should experience no problems when mother takes usual amounts as part of a balanced diet. It is however always advisable to consult with your nutritionist, herbal or medical practitioner.
Side Effects — Only With Mega Doses:
None expected if you are beyond childhood, basically healthy and do not exceed recommended dosage and use for short periods, but always consult with your doctor before taking this or any medical drugs, herbs or nutritional supplements, particularly if suffering from a serious health condition or on any medication or treatment.
Over Dosage:
Accidental overdose such as child ingesting a whole bottle. As a safety precaution obtain immediate medical assistance.
