Cranberry extract has been studied for its antibacterial effect primarily in the lab. In this open label pilot study, 12 women with at least 6 UTIs in the previous 12 months took one capsule of cranberry extract twice daily for 12 weeks. The capsule contained 200 mg of a concentrated cranberry extract standardized to 30% phenolics.
All of the women in the study had urinalysis within 24h before starting on the study preparation and once a month after that for 4 months. Subjects were followed-up approximately 2 years later.
During the study none of the women had a UTI. No adverse events were reported. Two years later, eight of the women who continue to take cranberry, continue to be free from UTIs.
The researchers concluded:
“A cranberry Preparation with a high phenolic content may completely prevent UTIs in women who are subject to recurrent infections.”
