Cranberry
Vaccinium macrocarpon
B Limited clinical evidenceCranberry products may lower the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections; they do not clear an existing infection. People on warfarin should ask first.
CranberryOn this page
At a glance
Cranberry is a tart North American fruit used as juice, powder or capsules. According to a 2023 Cochrane review, cranberry products probably reduce the risk of infection in women with recurrent urinary tract infections, in children and after some medical procedures. It is not recommended as a treatment for an existing infection.
Updated: October 24, 2026
Sources and research limitations appear below. The existence of a source does not mean every use has been clinically verified.
What is it used for?
B Limited clinical evidence
Limited clinical evidence: Limited human data; small samples, methodological problems or inconsistent results reduce certainty. Findings do not apply to every product.
How do we rate evidence levels? →According to a 2023 Cochrane review, cranberry products probably reduce the risk of symptomatic infection by about a quarter in women with recurrent urinary tract infections; risk was also lower in children and in people susceptible after medical procedures. The evidence does not support use in the elderly. [2][1]
How is it used?
Food
Taken as juice, powder or capsules. Studies used different products; the sources give no single verified amount.
[1]Safety & interactions
- It does not clear an existing urinary tract infection; see a doctor for burning, frequent urination, fever or flank pain.
- If you take warfarin, talk to your doctor before using cranberry products; evidence on the interaction is conflicting.
- Amounts found in food appear safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding; evidence for larger amounts (supplements) is inconclusive, so ask your doctor.
- Very large amounts may cause stomach upset and diarrhea, especially in young children.
- In Türkiye the name “kızılcık” also refers to a different fruit (Cornus mas); check that the label says Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry).
Drug interactions
| Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Warfarin | Evidence on the interaction is conflicting; bleeding risk may change. Talk to your doctor before use and keep up your INR monitoring. [1] | Moderate |
Side effects
- Stomach upset and diarrhea at very large amounts (especially in young children)
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Frequently asked questions
Does cranberry help with urinary tract infections?
According to a Cochrane review, it probably lowers the risk of new infections in women with recurrent infections, in children and after some medical procedures. It does not clear an existing infection; see a doctor if you have symptoms.
Is cranberry the same as Turkish “kızılcık”?
No. Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a North American relative of the blueberry, while the fruit called kızılcık in Türkiye is Cornus mas. The studies used cranberry.
Can I take cranberry while pregnant?
According to the NIH, amounts in food appear safe, but evidence for larger amounts is inconclusive. Ask your doctor before using supplements.
Can I use cranberry with warfarin?
Evidence on the interaction is conflicting. If you take warfarin, talk to your doctor before starting or stopping cranberry products.
Does cranberry work in older people?
The Cochrane review says current evidence does not support its use in the elderly; results in care-home residents were mixed.
Sources
Source type is not an efficacy rating. A monograph may document traditional use or safety. Claim numbers link to the relevant source; the access date does not indicate professional approval.
- CranberryNIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) · 2024 · Official agency informationSource accessed:
- Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infectionsCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · 2023 · Systematic reviewSource accessed:
Cite This Page
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/cranberry/
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