Evidence supporting the use of: Proanthocyanidin
For the health condition: Urinary Tract Infections

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Proanthocyanidins, particularly those found in cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon), are supported by scientific research for their role in the prevention (not treatment) of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The active compounds, A-type proanthocyanidins, are believed to inhibit the adhesion of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria to the urothelial cells lining the urinary tract, thereby reducing the likelihood of infection. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have examined cranberry products for UTI prevention, with mixed but generally positive results suggesting a modest benefit, especially in women with recurrent infections. Meta-analyses published in journals such as Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and JAMA indicate that cranberry products may reduce the incidence of UTIs compared to placebo, though the effect size is moderate and not all studies agree.

However, it is important to note that the evidence does not strongly support the use of proanthocyanidins for the treatment of active UTIs; rather, the benefit is primarily seen in prevention. The precise dosage and formulation required for efficacy are still under investigation, and not all cranberry or proanthocyanidin supplements provide the effective A-type compounds. Most clinical guidelines suggest cranberry products as an adjunct preventive measure, not as a substitute for antibiotic therapy in active infections. In summary, while scientific evidence supports a role for proanthocyanidins in UTI prevention, the strength of evidence is moderate, and their use is not recommended for treating existing UTIs.

More about Proanthocyanidin
More about Urinary Tract Infections

Other ingredients used for Urinary Tract Infections

Alfalfa
Aloe vera
anthocyanins
asparagus
astragalus
bacillus subtilis
barberry
bearberry
berberine
berry flavor
black currant
radish
cassia bark
celery
cranberry
cucumber
D-mannose
dandelion
dong quai root
Melon
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
fennel
fenugreek
fruit blend (proprietary)
fu ling
gokhru
goldenseal
green tea
hibiscus
Indian gum arabic tree
honeysuckle
knotweed
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus brevis
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus crispatus
Lactobacillus fermentum
Lactobacillus gasseri
Lactobacillus jensenii
Lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus salivarius
lophatherum leaf
Methenamine
okra
ophiopogon root
pumpkin
pygeum
sage
vitamin C
Watercress
Watermelon
Mulberry
sarsaparilla
cardamom
smilax
Swertia
goldenrod
pau d'arco
juniper berries
cornsilk
buchu
birch
couch grass
sheep's sorrel
hydrangea
purslane
coix
shepherd's purse
goji berry
gravel root
Akebia
apple cider vinegar
Angelica
arbutin
Agave
Agrimony
Aronia melanocarpa
Achyranthes
anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Alchemilla
asafoetida
aucubin
Aerva lanata
Adzuki bean
Agrimonia pilosa
Alisma
Abuta
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
bergenin
Berberis (unspecified)
big quaking grass
bael
black gram
Bauhinia
baobab
baicalin
Bergenia
bottle gourd
cloudberry
Cucurbita
coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
carvacrol
chanca piedra
Coconut Water
Cistus
cubeb
Crinum latifolium
Coin-leaf desmodium
corn
carambola
Cynodon dactylon
currant
dwarf morning glory
Desmodium
Euryale seed
fleabane
Graviola
Galium
Guazuma ulmifolia
heather
horse gram
Houttuynia
hydroxyquinoline
Java tea
Job\'s tears
Kachnar
knotgrass
Lactobacillus plantarum
lime
Lactobacillus pentosus
Lomatium
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lophira lanceolata
Lespedeza capitata
Long Buchu
lingonberry
Lactobacillus
Loranthus
Lysimachia
Longleaf buchu
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Mung bean
Marsh Tea
Mormon Tea
Methyl arbutin
mannose
manzanita
Oldenlandia diffusa
Ovate Buchu
Pata de Vaca
Phragmites
Pepper Bark Tree
Pelargonium
Pareira
Pedalium
Pedra hume
Pipsissewa
Pyrola
Palo Azul
rosthorn snake gourd
Rhus coriaria
Rosa laevigata
Rumex acetosa
Sambucus nigra
Spiny Restharrow
Semecarpus anacardium
saponins
Scirpus
Stachytarpheta cayennensis
Stone Root
Shilajit
Tannins
Tribuloside
Taraxacum
Taraxol
Vasicine
Withanolides

Products containing Proanthocyanidin

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.