Cranberry Extract Powder | 20g

Ingredients: Cranberry Extract Powder

Dosage:

Humans: 500mg (1/4 teaspoon) per day in water or juice.

For animals: Use less, consult your Vetanarian for correct dosage per species.

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Cranberry extract is primarily used for the prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs), as it contains proanthocyanidins (PACs) that prevent bacteria like E. coli from adhering to the bladder wall. While effective for prevention, it is not a treatment for existing infections.

Common Uses:

Beyond UTI prevention, cranberry extract is researched for several other potential health benefits:

• Antioxidant Support: It is rich in antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative stress and may lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease.
• Heart Health: May help improve cholesterol levels by increasing "good" HDL and reducing "bad" LDL cholesterol.
• Digestive Health: Can inhibit H. pylori bacteria, potentially reducing the risk of stomach ulcers.
• Oral Health: May prevent bacteria from sticking to teeth and gums, helping to fight cavities and gum disease.
• Metabolic Support: Preliminary research suggests it may help manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

Informational Usage Guidelines:

While there is no universally established standard dose, research into the potential benefits of cranberry extract has employed varied amounts in clinical studies.

• Usage Focus: Studies regarding the support of urinary tract health often examine specific quantities of dried cranberry powder or standardized proanthocyanidins (PACs).
• Duration: Clinical evaluations of cranberry extract have typically ranged in duration from 12 weeks to 6 months.

Safety and Side Effects:

• General Safety: Cranberry extract is generally well-tolerated when consumed in typical amounts.
• Potential Side Effects: High intake may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, such as stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea.
• Kidney Stones: Due to high oxalate content, individuals with a history of calcium-oxalate kidney stones should exercise caution.
• Drug Interactions: Cranberry extract may interact with blood-thinning medications like Warfarin, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding.
• Allergies: Those with sensitivities to salicylates, such as aspirin, should be cautious as cranberries contain naturally occurring salicylic acid.

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Additional Information:

Research has identified a significant connection between cranberry extract, the gut bacterium

Akkermansia muciniphila, and the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy (specifically PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors). Cranberry extract acts as a "prebiotic-like" fuel that specifically boosts Akkermansia levels, which in turn is a key predictor of how well patients respond to immunotherapy.

The Cranberry-Akkermansia Connection:

Cranberries are rich in specific polyphenols called proanthocyanidins (PACs). Unlike many nutrients, these are not easily absorbed in the stomach and instead reach the colon, where they interact with gut bacteria:

• Stimulates Growth: Studies show that cranberry extract can significantly increase the abundance of Akkermansia in the gut, sometimes in as little as four days.
• Mucus Layer Support: Cranberry PACs may stimulate "goblet cells" in the gut to produce more mucin. Since Akkermansia is a mucin-degrading bacterium, this provides a favorable "niche" or food source for it to thrive.
• Barrier Integrity: By boosting Akkermansia, cranberry extract helps strengthen the intestinal barrier, reducing systemic inflammation that can otherwise hinder the immune system.

Role in Immunotherapy Efficacy:

The presence of Akkermansia in the gut is a major factor in whether a patient "responds" to modern immunotherapy treatments like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) or nivolumab (Opdivo).

• Response Predictor: In clinical studies of patients with lung, kidney, and bladder cancers, those with higher levels of Akkermansia had significantly better response rates and longer survival than those without it.
• Immune Activation: Akkermansia helps "prime" the immune system. It has been shown to increase the migration of CD8+ T cells (the body's "cancer-killing" cells) into tumors by stimulating the release of signaling molecules like IL-12.
• Overcoming Resistance: In animal models, researchers found that transferring Akkermansia into non-responding subjects could "restore" the effectiveness of immunotherapy, allowing the treatment to finally recognize and attack the cancer.

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All our products are Chemical & Preservative Free as well as Cruelty-Free.

WARNING: Store in a cool dry place away from sunlight. Keep away from children and pets.

Disclaimer: These unregistered remedies have not been evaluated by SAHPRA for their quality, safety or intended use. Always consult a medical professional before taking this product during pregnancy. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Please note: some of our packaging containers might change slightly at times due to availability of the usual containers at the time of purchase from the suppliers.