Cranberry Phytochemicals and Their Health Benefits

摘要

Folklore has long supported the role of cranberry juice in maintaining urinary tract health. Research focused on confirming and understanding how the cranberry provides such a benefit has resulted in considerable scientific evidence supporting this and other potential health benefits. Bioassay directed fractionation identified cranberry proanthocyanidins as the phytochemicals responsible for preventing the adhesion of certain types of E. coli associated with urinary tract infections to uroepithelial cells. This unique functionality is also being demonstrated in vitro to prevent the adhesion of H. pylori, associated with the incidence of certain stomach ulcers, and of certain types of bacteria found in the mouth, associated with dental plaque and gingivitis. Cranberry proanthocyanidins are also potential antioxidants, having significant effect in preventing the in vitro oxidation of human LDL. Consumption of cranberry juice powder has also resulted in the in vivo reduction of total and LDL cholesterol in an animal model. The proanthocyanidin composition of the cranberry and other phytochemicals of potential health significance, including the anthocyanins, flavonols and phenolic acids are provided.