Cranberry (5-7% Anthocyanin)

History:

The Cranberry plant is a small, creeping shrub bearing beautiful pink flowers that grow into rounded reddish-black berries, which are closely allied to the blueberry and huckleberry. Two species of Cranberry are used interchangeably in herbal preparations, and they are distinguished only by the size of their berries: Vaccinium macrocarpon (large berry) and Vaccinium oxycoccus (small berry). Currently, there are approximately 150 species of Cranberry, but the best known and most popular is the American Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), because of the size and juiciness of its fruit. The Cranberry plant has been in existence since the Iron Age, but the Romans were the first to recognize and document its medicinal uses by the local inhabitants of what is now England. Herbalist, Henry Lyte, documented its therapeutic effects in 1578; and since that time, the Cranberry has been popular in diuretic folk therapies and for everything from gout and rheumatism to scurvy and fevers. Early Native Americans introduced Cranberry to the Pilgrims who settled the New England area, and the berries were favorably mentioned in a written European Account of Two Voyages to New England During the Years 1638, 1663 by John Josselyn. The Colonists "Europeanized" the berry, using it stewed and sweetened in puddings and tarts, and the Europeans included the Cranberry regularly in their diets and beneficial for scurvy (Cranberry has a very high vitamin C content). Cranberry was cultivated by Captain Hall of Massachusetts in 1820, and by Benjamin Thomas of New Jersey about 1835. The berries are harvested early in the autumn for commercial preparation, but it is a difficult plant to grow, requiring a heavy investment and bogs. The United States presently produces about ninety-eight percent of the world's Cranberries. Cranberry is listed as effective for urinary tract infection in the United States Pharmacopœia, the official listing of drugs in the United States. Some of Cranberry's chemical constituents include tannins, lutein, triterpenoids, anthocyanins and catechin. It is also a good source of protein, fiber, beta-carotene, citric and malic acid, calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sulfur, zinc and vitamins A, B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, C and E. Often laden with sugar and high in calories, Cranberry is now available in supplemental extract form, including capsules, which are not only more potent, but also much less caloric and without the sugars often found in juices and other preparations.

Recommended Dosage:
Take one (1) capsule, two (2) to three (3) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Currently, there are no known warnings or contraindications associated with the use of Cranberry Herbal Supplement. However, it is suggested that you should consult with your health care provider before use if you have kidney stones or are taking medicines used for stomach acid or ulcers - examples: Cimetidine (Tagamet), Esomeprazole (Nexium), Famotidine (Pepcid), Lansoprazole (Prevacid), Nizatidine (Axid), Omeprazole (Prilosec), Pantoprazole (Protonix), Rabeprazole (Aciphex), Ranitidine (Zantac). Taking Cranberry and the medicines listed above together may make the stomach ulcer medicines not work as well for you. Consult your physician before taking Cranberry if you are taking blood thinning medication - example: warfarin (Coumadin), as this may cause your blood to be too thin (clot less easily), making you bleed or bruise more easily.

Capsule Information:
Our Cranberry (5-7% Anthocyanin) supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.

Special Note:
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Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.