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Back to: Health Information : Health Topics A–Z

Herbs at a Glance
Cranberry

Keywords: American cranberry, bog cranberry, urinary tract infection, dental plaque

Cranberry

Cranberry
© Steven Foster

On this page

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about cranberry—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Cranberries are the fruit of a native plant of North America. These red berries are used in foods and in herbal products.

Common Names—cranberry, American cranberry, bog cranberry

Latin NameVaccinium macrocarpon

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What It Is Used For

How It Is Used

The berries are used to produce beverages and many other food products, as well as dietary supplements in the form of extracts, teas, and capsules or tablets.

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What the Science Says

Side Effects and Cautions

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Sources

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For More Information

NCCAM Clearinghouse

The NCCAM Clearinghouse provides information on CAM and NCCAM, including publications and searches of Federal databases of scientific and medical literature. The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners.

Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226
TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615
Web site: nccam.nih.gov
E-mail:

CAM on PubMed
Web site: nccam.nih.gov/camonpubmed/

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
Web site: ods.od.nih.gov

NIH National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus
Cranberry Listing: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-cranberry.html

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This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged.

NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM.

NCCAM Publication No. D291
Created September 2005
Updated March 2008

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