Cranberry for Men’s Urinary Tract Problems
Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms are a constellation of urinary difficulties that affect more and more men as they age. They could be caused by a variety of urinary tract problems, and are often caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate. This new study shows that cranberry, so well-known for urinary tract infections, also helps men with LUTS. . . .
This double-blind, placebo-controlled study gave men with moderate to severe LUTS either a placebo or capsules of either 250mg or 500mg of dried cranberry powder. The study lasted for six months.
At the end of the study, International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS) were significantly decreased in the 500mg cranberry group compared to the placebo group. The improvement was not only statistically significant, but clinically relevant: meaning it would make an actual and significant difference to men with LUTS.
Other symptoms of LUTS, including voiding symptom score, storing and irritation scores and residual urine volume all decreased significantly in the 500mg cranberry group; bladder voiding volume and flow rate scores increased significantly: all significant improvements.
The 250mg dose was also effective, but improvement was dose dependent, suggesting the 500mg is most effective. 500mg of cranberry powder was not only effective, but safe: there were no side effects.
This study suggests a new urinary tract use for the great urinary tract infection herb, cranberry.
World J Urol 2015;doi:10.1007/s00345-015-1611-7