Canadian Cranberry - Vaccinium macrocarpon

Common Names: Cranberry, bog cranberry, large cranberry, American cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon, Vaccinium, agrio, clickva, airelle canneberge, arándano, canneberge d'Amérique, Krannbeere, kliukva, man yue ju, man yue mei, petite canneberge, gros atoca, da guo yue jie, da guo yue ju, bearberry, oomi no tsuruko kemomo, Żurawina, Moosbeere, kljukva

Latin Name: Vaccinium macrocarpon syn. Oxycoccus macrocarpus

Origin: Europe, South America, North America

Short Introduction

The Canadian Cranberry can be planted year-round in the temperate climates of regions like the Czech Republic, though spring and autumn are generally considered the best seasons for starting cultivation. This plant prefers slightly acidic, consistently moist or even waterlogged soils, but is otherwise quite self-sufficient and hardy (including good frost resistance). The ideal home cultivation method involves creating a “waterproof” substrate made of water and peat, preferably with an impermeable bottom. Some herbalists and gardeners recommend creating a “bog” or “mud puddle” environment. During the summer, the plant benefits from regular and plentiful watering, and the shrub is easy to maintain. Canadian Cranberry is only intolerant of soils rich in calcium.

Detailed Description

Juicy, cleansing, and sweet—this is the Canadian Cranberry.

Botanical Information

The Canadian Cranberry is a perennial, evergreen shrub, typically reaching 10–30 cm in height and producing several woody branches directly from its base. The woody stems, with grayish bark, often trail along the ground. Its leaves are a few centimeters long, about 1 centimeter wide, simply shaped, oval or slightly elongated with a smooth edge. Canadian Cranberry flowers appear in terminal clusters, are bisexual, and feature pink petals which, after pollination, develop into reddish or red, juicy berries similar in size to gooseberries.

Origin and Distribution

As the name suggests, Canadian Cranberry originates in North America, specifically in certain regions of Canada. Commercially, it has since spread to Europe and even to New Zealand, where it is still widely cultivated. Today, it is grown extensively in its native homeland, including Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Quebec, and in the USA in states such as Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin. The world’s largest producers are the USA (82% of global production), followed by Canada, Latvia, and Belarus.

Usage / Dosage

Historical records, including those of James White Norwood, reveal that Native Americans in North America were consuming Canadian Cranberry as early as 1550 for treating or preventing bladder conditions and related symptoms. The berries were also traditionally given as a sign of friendship and goodwill to travelers. Over time, descriptions from 1633, 1663, 1667, 1796, 1874, and onwards mention the Canadian Cranberry as a staple in local recipes and as part of food gifts sent to English royalty. It is also known in desserts, cakes, and is a festive favorite for Thanksgiving meals. Today, Canadian Cranberries are cherished in both herbal medicine and cuisine—used in syrups, juices, jams, or enjoyed fresh or dried in pastries, cakes, and various sweets.

Regular consumption of fresh Canadian Cranberries or their juice is linked with a reduced risk of recurrent urinary tract infections in women, children, seniors over 65, and hospitalized patients. Some studies have even compared their preventive effect in cases of recurrent urethral inflammations with that of the conventional antibiotic trimethoprim. Based on the existing evidence, Canadian Cranberry is regarded as an excellent agent for preventing inflammatory urinary tract conditions, though precise recommended dosages differ among authors. A comprehensive 2017 systematic review confirmed a reduction in incidence of urinary tract infections with Canadian Cranberry in patients prone to recurrent infections.

The constituents in Canadian Cranberry demonstrate a diuretic effect and show significant anti-inflammatory action in the urinary tract. In addition, these compounds protect and support healing of bladder tissue. Their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects help clear pathogenic bacteria from the urinary tract mucosa, bringing relief by reducing swelling, pain, and inflammation. Harmful bacteria are thus less able to adhere, multiply, and spread infection, including in patients with antibiotic-resistant strains.

Canadian Cranberries also contain compounds with strong antioxidant properties, limiting harmful free radical production within tissues. In several in vitro studies, carotenoids, chlorophylls, and triterpenoids found in Canadian Cranberry have shown interesting antioxidant capabilities using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP analysis.

Further in vitro studies have shown that Canadian Cranberry compounds can activate macrophages and present antigens, modulate structure and behavior of certain T lymphocytes, and enhance both specific and nonspecific antibacterial immune response. Regular supplementation with Canadian Cranberry compounds has also been shown to significantly suppress COX-2 and nitric oxide production—factors in inflammation. The overall antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions are well-documented.

Several clinical studies suggest Canadian Cranberry may help decrease plasma glucose levels in diabetes patients, although current results are not yet conclusive enough to form official recommendations.

Traditional and Folk Uses

In folk medicine, Canadian Cranberry is used to alleviate symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia when taken 3 times daily over about six months. It is also recommended for reducing unpleasant urine odor and managing urinary incontinence—with some evidence supporting its benefit. Herbalists might also recommend Canadian Cranberry for symptoms of the common cold or flu. Other sources mention its positive effects for coronary heart disease, stomach ulcers, kidney stones, elevated cholesterol, chronic fatigue syndrome, metabolic syndrome, and memory loss.

Active Compounds

Canadian Cranberry fruits are rich in biologically active and health-promoting substances. The most important include polyphenols, proanthocyanidins, flavonols such as quercetin, with proven in vivo and in vitro beneficial effects on the cardiovascular and immune systems, and in cancer prevention. The berries also provide significant amounts of vitamin A (as lutein, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin), vitamin C, E, B1, B2, B3, fiber, sugars, protein, oxalic acid, and quinic acid. Key minerals include manganese, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. In 100 grams of cranberry, about 87 grams are water, and the energy content is approximately 190 kJ per 100 grams.

Traditional Dosage

Herbal sources typically recommend generous daily amounts of cranberries for therapeutic use, often by the handful. There is no objection to this, as Canadian Cranberry compounds are considered safe and show minimal side effects (except very rare allergies, which present even at low doses). It is generally advised to consume them divided over the day in smaller doses for several months (usually 2), followed by an equal rest period. International sources indicate effective daily intakes as high as several tens of grams.

Cranberries can be found fresh or dried on the market, and are also sold in capsules, juices, syrups, extracts, or jams. For juices or 10–30% drinks, 30–300 ml or 200–300 ml per day is suggested for adults, and less for children. Capsules containing 400–500 mg Canadian Cranberry extract can be taken once daily for 6–12 months. For children, a few grams daily—fresh or dried—are typically suggested, either alone or mixed into cereals, baked goods, cakes, etc. For juice, a typical dose is 2 ml per kilogram of body weight daily. Regular use for up to six months or less is generally recommended.