Press Release

Move Over Grape: Cranberries Have Heart Too

New Findings Point to Cranberry's Potential Unique Benefit in Maintaining Both Healthy Cardiovascular and Urinary Tract Systems

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BW HealthWire)--March 30, 2001--New findings will be presented this week at Experimental Bio 2001 sponsored by The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology that continue to fill the databank of research on the health benefits of the cranberry. At a research roundtable sponsored by the Cranberry Institute, scientists will review findings in the reas of antioxidant properties and anti-adhesion capabilities of the cranberry, as well as how cranberry components may work to help maintain health. While the grape has been suggested to have high levels of antioxidant properties and may play a role in maintaining cardiovascular health, the cranberry also appears to provide this benefit, as well as it's well-known anti-adhesion properties, making it one of the only fruits that delivers both of these benefits.

The new studies suggest that cranberry VACPACs contribute to both the cranberry's anti-adhesion and antioxidant capabilities. These unique compounds are proanthocyanidins (PACs) found in the genus Vaccinium. Cranberry VACPACs have unique structural differences compared to grapes.

Two pieces of research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison demonstrate the cranberry's role in maintaining healthy cholesterol. One study being presented examines the cranberry's ability to decrease total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels in an animal study. Scientists found that regular intake of cranberry juice powder substantially reduced total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolemic pigs. ``This is first time such an effect has been seen in vivo with cranberry,'' said Jess Reed, Ph.D., professor of animal sciences at University of Wisconsin-Madison and principal investigator of this study. ``This beneficial effect may be due to the cranberry flavonoids present in the cranberry juice powder.''

Emerging research from another University of Wisconsin-Madison study will be presented on the cranberry's potential antioxidant role in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. Recent results from this LDL oxidation study suggest that cranberry VACPACs may help promote cardiovascular health. The research focused on various fractions of cranberry flavonoids. In this ex vivo study of the various flavonoids tested, cranberry VACPACs were the most effective antioxidants, inhibiting LDL or ``bad'' cholesterol from being oxidized. Many researchers believe that oxidized LDL is a causative agent in the development of cardiovascular disease.

A recent discovery from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst also being presented finds the presence of omega-3 fatty acids and tocotrienols in cranberry seeds and cranberry seed oil. Evidence is accumulating that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are not commonly found in fruit, may have heart health benefits. In vitro studies suggest tocotrienols, which are vitamin E compounds, have high antioxidant properties.

Research from Rutgers University will also be presented that lends further support for the role of cranberries in the maintenance of urinary tract health. The study suggests that once cranberry VACPACs are absorbed into the bloodstream they become available to other sites throughout the body and may function as anti-adhesion agents and/or antioxidants. ``For the first time, in vivo research has helped confirm the role of cranberry VACPACs as the active compounds responsible for anti-adhesion of certain E. coli bacteria in the urinary tract, '' said Amy Howell, Ph.D., research scientist at Rutgers University who conducted the research.

This new study builds on previous in vitro research from Rutgers that revealed cranberry VACPACs may disable certain E. coli bacteria so they can't adhere to the urinary tract. This new research suggests that the cranberry VACPACs are absorbed by the body and active metabolites may be reaching the urine to elicit this anti-adhesion effect.

``While these studies are preliminary and further research is needed to understand the potential benefit to human health, it is exciting to consider the unique role cranberry may play in helping maintain health in various parts of the body,'' Martin Starr, Ph.D., Director of Health and Wellness at Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. These studies were funded by Ocean Spray. Other research being presented at the conference and the roundtable was supported by the Cranberry Institute, along with the Wisconsin Cranberry Board.

     BSMG Worldwide
     Dorree Gurdak or Alyssa Kautto
     617-369-9200
     dgurdak@bsmg.com
     akautto@bsmg.com

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