A new study has identified that the anti-adhesion mechanism in cranberry helps to prevent infections in the urinary tract. The study conducted in Massachusetts at Worcester Polytechnic Institute found that cranberry juice worked by changing the thermo-
dynamic properties of bacteria common in urinary tract infections. The increase in surface free energy implies cranberries also create an energy barrier that keeps the microorganisms away from cell walls, preventing them from adhering and causing infection.
The study follows previous research that investigated the unique A-linked proanthocyanidins (PACs) in cranberries and their effect on E coli.
The previous work found that PACs created a natural barrier and changed the shape of the bacteria to prevent them adhering to the body. Two types of E coli bacteria were studied – those with and those without hair-like projections called P-fimbrae. Many of the virulent bacteria are known to have P-fimbrae and it was on these types of bacteria that the effect of cranberry juice was seen.
By explaining how the anti-hesion mechanism works, the new study takes this research a step further.