Natural Infection Protection Remedy Found 0 17

Scientists have discovered that one of the compounds found in cranberries can effectively reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. This substance, myricetin-3-O-galactoside, has been shown in studies to help the body fight bacteria without the use of antibiotics. The work is published in Food & Function (F&F).

In an experiment on mice, researchers found that administering this compound before and after infection significantly reduced bacterial load in the urine, bladder, and kidneys. The animals also showed decreased signs of inflammation and oxidative stress — key processes accompanying infection.

The main mechanism of action turned out to be unexpected. The compound from cranberries does not kill bacteria directly but prevents them from adhering to the cells of the urinary tract. It inhibits the function of bacterial "hooks" — adhesins and fimbriae, which uropathogenic Escherichia coli uses to attach to tissues, and also reduces the sensitivity of the cells themselves to such attachment.

The authors emphasize that the findings are particularly important in light of the growing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics. Although the study has only been conducted on animals so far, it strengthens the scientific basis for using cranberry components as an adjunctive and potentially preventive measure against recurrent urinary tract infections.