Compounds In Cranberries May Be Antibacterial Agents
December 1st, 2009
Compounds in cranberries may have significant health benefits, according to a recent Worcester Polytechnic Institute study.
Researchers at WPI, led by Terri Camesano, associate professor of chemical engineering, have produced findings indicating that cranberries can affect E. coli bacteria-related infections, which are the cause of many adverse ailments and conditions, such as tooth decay, gastroenteritis and kidney infections.
The new study shows how cranberries and cranberry juice interact with the biochemical and biophysical mechanisms associated with beneficial health effects, such as the prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Compounds in cranberry juice can prevent bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract lining.
Camesano and her research team utilized the atomic force microscope to evaluate how tannins found in cranberries interact with bacteria at the molecular level. According to study findings, compounds can prevent E. coli from attaching to the body’s cells in many ways, which can inhibit infection.
E. coli grown in cranberry juice are unable to form biofilm bacteria clusters, which are required for the development of infection. Biofilms are often the base of infections caused by catheters and other biomedical devices.
E. coli cultured in cranberry juice solutions undergo changes in their cell membranes that inhibit the bacteria’s ability to attach to urinary tract cells.
The strength of the adhesive attachment between E. coli and urinary tract cells can be reduced with a five percent solution of cranberry juice. Cranberry juice produces chemical changes which can create a barrier between bacteria and the urinary tract lining.
Cranberry juice also inhibits the ability of E. coli to produce IAA, a molecule involved in a process known as quorum sensing. By producing IAA, bacteria alert other bacteria to their presence. Quorum sensing aids bacteria in building a population large enough to develop an infection or to form a biofilm. Preventing bacteria from producing IAA can keep them from causing infections.
Camesano is presently evaluating the minimum effective dose of cranberry juice, or tannins, required to prevent infection. Current research indicates that health benefits increase in relation to the quantity of juice or cranberry products consumed.
Cranberry may soon provide an alternative to standard antibiotics for combating E. coli bacteria.
For information about nutrition and acupuncture for health and wellness call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
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