The use of complementary medicine in the United States is gaining in popularity with the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine stating that 38 percent of Americans now use some form of complementary medicine, as of 2011. The use of cranberry juice is promoted on a regular basis for its effects in the prevention of urinary tract infections. Chemicals found in cranberry juice, however, can affect the blood's clotting ability, though it is still under debate as to what extent it actually affects the blood.
Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice comes from the berries of an evergreen shrub found in North America. It has a history rich in medicinal use by Native Americans. It is most commonly used in modern times to prevent urinary tract infections by preventing bacteria from attaching to the walls of the urinary tract. Cranberries contain salicylic acid, similar to the chemicals found in aspirin, and drinking regular cranberry juice can increase the levels of salicylic acid in your body. Salicylic acid works to thin the blood and prevent clots from forming.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid, or salicylates, can be found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Salicylic acid, similar to the properties found in aspirin, have anti-platelet properties, which means they prevent platelets from sticking together and forming blood clots. High doses of salicylic acid can increase your risk of bruising and bleeding, especially if you are taking medications such as warfarin.
Medical Research
Researchers have examined the blood thinning effects of cranberry juice with mixed results. A 2011 case study published in the "Annals of Pharmacotherapy" looked at a 46-year-old patient taking warfarin who had ingested cranberry juice. Researchers determined that on two separate occasions her blood clotting times were increased after ingestion of the cranberry juice, showing that cranberry juice does affect the bleeding risks of patients. However, a 2010 study published in the "British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology" looked at 10 male patients who were taking stable doses of warfarin and gave them cranberry juice twice a day for seven days. They found no difference in the bleeding times for these patients after the ingestion of cranberry juice.
Considerations
While the debate is still on about the true effects of cranberry juice on blood clotting abilities, if you are on warfarin or other blood thinning medications you should use caution before you add high amounts of cranberry juice to your diet. Discuss the possible complications with your physician. If cranberry juice is a regular part of your diet, your physician may need to alter your medication dose.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States; December 2008
- MedlinePlus: Cranberry
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cranberry
- Texas Heart Institute: Aspirin
- "Annals of Pharmacotherapy"; Warfarin-Cranberry Juice Interaction; G.l. Hamann, et al.; March 2011
- "British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology"; Effect of High-Dose Cranberry Juice on the Pharmacodynamics of Warfarin in Patients; C.K. Mellen, et al.; July 2010
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