Scientists have found that a compound called myricetin-3-O-galactoside, found in cranberries, helps reduce the risk of urinary tract infections without the use of antibiotics. The study was published in the journal Food & Function (F&F).

In experiments on mice, the compound administered before and after infection significantly reduced bacterial load in the urine, bladder, and kidneys, and also decreased inflammation and oxidative stress — key processes involved in infections.

The mechanism of action turned out to be unusual: the compound does not kill bacteria directly but prevents them from attaching to the cells of the urinary tract. It blocks the function of bacterial “hooks” (adhesins and fimbriae) that allow uropathogenic Escherichia coli to adhere to tissues, and also reduces the susceptibility of host cells to such attachment.

The authors note that the findings are particularly relevant in the context of growing antibiotic resistance. Although the research was conducted only in animals, it strengthens the scientific basis for using cranberry components as a preventive measure against recurrent urinary tract infections.