What Is Cranberry Extract and Where Does It Come From?

Cranberry Extract (SKU: C1449821) is a concentrated, standardized preparation derived from the fruit of Vaccinium macrocarpon, commonly known as the American cranberry. The extract is produced by processing ripe cranberry fruit to concentrate its characteristic polyphenolic constituents, including A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs), anthocyanins, flavonols such as quercetin, and organic acids including quinic and citric acid.

In research settings, standardized cranberry extracts are preferred over raw fruit preparations because they offer reproducible concentrations of defined bioactive compounds, enabling consistent experimental outcomes across studies.

Key Bioactive Compounds and Mechanisms of Action

The biological activities attributed to cranberry extract are primarily associated with its polyphenolic profile:

• A-type Proanthocyanidins (PACs): Unique to cranberries, A-type PACs are studied for their ability to inhibit the adhesion of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) to uroepithelial cells, making them central to urinary tract infection (UTI) research.
• Anthocyanins: Responsible for the characteristic red pigmentation and studied for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Flavonols and Phenolic Acids: Contribute to overall radical-scavenging capacity, assessed in assays such as DPPH, FRAP, and ORAC.
• Organic Acids: May contribute to the acidic microenvironment studied in antimicrobial contexts.

These compounds act through multiple pathways including free radical scavenging, modulation of inflammatory signaling, and disruption of bacterial adhesion mechanisms.

Laboratory Applications of Cranberry Extract

Cranberry Extract (C1449821) is used across a range of in vitro and in vivo research applications:

• Anti-adhesion and UTI Research: Testing the inhibitory effect of PACs on bacterial adhesion to human cell lines (e.g., T24 bladder cells).
• Antioxidant Capacity Studies: Quantification of radical-scavenging activity using spectrophotometric assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP).
• Antimicrobial Studies: Evaluation of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against relevant bacterial strains.
• Cell Viability and Cytotoxicity Assays: Dose-response studies in cancer cell line models.
• Inflammation Models: Assessment of effects on pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in macrophage or epithelial cell models.

Researchers should prepare working solutions according to the product datasheet, as solubility and stability can vary depending on solvent and concentration.

Storage, Handling, and Safety Considerations

Proper storage and handling of Cranberry Extract are essential to maintain compound integrity and experimental reproducibility:

• Storage: Store in a cool, dry location, protected from light and moisture. Always refer to the specific conditions stated on the product datasheet for SKU C1449821, as recommended temperatures may vary by formulation.
• Solubility: Cranberry extract constituents typically show solubility in water and polar organic solvents such as ethanol or DMSO; verify solubility for your specific preparation before use.
• Handling: Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves and eye protection when preparing solutions. Avoid prolonged skin contact.
• Stability: Polyphenolic extracts can be susceptible to oxidation; prepare fresh solutions where possible and minimize exposure to air and heat.
• Disposal: Dispose of waste in accordance with local institutional and regulatory guidelines.

Ordering, Specifications, and Quality Information

Cranberry Extract is available from Aladdin Scientific under SKU C1449821. When placing an order or evaluating this product, consider the following:

• Purity and Grade: Confirm the specification grade and purity level on the current product datasheet, as these parameters define suitability for your application.
• Certificate of Analysis (CoA): A CoA is available for each lot number and should be reviewed prior to use to confirm identity, purity, and any lot-specific analytical data.
• Quantity Options: Contact Aladdin Scientific customer service or visit the product page to confirm available pack sizes and current pricing.
• Cross-reference: This product is cross-referenced with MCE catalog number HY-N13200 for research continuity.
• Returns and Replacements: For quality concerns or damaged shipments, contact Aladdin Scientific customer service in accordance with the returns and refund policy.