Dried Cranberry Powder May Help Reduce Overactive Bladder Symptoms

Overactive bladder causes a frequent and sudden urge to urinate that may be difficult to control. A recent study has found that dried cranberry powder may help reduce the symptoms of overactive bladder in women.

Seventy-seven women with overactive bladder participated in the study. They were given 500 mg of dried cranberry powder or a placebo daily for 24 weeks. Overactive bladder symptoms were assessed using 3-day voiding diaries, Overactive Bladder Questionnaire Short Form, Patient Perception of Bladder Condition, Sexual Quality of Life-Female, and Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory surveys. 

Participants in the cranberry groups saw significant improvements in overactive bladder symptoms. Specifically, they saw reductions of 16.4% in daily episodes of frequent urination, a 57.3% reduction in urgency episodes, and a 39.7% improvement Patient Perceptions of Bladder Condition scores.

The study was conducted by researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine. It was published online ahead of print on September 18, 2020 in The Journal of Urology.