CRANBERRY (FREEZE DRIED) has been shown in several clinical studies to be extremely effective in treating bladder infections.1,2 In one study, 16 ounces of cranberry juice per day was shown to produce beneficial effects in 73 percent of the subjects (44 females and 16 males) with active urinary tract infections.3 (One tablet of CranPlex contains the equivalent of 24 ounces of cranberry juice).

Cranberry's ability to prevent bladder infections is due to the presence of the compound tannin which prevents bacteria from attaching to the inside surface of the lining within the urinary tract. This study also determined that tannin was only present in cranberries and blueberries. 4

Because most cranberry juices on the market are loaded with sugar which has a detrimental effect on the immune system,5 many physicians recommend taking cranberry juice in pill form.

ALOE VERA (FREEZE DRIED) has demonstrated activity against many common bacteria and fungi including Escherichia coli, the major bacterium responsible for the majority of bladder infections.6

Aloe Vera may exert beneficial tonic effects on the gastrointestinal system. A clinical study found that aloe vera consumption can lead to improved protein digestion and reduced bacterial putrefaction.7

Compounds found in Aloe vera known as anthraquinones bind calcium in the urinary tract and significantly reduce the growth rate of urinary calcium crystals responsible for kidney stones.8

 JUNIPER BERRIES (JUNIPERUS COMMUNIS) help restore kidney function by stimulating the flow of urine by raising the rate of glomerulus filtration (the process by which blood is purified and wastes filtered out).9 Juniper berry is particularly soothing to the kidneys and has been used in America for over 200 years as a urinary antiseptic.10

GOLDENSEAL (HYDRASTIS CANADENSIS) is one of the most effective of the herbal antimicrobial agents. Its long history of use for the treatment of infections is well documented in the scientific literature.11 Goldenseal's efficacy against Escherichia coli, the bacterium most responsible for bladder infections, is superior to most antibiotics.12

Goldenseal contains the alkaloid berberine which is primarily responsible for its powerful antibiotic activity. Berberine activates macrophages, the cells responsible for engulfing and destroying bacteria, viruses, and tumor cells.13

Berberine has been shown to increase the blood supply to the spleen which is responsible for filtering the blood and releasing compounds that potentate immune function.14

BEARBERRY (UVA URSI), also known as upland cranberry, acts as a mild diuretic and antiseptic. In Germany, Bearberry is approved as a urinary antiseptic for bladder infections.15 Bearberry is reported to be especially active against Escherichia coli.16