Pacran(R) Sp Cranberry Powder
Also known as: Pacran®, cranberry powder, dried cranberry powder, cranberry, proanthocyanidins, PACs, Vaccinium macrocarpon
Overview
Pacran® is a proprietary cranberry powder derived from whole cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon), primarily used as a dietary supplement to support urinary tract health. It is specifically formulated to help prevent bacterial adhesion in the lower urinary tract, making it a common choice for reducing the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly in adult women. The key active compounds are proanthocyanidins (PACs), especially A-type PACs, which are responsible for its anti-adhesion properties against uropathogenic bacteria like E. coli. Pacran® is standardized to contain soluble PACs and aims to deliver the benefits of the whole cranberry matrix rather than isolated compounds. While cranberry products broadly have moderate research maturity with multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, direct high-quality evidence specifically on Pacran® is more limited, and regulatory bodies have noted insufficient evidence to conclusively establish a cause-effect relationship for its specific formulation.
Benefits
Cranberry products, including Pacran®, have shown moderate evidence in reducing the incidence of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Meta-analyses indicate a reduction in UTI risk by approximately 15–30% in susceptible populations, such as women with recurrent UTIs. For instance, one meta-analysis of 10 RCTs involving 2,438 participants found cranberry products reduced overall UTI risk by 15% (RR=0.85, 95% CI 0.76–0.96, p=0.008), with higher PAC doses (≥36 mg/day) showing an 18% reduction (p=0.03). Another meta-analysis reported a 30% risk reduction (RR=0.70, 95% CI 0.59–0.83). While less quantified, some evidence suggests cranberry supplementation may also alleviate UTI symptoms like urinary frequency and urgency. The anti-adhesion effects can be rapid, with ex vivo studies showing significant reduction in E. coli adhesion within 9 hours of Pacran® consumption, peaking at 24 hours. The benefits are most robust for adult women with recurrent UTIs, with less consistent evidence for other populations.
How it works
Pacran® primarily works by inhibiting the adhesion of uropathogenic bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli (E. coli), to the cells lining the urinary tract. The active compounds, proanthocyanidins (PACs), specifically target and bind to bacterial fimbriae (P-fimbriae and type 1 fimbriae), which are hair-like appendages that bacteria use to attach to host cells. By preventing this attachment, PACs hinder bacterial colonization and subsequent infection in the urinary tract. This mechanism is local, acting within the urinary system, rather than exerting systemic antibacterial effects. PACs have limited systemic absorption, and their anti-adhesion effect is believed to occur through the excretion of active metabolites in the urine.
Side effects
Cranberry products, including Pacran®, are generally considered safe and well tolerated. The most common side effect reported is mild gastrointestinal discomfort, which may occur in some individuals. Uncommon side effects (1-5% frequency) include rare allergic reactions. While theoretically, the oxalate content in cranberries could increase the risk of kidney stones, evidence supporting this is inconclusive and not consistently observed. A potential interaction with warfarin, leading to an increased International Normalized Ratio (INR), has been reported, but this interaction remains controversial and has not been consistently observed across studies. Contraindications include a known allergy to cranberries or related fruits. Safety in specific populations, such as pregnant women, is not fully established, and caution is advised. Overall, serious adverse events are rare, and the product is considered to have a favorable safety profile when used as directed.
Dosage
For effective urinary tract infection (UTI) prevention, meta-analyses suggest a minimum daily intake of 36 mg of proanthocyanidins (PACs). While Pacran® studies have typically used a dosage of 500 mg per day, which contains approximately 2 mg of soluble PACs, its efficacy may be attributed to the synergistic effects of the whole cranberry matrix rather than PAC content alone. There is no established maximum safe dose for Pacran®, and doses up to 500 mg per day have been safely used in clinical trials. For preventive benefits, daily dosing is recommended. The anti-adhesion effects can be observed within hours of consumption. Pacran® is typically available in capsule or powder form, standardized for both PAC content and other whole cranberry components. Due to the low bioavailability of PACs, the whole cranberry matrix is thought to enhance its overall effects.
FAQs
Is Pacran® more effective than other cranberry products?
Ex vivo data suggest Pacran® may reduce bacterial adhesion similarly or better than cranberry extracts with higher PAC content, possibly due to its whole cranberry matrix. However, direct clinical evidence comparing Pacran® to other cranberry products is currently lacking.
Can Pacran® replace antibiotics for UTI?
No, Pacran® is a dietary supplement intended for the prevention of recurrent UTIs. It is not a treatment for active infections and should not be used as a substitute for antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Anti-adhesion effects can occur rapidly, within 9–24 hours of consumption. However, the clinical benefits of preventing recurrent UTIs typically accrue over weeks to months of consistent daily use.
Is it safe for long-term use?
Generally, cranberry products are considered safe for long-term use. While long-term safety data specific to Pacran® are limited, it is well-tolerated at recommended doses, and serious side effects are rare.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11635990/ – This meta-analysis of 10 RCTs (2,438 participants) found that cranberry products reduced recurrent UTI risk by 15% overall. Doses of ≥36 mg PAC/day showed an 18% reduction, indicating a dose-dependent effect. The study highlights the efficacy of cranberry in UTI prevention, despite moderate heterogeneity.
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0256992 – This meta-analysis reported that cranberry supplementation significantly reduced UTI risk by 30% (RR=0.70, 95% CI 0.59–0.83) in susceptible populations. It reinforces the preventive role of cranberry products, acknowledging some heterogeneity across included studies.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11962652/ – This source, likely an EFSA Panel Review, indicates that despite some positive trends, there is insufficient evidence to establish a definitive cause-effect relationship for Pacran® specifically. It highlights the need for more robust clinical trials to confirm its efficacy independently.
- https://healthnutritionhub.givaudan.com/ingredients/pacran – This ex vivo study, cited by Givaudan, demonstrated that Pacran® effectively reduced E. coli adhesion, performing similarly to cranberry extracts with 20 times higher PAC content. It suggests a rapid onset of anti-adhesion effects and supports the concept that the whole cranberry matrix contributes to its efficacy.
- https://www.cureus.com/articles/190604-cranberry-supplements-for-urinary-tract-infection-prophylaxis-in-pregnant-women-a-systematic-review-of-clinical-trials-and-observational-studies-on-efficacy-acceptability-outcomes-measurement-methods-and-studies-feasibility.pdf – This systematic review examines the use of cranberry supplements for UTI prophylaxis in pregnant women. It assesses efficacy, acceptability, and safety, highlighting that while some studies exist, more robust evidence is needed to confirm its widespread use in this specific population.
