Vaccinium macrocarpon. Family: Ericaceae The cranberry is an
evergreen plant native to the northeastern United States. The
red berries on the plant are used in foods, beverages, and in
herbal products. It has been used traditionally for the
prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections. Although
it has fallen in and out of favor in medicine, cranberry is
currently recognized as an effective agent to help prevent
uncomplicated urinary tract infections, particularly in older
women. Cranberries are considered a foodstuff and are used in
commercial quantities for cooking. They are most notably
recognized as a garnish for salad and used in gelatin salad,
cranberry sauce and jelly, and cranberry cocktail. Cranberry
cocktail is most often used as a source of cranberry to prevent
urinary tract infections. However, potent cranberry extracts are
available and can be taken as pills by those who do not like the
tartness or flavor of cranberry juice. Cranberry contains a
variety of constituents (anthocyanin, catech