Cranberries Squashed as Folk Remedy for Urinary Infections

CHICAGO (AP) — Another folk medicine remedy bites the dust. Cranberry capsules didn't prevent or cure urinary infections in nursing home residents in a study challenging persistent unproven claims to the contrary.

The research adds to decades of conflicting evidence on whether cranberries in any form can prevent extremely common bacterial infections, especially in women.

Many studies suggesting a benefit were based on weak science. But marketers and even some doctors still recommend cranberryjuice or capsules. An editorial released with the study Thursday says the results are convincing, and that that it's time to find better ways to treat these infections.

The study and editorial are in the online version of Journal of the American Medical Association.