Why cranberries?

This dear cranberry, also known as North American lingonberry or atoca, is a small red berry proudly produced in Quebec. The use of the cranberry is quite varied; in the form of pure juice, mixed juice, dried fruit, as well as in the form of food supplements (capsules, tablets, sachets, etc.). But why choose it? Some may believe that cranberry is the flavor of our dental gel. But it is the active ingredient! It is present in our product for its health benefits and not for its taste.

Proanthocyanidins

Proanthocyanidins (PACs) contained in cranberries are polyphenols found in a wide variety of plants and fruits. They are in fact molecules that have several functions such as giving a bright color, a particular taste or smell, protecting against bacteria and fungi, attracting bees, camouflaging or protecting against the sun’s UV rays. Thus, some of these functions can have benefits for human and animal health when the plant or fruit is consumed.

On general health

The cranberry has many benefits on the general health of living beings. Among other things, it has an antioxidant effect which helps prevent oxidative stress that can be responsible for several cancers. This small red fruit prevents cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, hypertension, neurological disorders and viral infections. The proanthocyanidins (PACs) of cranberries are also recognized for their antibacterial properties. Indeed, they act by preventing bacteria from clinging to surfaces and by decreasing the expression of certain bacterial genes. Moreover, cranberries have good nutritional properties.

On oral health

Several scientific studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of cranberries for oral health. Its non-stick properties prevent bacteria from clinging to the teeth and gums. Thus, it prevents the formation of dental plaque which causes many problems. Cranberries protect the gums by preventing their invasion and destruction by bad bacteria. Moreover, the proanthocyanidins (PACs) in cranberries modulate inflammation by lowering it to counter damage and reduce pain in the gums. They prevent several mechanisms of attack of the bad bacteria by decreasing the expression of their genes and by interfering in their modes of action.

It is for many of these reasons that the use of purified cranberry extract in PACs can be a weapon of choice against periodontal disease. Its use in the form of toothpaste allows to have a local and direct effect. It is for these reasons that we have chosen it for our dental gel. Once applied to the teeth and gums of your pet, these molecules will have a beneficial effect on oral health. In addition, daily application will prevent the accumulation of plaque and thus, avoid several problems that could be serious.

References

Lev-Yadun LS and Gould K. Role of Anthocyanins in Plant Defence. In K. Gould, K. Davies & C. Winefield (eds.), Anthocyanins. Biosynthesis, functions, and applications, Springer, 2009, p.21-48
Baranowska M, Bartoszek A. Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of bioactive phytochemicals from cranberry. Postepy Hig Med Dosw (Online). 2016 Dec 31;70(0):1460-1468.
Feghali K, Feldman M, La VD, Santos J, Grenier D. Cranberry proanthocyanidins: natural weapons against periodontal diseases. J Agric Food Chem. 2012 Jun 13;60(23):5728-35.
Mukherjee M, Bandyopadhyay P, Kundu D. Exploring the role of cranberry polyphenols in periodontits: A brief review. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2014 Mar;18(2):136-9.