The antimicrobial effects of cranberry against Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

The antimicrobial effects of the American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) on a major food-borne pathogen, Staphylococcus aureus, were investigated using commercially obtained Lakewood organic cranberry juice and Ocean Spray cranberry juice cocktail and four other berry fruit extracts (acai berry, strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry). The results showed that cranberry is a potent antimicrobial against S. aureus and the most potent among the berries studied. The order of percentage inhibition of bacterial growth at the same concentration of phenolic materials as gallic acid equivalents was Lakewood cranberry juice->-Ocean Spray cranberry juice-≫-blueberry->-acai berry-≫-raspberry-≫-strawber..