Cranberry (Vaccinium Macrocarpon L.) is an evergreen shrub native to eastern parts of North America. Cranberry is closely related to species of lowbush blueberry (V. angustifolium Ait.), high bush blueberry (V. corybosum L.), billberry (V. myrtillus), and lingonberry (V. vitis-idaea). Cranberry is the official state fruit of Wisconsin where it is the nation's leading producer, harvesting more than 60 percent of the country's crop.

 

Cranberries are known to be an excellent source of various phytochemicals, such as vitamins, organic acids, minerals, sugars, dietary fiber, and pectins. In particular, cranberry is rich in phenolic compounds, triterpenoids, and carotenoids. Bioactivity and health benefits of cranberry have been reported in a number of studies. Due to its high content in phenolic compounds, such as anthocyanins and flavonoids, cranberry has been reported to have anti-oxidant activity. Cranberry extract has also shown anti-microbial activity. Additionally, cold-pressed cranberry oil showed anti-microbial activity and was suggested to have wound-healing benefits.