The formulation of Purisia Moltitudo was developed to physiologically support the urinary tract and help prevent recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs), particularly uncomplicated cystitis.
The combination of D-mannose, standardized cranberry extract rich in A-type proanthocyanidins (PAC-A), birch, and hibiscus sabdariffa extract is based on complementary mechanisms of action, including the inhibition of bacterial adhesion to the urothelium, support for the physiological flushing of the urinary tract, modulation of the urinary environment, and control of the local inflammatory response.
The formulation provides 1000 mg of D-mannose, 300 mg of cranberry standardized to 40% PAC (120 mg PAC), 200 mg of birch, and 100 mg of hibiscus sabdariffa per daily dose.
D-mannose and the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections
D-mannose is currently one of the most extensively studied natural active ingredients for preventing recurrent cystitis. Its mechanism involves competitively binding to the FimH lectin found on the type 1 fimbriae of uropathogenic Escherichia coli, preventing the bacteria from adhering to the urothelium and promoting their elimination through urination. This mechanism does not exert selective pressure on bacteria or promote the development of antibiotic resistance.
Key clinical studies
• Kranjčec B, Papeš D, Altarac S. D-mannose powder for prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infections in women: a randomized clinical trial. World Journal of Urology. 2014.
• Porru D, Parmigiani A, Tinelli C, et al. Oral D-mannose in recurrent urinary tract infections. Journal of Clinical Urology. 2014.
• Lenger SM, Bradley MS, Thomas DA, et al. D-mannose vs. other agents for recurrent urinary tract infection prevention. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2020.
• Flores-Mireles AL, Walker JN, Caparon M, Hultgren SJ. Urinary tract infections: epidemiology, mechanisms of infection and treatment options. Nature Reviews Microbiology. 2015.
• Wellens A, Garofalo C, Nguyen H, et al. Intervening with urinary tract infections using the FimH-mannose interaction. PLoS One. 2008.
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and recurrent cystitis
The A-type proanthocyanidins (PAC-A) in cranberry interfere with the P-fimbriae of Escherichia coli, reducing bacterial adhesion, biofilm formation, and colonization of the urinary mucosa. Numerous meta-analyses confirm a reduction in the frequency of recurrences, particularly in women with rUTIs.
Key clinical studies and reviews
• Jepson RG, Williams G, Craig JC. Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2023.
• Fu Z, Liska D, Talan D, Chung M. Cranberry reduces the risk of urinary tract infection recurrence in otherwise healthy women. Journal of Nutrition. 2017.
• Wang CH, Fang CC, Chen NC, et al. Cranberry-containing products for prevention of urinary tract infections. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2012.
• Maki KC, Kaspar KL, Khoo C, et al. Consumption of a cranberry beverage lowered the number of clinical urinary tract infection episodes. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2016.
• Howell AB, Reed JD, Krueger CG, et al. A-type cranberry proanthocyanidins and urinary tract health. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2010.
• Foo LY, Lu Y, Howell AB, Vorsa N. A-type proanthocyanidins from cranberry inhibit adhesion of uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Journal of Natural Products. 2000.
Birch (Betula pubescens)
Birch is traditionally used as a diuretic. A physiological increase in urine flow promotes the flushing of the urinary tract, reduces urinary stasis, and helps eliminate microorganisms and inflammatory mediators. Its flavonoids and triterpenes have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory activity in experimental studies.
Monographs and scientific literature
• European Medicines Agency (EMA-HMPC). Community Herbal Monograph on Betula folium.
• European Medicines Agency. Assessment Report on Betula pendula Roth and Betula pubescens Ehrh. folium. EMA/HMPC. 2014.
• ESCOP Monographs. Betulae folium.
• Shikov AN, Pozharitskaya ON, Makarov VG, Wagner H. Betula species in traditional medicine and current pharmacological research. Phytotherapy Research. 2014.
• Wichtl M. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals.
Hibiscus sabdariffa
Hibiscus sabdariffa extracts are rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids, and organic acids. The literature highlights their antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, antioxidant, and diuretic activities, as well as their ability to help create a urinary environment that is less conducive to bacterial proliferation.
Key studies
• Da-Costa-Rocha I, Bonnlaender B, Sievers H, et al. Hibiscus sabdariffa L.: A phytochemical and pharmacological review. Food Chemistry. 2014.
• Ali BH, Wabel NA, Blunden G. Phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological aspects of Hibiscus sabdariffa. Phytotherapy Research.
• Cowdrey L, et al. Hibiscus sabdariffa extracts inhibit bacterial growth and biofilm formation. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2015.
• Mahadevan N, Shivali. Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn – An overview. Natural Product Radiance. 2009.
Clinical evidence for the combination formulation
The combination of D-mannose + cranberry + birch + hibiscus sabdariffa simultaneously addresses the main pathophysiological mechanisms of cystitis:
• reduction of Escherichia coli adhesion to the urothelium;
• reduction of bacterial biofilm formation;
• increased physiological flushing of the urinary tract;
• support for maintaining a urinary environment that is less conducive to bacterial proliferation;
• modulation of the local inflammatory response;
• reduction in the risk of recurrences without promoting antibiotic resistance.
Studies on the combination of ingredients
• Vicariotto F. Cranberry extract, D-mannose and Lactobacilli in women with recurrent cystitis. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. 2014.
• Koradia P, Kapadia S, Trivedi Y, et al. Probiotic and cranberry supplementation in urinary tract infections. Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy. 2019.
Main conditions supported by the literature for the use of Purisia ingredients
The available scientific evidence supports the use of the ingredients in Purisia Moltitudo as nutritional support for:
• recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs);
• uncomplicated acute cystitis (as complementary support to medical therapy);
• prevention of recurrences in predisposed women;
• mild urinary symptoms (burning, frequency, urgency);
• support for the physiological function of the urinary tract;
• strategies to reduce the repeated use of antibiotics (antibiotic stewardship) in recurrences, as assessed by the treating physician.
Additional supporting bibliography:
Chou, H. I., Chen, K. S., Wang, H. C., et al. (2016). Effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. extract on prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections. Journal of Functional Foods, 22, 451-458.
Howell, A. B., Botto, H., Combescure, C., et al. (2010). Dosage effect of cranberry proanthocyanidins on bacterial adhesion: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. BMC Infectious Diseases, 10, 94.
Kranjčec, B., Papeš, D., & Altarac, S. (2014). D-mannose powder for prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infections in women: a randomized clinical trial. World Journal of Urology, 32(1), 79-84.
Liska, D. J., Kern, H. J., & Maki, K. C. (2016).
Cranberry and Urinary Tract Health: Science-Based Evidence for Product Claims. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 60(12), 2580-2592.
Parsons, C. L. (2007). The role of a leaky epithelium and potassium in the pathogenesis of interstitial cystitis. BJU International, 100 Suppl 1, 6-11.