Healthcare Providers
Help Your Patients Stay One Step Ahead of UTIs
ellura®, a natural non-antibiotic alternative for UTI management(7), delivers 36mg of soluble, bioactive PACs from 100% concentrated cranberry fruit juice extract(2,3). Trusted by healthcare professionals in the US for over 15 years.

ellura is Backed by Real Science and Designed for Results
Don’t settle for alternatives, choose the best for your patients’ urinary tract health(16,17).

A Clinically Effective Choice for rUTI Defense
ellura is not just a cranberry supplement, it’s the result of 20+ years of pioneering research, 22 Health Regulatory Agency approvals worldwide, and an unwavering commitment to provide the highest level of protection against rUTIs (2,13,15).
When it comes to science, precision, and quality, Pharmatoka sets the standard.

How ellura Works
Only Soluble A-type PACs and their metabolites inhibit uropathogenic E. coli bacteria from adhering to the epithelial cells lining the urinary tract(1,2,5), the critical first step in infection. This anti-adhesion effect begins within hours, peaks around 6 hours, and can last up to 24 hours(3).
Step 1. Bacteria Enter and Attach
Harmful E. coli from the gut can travel to the urinary tract, leading to UTIs.
Step 2. ellura Blocks
Clinically proven soluble PACs in ellura prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls.
Step 3. Bacteria Are Flushed Out
Without attachment, bacteria are naturally eliminated through urine.
Helping Against Antibiotic Resistance
The rise of antimicrobial resistance, particularly in UTIs, has led to more research on non-antibiotic options for the prevention of rUTIs(7). The use of bioactive potent cranberry products is recommended in the management of rUTIs in the 2022 AUA/CUA/SUFU Guidelines(4).
We select the finest cranberry fruit, the key to unlocking our high-quality extract Gikacran with exceptional bioactivity and potency(2,5). Backed by 20 years of cutting-edge research, our proprietary extract is crafted from the best cultivars across premium growing regions in the USA and Chile. We meticulously optimize variety, extraction yield, and proanthocyanidin (PAC) content to drive powerful Anti-Adhesion Activity. Sourced with precision and formulated with expertise, our Gikacran extract delivers unmatched quality and consistency(16,17).
In 2016, Pharmatoka achieved a major milestone in obtaining its first Marketing Authorization for ellura as a Traditional Herbal Medicinal Product from the UK’s MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency).
Currently, Pharmatoka holds 22 Marketing Authorizations for ellura worldwide, further solidifying its reputation for excellence and innovation. Trusted by healthcare professionals and patients alike, ellura stands as a scientifically proven product backed by Pharmatoka’s commitment to quality and efficacy. Produced in Switzerland by a pharma GMP-certified manufacturer, ellura guarantees the highest quality, potency, and purity in every capsule.
In the US, ellura is sold as a medical-grade dietary supplement, recommended by leading urologists and trusted by thousands of patients for exceptional urinary tract support.
Feel the ellura difference
Buy NowIn 2016, at Pharmatoka’s initiative (2012), the AHP published a 96-page monograph on cranberry, written by leading experts in cranberry research. These studies have highlighted the importance of standardized proanthocyanidins (PACs) in preventing bacterial adhesion. ellura stands out as a leading U.S. supplement, delivering 36 mg of PAC per capsule and the highest bioactivity ever measured, proven to reduce the adhesion of E. coli to the urinary tract wall epithelium, effectively disrupting UTI development(1,2,5).
Click here to read the UTI section of the monograph. To receive a copy of the full monograph, please contact us.(16)In 2018, the American Botanical Council (ABC) honored Pharmatoka with the prestigious Varro E. Tyler award, recognizing its investment in Phytomedicinal research. Acknowledging Pharmatoka’s leadership in cranberry science, ABC states that “Pharmatoka is respected for its research leadership on cranberry, and its research has helped to set the therapeutic standard for cranberry extracts”.*
This award reaffirms Pharmatoka’s commitment to innovation, quality, and evidence-based natural health solutions, reinforcing its position as a global leader in cranberry science.
*Citation Issue 118-2018-www.herbalgram.co
USP is a scientific nonprofit organization that sets public standards for identity, strength, quality, and purity of medicines and dietary supplements(17).
In December 2023, after more than 10 years of research and investigation and at the initiative of Pharmatoka, the USP published two Monographs on:
- Cranberry Fruit Juice Dry Extract (1)
- Cranberry Fruit Juice Dry Extract Capsules (2)
Pharmatoka’s Gikacran extract and ellura capsules were the reference products in both Monographs, reaffirming their scientific excellence and quality.

Scientific Studies
Learn more about some of ellura’s scientific and clinical studies.
ellura vs. D-Mannose, Howell AB, 2024
Side-by-side comparison shows ellura effectively prevents adhesion of both P-type and Type 1 pili of E. coli, unlike D-Mannose which targets only Type 1 pili. Read Study
Asymptomatic bacteriuria after cystoplasty, Botto H, 2010
Effectiveness of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), Ginkacran®, in reducing asymptomatic bacteriuria in patients following ileal enterocystoplasty. Read Study
Only soluble, A-Type PACs extracted from pure cranberry juice led to Anti-Adhesion Activity, Howell, 2021
In-vitro and ex-vivo P-fimbriated E. coli bacterial Anti-Adhesion Activity (AAA) (from different parts of the berry?) Read Study
Catheter-associated urinary tract infections, Thomas D, 2017
The cranberry supplement reduced symptomatic Catheter-associated UTIs, antibiotic resistance, and major causative organisms in this cohort. Read Study
Variability of commercial cranberry products for the prevention of uropathogenic bacterial adhesion, Chughtai B, 2016
There is a high variability of active compound among cranberry supplements. Most do not contain enough PACs for rUTI prevention. Read Study
Cranberry syrup shows non-inferiority to antibiotic for recurrent UTIs, Uberos J, 2012
Cranberry syrup vs trimethoprim in the prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infections among children: a controlled trial. Read Study
Optimal dose of ellura is identified for UTI prevention, Howell AB, 2010
Dosage effect on uropathogenic E. coli anti-adhesion activity in urine following consumption of cranberry powder standardized for proanthocyanidin content: a multicentric randomized double blind study.
36 mg PACs per day is the minimum effective dose. 72 mg/day provides more protection, but the difference in antiadhesion activity is negligible. Read Study
Additional studies are available upon email request.
Refer Your Patients
We are here to support you by helping your patients understand and order ellura. To refer a patient to ellura, please complete the information in the form linked below.
Resources For Your Patients
Resources For You
To request resources for your patients and for your office, please complete our form.
FAQs
About ellura
What is ellura?
Why does ellura have a new design?
What are the ingredients inellura?
Each capsule delivers a potent 36 mg of Proanthocyanidins (PACs) from 206 mg of concentrated cranberry juice extract (Gikacran), the key ingredient clinically proven to help prevent UTIs. Encapsulated in a 100% plant-based formula, ellura ensures optimal absorption and effectiveness(2,3,13).
Inactive ingredients: Mannitol, Magnesium Stearate, silicon dioxide, and the vegetable shell(Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose) are used to prevent ingredients from sticking together during the manufacturing process to increase product stability and keep the active ingredient (PACs) more bioavailable.Can I open the ellura capsules if I have trouble swallowing them?
How ellura Works
How does ellura work?
What are proanthocyanidins (PACs)?
Why is ellura better than other cranberry supplements?
How to Take ellura
Who can benefit from taking ellura?
Do I need a prescription to take ellura?
How often should I take ellura?
To maintain a clean urinary tract, take 1 capsule daily with water about the same time each day. ellura can be used occasionally or repeatedly, as needed, or as recommended by your healthcare provider. For specific triggers like sexual activity, travel, stress, dehydration, or early signs of discomfort, you can take 2 capsules per day as needed, then return to your regular dose of 1 capsule daily(3,8).
While ellura does not treat or cure a UTI, it helps reduce the risk of future infections. If you have an active UTI, take ellura daily alongside your prescribed antibiotics to help flush out bacteria.
Can I take ellura with a prescribed antibiotic?
Can ellura replace an antibiotic?
Quality
Is ellura suitable for vegans?
How is ellura tested for quality?
Safety Information
Is ellura acidic?
ellura has a similar acidity level (ph value) to a cup of coffee(5), soda(4-5), or tomatoes(4-5).
For Comparison: water has a neutral pH of 7; Cranberry juice is much more acidic, with a pH of 2.7. ellura falls about halfway between the two, with a pH of 4.44. This means ellura is mildly acidic but significantly less so than cranberry juice.
Although we compare ellura to a cup of coffee, rest assured that ellura does not contain any caffeine.
Can I be allergic to ellura?
Does ellura contain GMOs, artificial ingredients, or common allergens like gluten, dairy, or soy?
Is ellura suitable for children?
Is ellura safe for pregnant and nursing women?
Can I take ellura if I have diabetes?
Can I take ellura if I'm on blood thinners?
Are there any side effects from taking ellura?
Can I take ellura with other supplements or medications?
Can ellura cause kidney stones or worsen existing ones?
Does ellura help with interstitial cystitis (IC)?
REFERENCES:
- Howell, A. B., Vorsa, N., Der Marderosian, A., & Foo, L. Y. (1998). Inhibition of the adherence of P-fimbriated Escherichia coli to uroepithelial-cell surfaces by proanthocyanidin extracts from cranberries. The New England journal of medicine, 339(15), 1085–1086. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM199810083391516
- Howell AB, Dreyfus JF, Chughtai B. Differences in Urinary Bacterial Anti-Adhesion Activity after Intake of Cranberry Dietary Supplements with Soluble versus Insoluble Proanthocyanidins. J Diet Suppl.2022;19(5):621-639.
- Howell et al. , Dosage effect on uropathogenic Escherichia coli anti-adhesion activity in urine following consumption of cranberry powder standardized for proanthocyanidin content: a multicentric randomized double blind study.BMC Infectious Diseases 2010, 10:94
- Anger, J. T., Bixler, B. R., Holmes, R. S., Lee, U. J., Santiago-Lastra, Y., & Selph, S. S. Updates to Recurrent Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections in Women: AUA/CUA/SUFU Guideline. The Journal of Urology. 2022
- S. Bosley, Christian G. Krueger, A. Birmingham, AB. Howell, JD. Reed. Improved in vitro Hemagglutination Assays Utilizing P-Type and Type 1 Uropathogenic Escherichia coli to Evaluate Bacterial Anti-Adhesion Activity of Cranberry Products, Journal of Dietary Supplements 2024; 21(3): 327-343
- Storme O, Tiran Saucedo J, Garcia-Mora A, Dehesa-Davila M, Naber KG. Risk factors and predisposing conditions for urinary tract infection. The Adv Urol 2019;11:1756287218814382.
- Uberos J. et al. Cranberry syrup vs Trimethoprim in the prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infections among children: a controlled trial Open Access. Journal of CLinical Trials 2012:4: 31-38
- Lavigne JP, Bourg G, Combescure C, et al. (2008) In vitro and in vivo evidence of dose-dependent decrease of uropathogenic Escherichia coli virulence after consumption of commercial Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) capsules. Clin Microbiol Infect 14(4): 350–5.
- Botto H. Neuzillet Y. (2010) Effectiveness of a cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) preparation in reducing asymptomatic bacteriuria in patients with an ileal enterocystoplasty. Scand J Urol Nephrol 2010 Apr; 44(3):165-8.
- Muthani-Mehta et al. (2012) Pilot randomized controlled dosing study of cranberry capsules for reduction of bacteriuria plus pyuria in female nursing home residents. Letters to the editor. June 2012 – Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Vol 60, n°6.
- Thomas D et al. (2017) Can Urol Assoc J. Does cranberry have a role in catheter-associated urinary tract infections? Can Urol Assoc J 2017;11(11):E421-4. Lavigne JP, G.Bourg, H.Botto, A. Sotto. (2007) Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and urinary tract infections : study model and review of literature. Pathologie Biologie 2007.07.005.
- Howell AB, Dreyfus JF, Bosley S, Krueger CG, Birmingham A, Reed JD, Chughtai B. Differences in P-Type and Type 1 Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Urinary Anti-Adhesion Activity of Cranberry Fruit Juice Dry Extract Product and D-Mannose Dietary Supplement. J Diet Suppl. 2024 May 28:1-27.
- Sintara M, Li L, Cunningham DG, Prior RL, Wu X, Chang T. Single-Laboratory Validation for Determination of Total Soluble Proanthocyanidins in Cranberry Using 4-Dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde. J AOAC Int. 2018 May 1;101(3):805-809.
- Chughtai B, Thomas D, Howell A. Variability of commercial cranberry dietary supplements for the prevention of uropathogenic bacterial adhesion. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2016;215(1):122-123.
- AHP - Upton, R., & Brendler, T. (2016). Cranberry Fruit Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton- Standards of Analysis, Quality Control, and Therapeutics. American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP) and Therapeutic Compendium. American Herbal Pharmacopoeia® • Cranberry Fruit • 2016
- USP - Cranberry Fruit Juice Dry Extract. (2023). United States Pharacopeia-National Formulary (USP-NF).
- Howell, A. B., Vorsa, N., Der Marderosian, A., & Foo, L. Y. (1998). Inhibition of the adherence of P-fimbriated Escherichia coli to uroepithelial-cell surfaces by proanthocyanidin extracts from cranberries. The New England Journal of Medicine, 339(15), 1085–1086. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM199810083391516
- Howell, A. B., Dreyfus, J. F., & Chughtai, B. (2022). Differences in urinary bacterial anti-adhesion activity after intake of cranberry dietary supplements with soluble versus insoluble proanthocyanidins. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 19(5), 621–639.
- Howell, A. B., et al. (2010). Dosage effect on uropathogenic Escherichia coli anti-adhesion activity in urine following consumption of cranberry powder standardized for proanthocyanidin content: A multicentric randomized double blind study. BMC Infectious Diseases, 10, 94.
- Anger, J. T., Bixler, B. R., Holmes, R. S., Lee, U. J., Santiago-Lastra, Y., & Selph, S. S. (2022). Updates to recurrent uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women: AUA/CUA/SUFU Guideline. The Journal of Urology.
- Bosley, S., Krueger, C. G., Birmingham, A., Howell, A. B., & Reed, J. D. (2024). Improved in vitro hemagglutination assays utilizing P-type and type 1 uropathogenic Escherichia coli to evaluate bacterial anti-adhesion activity of cranberry products. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 21(3), 327–343.
- Storme, O., Tirán Saucedo, J., Garcia-Mora, A., Dehesa-Dávila, M., & Naber, K. G. (2019). Risk factors and predisposing conditions for urinary tract infection. Therapeutic Advances in Urology, 11, 1756287218814382.
- Uberos, J., et al. (2012). Cranberry syrup vs trimethoprim in the prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infections among children: A controlled trial. Open Access Journal of Clinical Trials, 4, 31–38.
- Lavigne, J. P., Bourg, G., Combescure, C., et al. (2008). In vitro and in vivo evidence of dose-dependent decrease of uropathogenic Escherichia coli virulence after consumption of commercial Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) capsules. Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 14(4), 350–355.
- Botto, H., & Neuzillet, Y. (2010). Effectiveness of a cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) preparation in reducing asymptomatic bacteriuria in patients with an ileal enterocystoplasty. Scandinavian Journal of Urology and Nephrology, 44(3), 165–168.
- Juthani-Mehta, M., et al. (2012). Pilot randomized controlled dosing study of cranberry capsules for reduction of bacteriuria plus pyuria in female nursing home residents. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 60(6).
- Thomas, D., et al. (2017). Does cranberry have a role in catheter-associated urinary tract infections? Canadian Urological Association Journal, 11(11), E421–E424.
- Lavigne, J. P., Bourg, G., Botto, H., & Sotto, A. (2007). Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and urinary tract infections: Study model and review of literature. Pathologie Biologie, 2007.07.005.
- Howell, A. B., Dreyfus, J. F., Bosley, S., Krueger, C. G., Birmingham, A., Reed, J. D., & Chughtai, B. (2024). Differences in P-type and type 1 uropathogenic Escherichia coli urinary anti-adhesion activity of cranberry fruit juice dry extract product and D-mannose dietary supplement. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 1–27.
- Sintara, M., Li, L., Cunningham, D. G., Prior, R. L., Wu, X., & Chang, T. (2018). Single-laboratory validation for determination of total soluble proanthocyanidins in cranberry using 4-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde. Journal of AOAC International, 101(3), 805–809.
- Chughtai, B., Thomas, D., & Howell, A. (2016). Variability of commercial cranberry dietary supplements for the prevention of uropathogenic bacterial adhesion. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 215(1), 122–123.
- Upton, R., & Brendler, T. (2016). Cranberry fruit Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton - Standards of analysis, quality control, and therapeutics. American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and Therapeutic Compendium.
- Cranberry Fruit Juice Dry Extract. (2023). United States Pharmacopeia-National Formulary (USP-NF).