D-mannose
from cornA simple natural sugar that the body uses only in small amounts, so much of it reaches the urine. Researchers study D-mannose because the fimbriae of E. coli bind to it — the idea behind its use for the urinary tract.
Cystobact ingredients, one by one
Four active ingredients, each with a clear role. Here is what they are, where they come from and why formulators so often combine them for the urinary tract.
The full composition
| Ingredient | Form in Cystobact |
|---|---|
| D-mannose | Obtained from corn |
| Cranberry fruit | Dry extract 4:1 (Vaccinium oxycoccos) |
| Strawberry-tree leaf | Dry extract 4:1 (Arbutus unedo), 5% arbutin |
| Citrus bioflavonoids | 60% complex from Citrus aurantium fruit |
| Capsule | HPMC; anti-caking agent magnesium stearate |
Amounts per capsule are printed on the bottle. Recommended use: two capsules before lunch and one before dinner.
Cranberry extract 4:1
Vaccinium oxycoccosA concentrated dry extract of cranberry fruit — four parts of berries for one part of extract. Cranberries are rich in type-A proanthocyanidins (PACs), the polyphenols behind cranberry’s long tradition for the urinary tract.
Strawberry-tree leaf 4:1
Arbutus unedo · 5% arbutinA Mediterranean shrub whose leaves naturally contain arbutin — the same compound that made bearberry (uva-ursi) a classic herb for the bladder. The extract is standardised to 5% arbutin.
Citrus bioflavonoids 60%
Citrus aurantiumA plant-polyphenol complex from bitter orange fruit, valued for its antioxidant activity. It rounds off the formula with protection for the body’s own cells.
D-mannose: the sugar that does not feed you
D-mannose is a close relative of glucose, but the body uses very little of it for energy. A large share passes through the kidneys into the urine. That is exactly where it is interesting: E. coli attaches to the bladder wall with tiny hair-like fimbriae that bind to mannose. Researchers study whether free D-mannose in the urine can occupy those binding sites.
The European Association of Urology mentions D-mannose among the non-antibiotic options women can discuss with their doctor (EAU guidelines).
Cranberry 4:1: concentrated, not sugary
Cranberries contain type-A proanthocyanidins (PACs). A large Cochrane review published in 2023 found that cranberry products reduced the risk of repeat symptomatic urinary tract infections in women with recurrent infections (Cochrane via PubMed). A 4:1 dry extract delivers the fruit in concentrated form, without the sugar of juice.
Strawberry-tree leaf with 5% arbutin
Arbutus unedo grows wild around the Mediterranean. Its leaves, like those of bearberry (uva-ursi), naturally contain arbutin, a compound with a long tradition in herbal preparations for the bladder. Standardising the extract to 5% arbutin keeps every batch consistent.
Citrus bioflavonoids 60%
Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) provides a concentrated complex of flavonoids — plant polyphenols with antioxidant activity. In Cystobact they complete the formula alongside the berry polyphenols.
Why combine them?
Each ingredient works on a different part of the same idea: D-mannose and cranberry PACs relate to how bacteria attach, arbutin carries the herbal tradition of bearberry, and bioflavonoids add antioxidant support.
Combining them in capsules means one simple routine instead of juices, powders and teas.
Cystobact · £49
All four ingredients in one bottle of 30 capsules.
Order and delivery: United Kingdom only. The seller ships to UK addresses.
Frequently asked questions
Does Cystobact contain sugar?
D-mannose is a simple sugar, but the body hardly uses it for energy. The capsules do not contain added sugars like cranberry juice does.
Is it suitable for vegetarians?
The capsule shell is HPMC, a plant-based cellulose. Check the label for the full list.
Where does the D-mannose come from?
From corn, according to the composition published by the seller.