Recurrent cystitis

Recurrent cystitis is a medical condition in which repeated urinary tract infections occur, specifically involving the urethra and the bladder.

It is a problem that mainly affects women, but it can also occur in men.

Acute cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder walls, generally caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract through the urethra, while recurrent cystitis indicates the recurrence of such infections at regular or frequent intervals. In other words, a person suffering from recurrent cystitis will have episodes of urinary tract infection that occur multiple times over a period of time.

Role of inflammation in recurrent cystitis

In the course of recurrent cystitis, the inflammatory state at the bladder level—triggered by a bacterial infection—very often tends to persist over time, even when the bacterial component has apparently been eradicated.

This sub-chronic inflammatory state is responsible for a whole series of symptoms consisting of burning, pain, and heaviness in the bladder area that can last for quite long periods and are the cause of significant discomfort in daily life.

Hibiscus extract and recurrent cystitis

Ellirose™, a specific extract from the calyxes of the hibiscus flower—a plant that grows in the regions of Central-Western Africa—has shown specific antiseptic properties against certain germs responsible for very common bacterial infections.

Thanks to a patented extraction method capable of obtaining the maximum concentration of active ingredients, Ellirose™ allows for an extract with:

• 45% polyphenolic compounds, specifically Proanthocyanidins

• 40% organic acids, specifically protocatechuic acid, citric acid, and malic acid.

Thanks to these active ingredients, Ellirose™ has proven effective in urinary tract infections of bacterial origin since:

• The proanthocyanidins inhibit the adhesion of bacteria to the cells of the bladder mucosa. Consequently, the bacteria can be eliminated through urine.

• The organic acids cause a rapid acidification of the urine, which helps create an unfavorable environment for bacterial growth.

Recent studies have demonstrated the specific ability of Hibiscus extract to inhibit the growth and development of Escherichia coli strains, a bacterium responsible for a high number of cases of recurrent cystitis.

Food supplement based on Hibiscus flower extract (Ellirose™) with proteolytic enzymes (enflog®) and vitamin C, useful for promoting the functionality of the urinary tract.

Ellirose™ and urinary tract infections: a clinical study

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study has provided further evidence that Ellirose™, a specific extract from hibiscus flower calyxes, can represent additional support for maintaining urinary tract health.

The clinical study evaluated the occurrence of urinary tract infections in women particularly prone to recurrences.

The results demonstrated that recurrences were reduced by 56% after 3 months and by 89% after 6 months of taking Ellirose™; this reduction was statistically significant after 6 months when compared to the placebo.

Taking Ellirose™ also led to a significant improvement in urinary well-being in 68% of patients, compared to 22% induced by the placebo.