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Uva Ursi
(Arctostaphylos uva ursi)
Description
Found in northern Europe, Asia and North America, uva ursi
leaves contain chemicals, which convert into hydroquinones
upon contact with urine, thereby disinfecting the urine and
its related organs. This property makes uva ursi highly successful
in treating many urinary-tract disorders.
Herbal Uses
Uva ursi has long been used
to treat urinary conditions in America and Europe. The main
active component of uva ursi, arbutin, was prescribed as a
urinary antiseptic up until the development of sulfa antibiotics.
Suggested Intakes
Part of the plant used:
LEAF.
Dosage should be adjusted
to 400-800 mg arbutin daily (1).
Take with meals to minimise
gastrointestinal upset. For maximum effectiveness, do not
take with Vitamin
C or Cranberry
juice. Calcium
supplements may enhance effectiveness.
If improvement is not seen
in 1 week, seek medical attention. Uva ursi should not be
taken for more than 2 weeks or used more than 5 times a year.
Supplemental Uses
Urinary tract infections:
The European Scientific Co-operative on Phytotherapy recommends
using uva ursi to treat urinary tract Infections that do not
require antibiotic treatment, such as cystitis. The herb is
most effective in the early stages of an infection.
The mechanism of treatment
appears to involve the breakdown of arbutin into hydroquinone
in the intestines. Upon alteration by the liver, the final
chemical travels to the kidney for excretion. It works as
an antiseptic in the bladder. Studies have confirmed the antibacterial
properties of uva ursi, although its clinical effectiveness
has not been formally evaluated (2,3).
The herb is not indicated
for kidney infections. Symptoms such as high fever, chills,
nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, or severe back Pain require immediate
medical assistance.
Other disorders that may
be treated with uva ursi include the following: bladder stones,
nephritis, Kidney stones, and weakened liver and kidneys.
Safety and Precautions
Uva ursi should be used
cautiously, due to the toxicity of arbutin, its active component.
Hydroquinone is a liver toxin, carcinogen, and irritant (4,5).
If taken in a pure state, arbutin can cause Tinnitus, Vomiting,
delirium, convulsions, collapse, and possible death.
Severe side effects are
rare if the herb is used for only a short period of time.
Gastrointestinal distress ranging from mild nausea to Vomiting
can occur, especially with prolonged use (6).
Uva ursi is not recommended
for young children, nursing or pregnant women, or patients
with severe liver or kidney disease.
Interactions and Contra-Indications
Uva ursi is less effective
if taken with drugs or supplements that increase the acidity
of the urine. Examples include Vitamin
C and Cranberry
juice.
References
1. ESCOP monographs. Fascicule
5: Uvae Ursi Folium. Exeter, UK: European Scientific Co-operative
on Phytotherapy, 1997.
2. Frohne V, et al. Untersuchungen zur Frage der harndesifizierenden
Wirkungen von Barentraubenblatt-extracten. Planta Med 18:
1-25, 1970.
3. Kedzia B, et al. Antibacterial action of urine containing
arbutin metabolic products. Med Dosw Mikrobiol 27: 305-314,
1975.
4. Nowak AK, et al. Darkroom hepatitis after exposure to hydroquinone.
Lancet 345: 1187, 1995.
5. U.S. environmental Protection Agency. Extremely hazardous
substances. Superfund chemical profiles. Park Ridge, NJ: Noyes
Data Corporation, 1988: 1906-1907.
6. ESCOP monographs. Fascicule 2: Uvae Ursi Folium. Exeter,
UK: European Scientific Co-operative on Phytotherapy, 1997. | 
