* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description
Uva Ursi Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng.
Family: Ericaeae.
Other Names: Bearberry; upland cranberry; raisin d'ours, busserole officinale (French); Echte Bärentraube (German); uva ursina (Italian); gayuba del pays (Spanish).
Description: Bearberry is a variable evergreen shrub with small bright green leaves. The branches grow flat along the ground and are smooth, with reddish brown, flaldng bark. Delicate, white or pinkish urn-shaped flowers are followed by bright red berries.
Origin: The plant is widely distributed in the arctic region and is common in Europe, Asia and North America. Leaves are wild-harvested.
Parts Used: Leaves (Uvae ursi folium).
Therapeutic Category: Urinary antiseptic.
Uses and Properties: Bearberry is traditionally used as a urinary antiseptic, mainly to treat infections and inflammatory disorders of the lower urinary tract. Specific indications are given as cystitis, dysuria, pyelitis and lithuria.
Active Ingredients: The leaves contain a phenolic glycoside known as arbutin, together with other hydroquinone derivatives. Arbutin is not in itself active, but is metabolically modified to hydroquinone derivatives (such as hydroquinone glucuronide and hydroquinone sulphate). It has been assumed (but not shown experimentally) that these compounds are hydrolysed in alkaline urine to the active hydroquinone, so that sodium bicarbonate may be prescribed as part of the treatment. The leaves also contain large amounts of tannins (gallotannins and ellagitannins), a well as hyperoside (a flavone), monotropeine (an indoidglucoside) and triterpenes.
Pharmacological Effects: Hydroquinone is active against bacteria and fungi and has an antiseptic and astringent effect on the mucous membranes of the urinary tract. The maximum activity is seen after 3-4 hours but the concentration in urine must exceed 60 µg per ml. The effects of hydroquinone have been demonstrated in animal studies.
Status: Pharm.; Comm. E+; ESCOP 5; WHO 2.
Preparation and Dosage: The dried leaves are taken as infusions and are commonly included in commercial herbal teas marketed for kidney arid bladder health. The maximum single dose is 3 g of the dry herb (or preparations containing 100 - 210 mg hydroquinone equivalents), while the maximum daily dose is 3 g of herb taken up to four times per day (or 400 - 840 mg of hydroquinones).
Historical evidence suggests uva ursi may be an effective treatment for some urinary tract infections, and that it may possibly prevent uric acid kidney stones. However, clinical trials proving such a benefit have never been carried out, and the plant contains too many known carcinogens to use on a regular basis, which is what would be required to prevent kidney stone formation.
It is not clear whether or not the potentially adverse effects of the identified carcinogens in uva ursi are mitigated - or entirely eliminated - by the presence of other compounds in the herb making it safe for long-term use. Further testing is required to make any definite assertions concerning the safety of uva ursi one way or another.
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Directions
As an herbal dietary supplement, take 2 capsules 1-3 times daily, preferably with meals.
Ingredients
Uva Ursi - 450 mg
Cautions
Not for prolonged use without consulting a health practitioner. May cause green color in urine. Discontinue use if nausea or upset stomach occurs. Contraindicated in kidney disorders and irritated digestive conditions.
Arbutin-containing medication should not be used for prolonged periods (a maximum of one week at a time and no more than five times per year).
Additional Information
Herb-Xtra is committed to the manufacture of high quality, standardized and guaranteed natural health products and supplements.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
