Arctostaphylos uva ursi (L.) Sprengel (Ericaceae), commonly called Bearberry (Arctostaphylos is Greek for bearberry). In French, it is Rasin d'ours or Busserole; in German, Bä...
* 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
Name
Arctostaphylos uva ursi (L.) Sprengel (Ericaceae), commonly called Bearberry (Arctostaphylos is Greek for bearberry). In French, it is Rasin d'ours or Busserole; in German, Bärentraube and, Bärentraubenblätter.
Source
Remedies are made from the dried leaves. The plant is a trailing perennial ground cover that resembles cranberry. Even though it is the berries that attract bears, they are not thought to have any medicinal value. Only the leaves are used as medicines. Uva ursi grows in most temperate climates. It probably came originally from northern Asia.
History
The Greeks and Romans used this shrub to treat urinary tract symptoms, and the practice continued well on into the Middle Ages. As herbal remedies have become more popular, there has been renewed interest in using uva ursi to treat an assortment of urinary tract afflictions.
Traditional Claims
Urinary tract anti-inflammatory
Commission E Recommendations
Uva ursi is used to treat inflammation of the urinary tract.
Proven Effects
The active ingredients are thought to be a molecule called arbutin, and a related compound called hydroquinone, along with tannins and flavonoids. If the urine happens to be alkaline, arbutin and hydroquinone assume an active form that can prevent the growth of bacteria. This means that to get the maximal effect, bicarbonate, or something similar, has to be taken along with the uva ursi. There is also some evidence that uva ursi extracts might help to dissolve or prevent uric acid kidney stones. Unfortunately, the vast majority (>85 percent) of kidney stones are made of calcium, not uric acid. Even more unfortunate is the fact that there are no clinical trials to back up any of these claims.
References
Grases F, Melero G, Costa-Bauza A, Prieto R, March JG. Urolithiasis and phytotherapy. mt Urol Nephrol 1994;26(5):507-1 1.
Matsuda H, Tanaka T, Kubo M. [Pharmacological studies on leaf of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. III. Combined effect of arbutin and indomethacin on immuno-inflammation]. Yakugaku Zasshi 1991;111(4-5):253-8.
Matsuda H, Higashino M, Nakai Y, linuma M, Kubo M, Lang FA. Studies of cuticle drugs from natural sources. IV. Inhibitory effects of some Arctostaphylos plants on melanin biosynthesis. Biol Pharm Bull 1996;19(1):153-6.
Ritch-Krc EM, Thomas S, Turner NJ, Towers GH. Carrier herbal medicine: traditional and contemporary plant use. J Ethnopharmacol 1996;52(2):85-94.
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Directions
Take 1 capsule, 3 times daily, with meals.
Additional Information
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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."
