Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.) has been traditionally used by Indigenous peoples and herbalists for urinary tract conditions, including bladder infections. The leaves of manzanita contain arbutin, a compound also found in related plants like bearberry (Uva-ursi), which is better documented in herbal medicine. Historically, manzanita leaf infusions or decoctions were employed as a mild diuretic and urinary antiseptic. The traditional rationale stems from observations of symptom relief rather than controlled scientific studies.

Scientific research specifically investigating manzanita’s efficacy for bladder infections is scarce. Most evidence is extrapolated from studies on arbutin-containing plants, where arbutin is metabolized into hydroquinone—a compound with antibacterial effects in urine. However, the arbutin content in manzanita is typically lower than in Uva-ursi, and there are no robust clinical trials directly measuring manzanita's impact on urinary tract infections (UTIs). As such, while its traditional use is well-documented, scientific validation supporting its effectiveness for bladder infections is weak.

In summary, manzanita’s application for bladder infections is primarily justified by tradition rather than modern scientific evidence. Its use should be approached cautiously and not as a substitute for conventional medical treatment.

More about manzanita
More about Bladder Infection

Other ingredients used for Bladder Infection

Other health conditions supported by manzanita

Products containing manzanita