Synopsis

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

Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), also known as bearberry, has been traditionally used in herbal medicine, especially in Europe and North America, for urinary tract issues, including the presence of blood in urine (hematuria). The use of Uva Ursi in this context is primarily rooted in traditional medicine rather than robust scientific evidence. Historically, the plant’s leaves were used for their purported antiseptic and astringent properties, believed to help soothe the urinary tract and reduce inflammation. The active compound arbutin is converted in the body to hydroquinone, which has mild antibacterial effects in alkaline urine.

While Uva Ursi has demonstrated some antibacterial activity in laboratory studies, and there are a few small, short-term clinical trials suggesting it may help in uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), there is no significant clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness specifically for treating hematuria or blood in urine. Most modern medical guidelines do not recommend Uva Ursi for this indication, and hematuria can have many causes that require proper diagnosis and management. Additionally, long-term use or high doses of Uva Ursi can be toxic due to hydroquinone, and its safety is not established for all populations.

In summary, while Uva Ursi has a longstanding tradition of use for urinary tract complaints, including blood in urine, current scientific validation for this specific use is limited and weak.

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