Synopsis

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

Arbutin is a natural compound found in plants such as bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) and has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe and North America, for urinary tract health. Traditionally, bearberry leaf extracts containing arbutin have been used to help manage urinary tract infections, including kidney infections (pyelonephritis), based on the belief that arbutin is metabolized in the body to hydroquinone, which possesses antibacterial properties, especially in alkaline urine.

However, while there is traditional use for lower urinary tract infections (like cystitis), the evidence for arbutin's effectiveness in treating kidney infections specifically is limited. Few clinical studies have focused on its efficacy for pyelonephritis. The majority of modern research and clinical guidelines do not recommend arbutin or bearberry extracts as a primary therapy for kidney infections, which are considered serious conditions typically requiring antibiotics. Some in vitro studies have shown that arbutin and its metabolites can inhibit bacterial growth, but robust clinical trials are lacking.

In summary, the use of arbutin for kidney infections is primarily supported by traditional herbal practice, with limited scientific validation and a lack of high-quality clinical evidence for this specific indication.

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