Evidence supporting the use of: Uva Ursi
For the health condition: Urinary Tract Infections
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), also known as bearberry, has a long history of traditional use for urinary tract health, particularly in Europe and North America. The leaves contain arbutin, which is converted in the body to hydroquinone, a compound with antimicrobial properties. Historically, herbalists have used Uva Ursi as a remedy for mild urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder inflammation. The traditional use is supported by texts from as early as the 13th century and was included in several pharmacopoeias up to the 20th century. Modern scientific studies on Uva Ursi are limited and results are mixed. Some in vitro studies suggest uva ursi extracts can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria associated with UTIs, such as Escherichia coli. However, clinical trials in humans are rare and often of poor quality or small sample size. Reviews of the literature generally conclude that while there is some evidence of antimicrobial activity, there is insufficient robust clinical data to recommend uva ursi as a primary treatment for UTIs. Safety concerns, especially with long-term use due to potential toxicity of hydroquinone, further limit its recommendation in modern practice. In summary, uva ursi’s use for UTIs is primarily based on traditional herbal practice, with some preliminary scientific support, but lacking strong clinical evidence.
Other ingredients used for Urinary Tract Infections
AlfalfaAloe vera
anthocyanins
asparagus
astragalus
bacillus subtilis
barberry
bearberry
berberine
berry flavor
black currant
radish
cassia bark
celery
cranberry
cucumber
D-mannose
dandelion
dong quai root
Melon
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
fennel
fenugreek
fruit blend (proprietary)
fu ling
gokhru
goldenseal
green tea
hibiscus
Indian gum arabic tree
honeysuckle
knotweed
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus brevis
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus crispatus
Lactobacillus fermentum
Lactobacillus gasseri
Lactobacillus jensenii
Lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus salivarius
lophatherum leaf
Methenamine
okra
ophiopogon root
pumpkin
pygeum
sage
vitamin C
Watercress
Watermelon
Mulberry
sarsaparilla
cardamom
smilax
Swertia
goldenrod
pau d'arco
juniper berries
cornsilk
buchu
birch
couch grass
sheep's sorrel
hydrangea
purslane
coix
shepherd's purse
goji berry
gravel root
Akebia
apple cider vinegar
Angelica
arbutin
Agave
Agrimony
Aronia melanocarpa
Achyranthes
anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Alchemilla
asafoetida
aucubin
Aerva lanata
Adzuki bean
Agrimonia pilosa
Alisma
Abuta
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
bergenin
Berberis (unspecified)
big quaking grass
bael
black gram
Bauhinia
baobab
baicalin
Bergenia
bottle gourd
cloudberry
Cucurbita
coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
carvacrol
chanca piedra
Coconut Water
Cistus
cubeb
Crinum latifolium
Coin-leaf desmodium
corn
carambola
Cynodon dactylon
currant
dwarf morning glory
Desmodium
Euryale seed
fleabane
Graviola
Galium
Guazuma ulmifolia
heather
horse gram
Houttuynia
hydroxyquinoline
Java tea
Job\'s tears
Kachnar
knotgrass
Lactobacillus plantarum
lime
Lactobacillus pentosus
Lomatium
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lophira lanceolata
Lespedeza capitata
Long Buchu
lingonberry
Lactobacillus
Loranthus
Lysimachia
Longleaf buchu
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Mung bean
Marsh Tea
Mormon Tea
Methyl arbutin
mannose
manzanita
Oldenlandia diffusa
Ovate Buchu
Pata de Vaca
Phragmites
Pepper Bark Tree
Pelargonium
Pareira
Pedalium
pointed gourd
Pedra hume
Pipsissewa
Pyrola
Palo Azul
rosthorn snake gourd
Rhus coriaria
Rosa laevigata
Rumex acetosa
Sambucus nigra
Spiny Restharrow
Semecarpus anacardium
saponins
Scirpus
Stachytarpheta cayennensis
Stone Root
Shilajit
Tannins
Tribuloside
Taraxacum
Taraxol
Vasicine
Withanolides
Other health conditions supported by Uva Ursi
Bladder (irritable)Bladder Infection
Blood in Urine
Infection (bacterial)
Kidney Infection
Urinary Tract Infections
Urination (burning or painful)
