UVA URSI Overview Information
Uva ursi is a plant. The leaves are used to make medicine.
Bears are particularly fond of the fruit, which explains its Latin name, "uva ursi,” which means "bear's grape." Most authorities refer to Arctostaphylos uva-ursi as uva ursi. However, the related plants, Arctostaphylos adentricha and Arctostaphylos coactylis, have also been termed uva ursi by some experts.
Uva ursi is used primarily for urinary tract disorders, including infections of the kidney, bladder, and urethra; swelling (inflammation) of the urinary tract; increased urination; painful urination; and urine that contains excess uric acid or other acids. Uva ursi is also used for constipation and a lung condition called bronchitis.
Uva ursi, hops, and peppermint are also used in combination to treat people with compulsive bedwetting and painful urination.
How does it work?
Uva ursi can reduce bacteria in the urine. It can also reduce swelling (inflammation), and have a drying (astringent) effect on the tissues.
UVA URSI Uses & Effectiveness 
Insufficient Evidence for:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Developing research suggests that taking a combination product containing both uva ursi and dandelion by mouth seems to significantly reduce the recurrence rate of UTIs in women. However, since it isn't clear if this kind of extended use is safe, don’t use uva ursi for long-term prevention of UTIs.
- Swelling of the bladder and urethra.
- Swelling of the urinary tract.
- Constipation.
- Kidney infections.
- Bronchitis.
- Other conditions.
UVA URSI Side Effects & Safety
Uva ursi is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when used short-term. It can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, and a greenish-brown discoloration of the urine.
However, high doses or long-term use can cause liver damage, eye problems, breathing problems, convulsions, and death.
Don’t give uva ursi to children. It can cause severe liver problems.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Using uva ursi during pregnancy is LIKELY UNSAFE because it might start labor. Not enough is known about the safety of using uva ursi during breast-feeding. Avoid use if you are pregnant or nursing.Children: Don’t give uva ursi to children. It might cause severe liver problems.
Retinal thinning: Uva ursi contains a chemical that can thin the retina in the eye. This could worsen the condition of people whose retinas are already too thin. Avoid use if you have this problem.
UVA URSI Interactions
Moderate Interaction Be cautious with this combination
- Lithium interacts with UVA URSI
Uva ursi might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking uva ursi might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
UVA URSI Dosing
The appropriate dose of uva ursi depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for uva ursi. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
