UVA URSI: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is a small, evergreen shrub with orange berries. The leaves have been traditionally used as medicine.

Uva ursi can reduce bacteria in the urine and also increase urine flow. It also seems to reduce swelling. Bears are very fond of the uva ursi fruit. The Latin name "uva ursi" means "bear's grape".

Uva ursi is used for urinary tract infections (UTIs), enlarged prostate, bronchitis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Lithium interacts with UVA URSI
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.
Drugs that acidify the urine interacts with UVA URSI
Uva ursi is sometimes used for urinary problems. It seems to work best when the urine is less acidic. Taking uva ursi with drugs that make the urine more acidic might decrease the effects of uva ursi . Before using uva ursi, talk with your healthcare provider to see if any of the medications you are taking will make your urine more acidic.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with UVA URSI
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Uva ursi might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with UVA URSI
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Uva ursi might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Glucuronidated drugs) interacts with UVA URSI
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Uva ursi might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Minor Interaction

Be watchful with this combination

Medications moved by pumps in cells (P-glycoprotein Substrates) interacts with UVA URSI
Some medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. Uva ursi might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.

View References

REFERENCES:

Arndt KA, Fitzpatrick TB. Topical use of hydroquinone as a depigmenting agent. JAMA 1965;194(9):965-967. View abstract.

Beaux, D., Fleurentin, J., and Mortier, F. Effect of extracts of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth, Hieracium pilosella L., Sambucus nigra L. and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. in rats. Phytother.Res 1999;13(3):222-225. View abstract.

Chakraborty AK, Funasaka Y, Komoto M, et al. Effect of arbutin on melanogenic proteins in human melanocytes. Pigment Cell Res 1998;11(4):206-212. View abstract.

Grases, F., Melero, G., Costa-Bauza, A., Prieto, R., and March, J. G. Urolithiasis and phytotherapy. Int Urol Nephrol 1994;26(5):507-511. View abstract.

Kruszewska H, Zareba T, Tyski S. Examination of antimicrobial activity of selected non-antibiotic drugs. Acta Pol Pharm 2004;61 Suppl:18-21. View abstract.

Kubo M, Ito M, Nakata H, et al. [Pharmacological studies on leaf of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. I. Combined effect of 50% methanolic extract from Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. (bearberry leaf) and prednisolone on immuno-inflammation]. Yakugaku Zasshi 1990;110(1):59-67. View abstract.

Larsson B, Jonasson A, Fianu S. Prophylactic effect of UVA-E in women with recurrent cystitis: a preliminary report. Current Therapeutic Research 1993;53(4):441-443.

Maeda K, Fukuda M. Arbutin: mechanism of its depigmenting action in human melanocyte culture. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1996;276(2):765-769. View abstract.

Matsuda H, Higashino M, Nakai Y, et al. Studies of cuticle drugs from natural sources. IV. Inhibitory effects of some Arctostaphylos plants on melanin biosynthesis. Biol Pharm Bull 1996;19(1):153-156. View abstract.

Paper DH, Koehler J, Franz G. Bioavailability of drug preparations containing a leaf extract of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. (Uvae ursi folium). Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Lett 1993;3:63-66.

Parejo I, Viladomat F, Bastida J, et al. A single extraction step in the quantitative analysis of arbutin in bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) leaves by high-performance liquid chromatography. Phytochem Anal 2001;12(5):336-339. View abstract.

Pizzorno J, Murry M. Textbook of Natural Medicine. 1999;989-990, 1187.

Quintus J, Kovar KA, Link P, et al. Urinary excretion of arbutin metabolites after oral administration of bearberry leaf extracts. Planta Med 2005;71(2):147-152. View abstract.

Shimizu M, Shiota S, Mizushima T, et al. Marked potentiation of activity of beta-lactams against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by corilagin. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2001;45(11):3198-3201. View abstract.

Sugai T. [Clinical effects of arbutin in patients with chloasma]. Skin Research 1992;34:522-529.

Turi, M., Turi, E., Koljalg, S., and Mikelsaar, M. Influence of aqueous extracts of medicinal plants on surface hydrophobicity of Escherichia coli strains of different origin. APMIS 1997;105(12):956-962. View abstract.

Wahner C, Schonert J, Friedrich H. [Knowledge of the tannin contained in leaves of the bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi L)]. Pharmazie 1974;29(9):616-617. View abstract.

Chauhan B, Yu C, Krantis A, et al. In vitro activity of uva-ursi against cytochrome P450 isoenzymes and P-glycoprotein. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2007;85(11):1099-107. View abstract.

de Arriba SG, Naser B, Nolte KU. Risk assessment of free hydroquinone derived from Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi folium herbal preparations. Int J Toxicol. 2013;32(6):442-453.

Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal, 4th ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1999.

Larsson B, Jonasson A, Fianu S. Prophylactic effect of UVA-E in women with recurrent cystitis: a preliminary report. Curr Ther Res 1993;53:441-3.

Moore M, Trill J, Simpson C, et al. Uva-ursi extract and ibuprofen as alternative treatments for uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women (ATAFUTI): a factorial randomized trial. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2019;25(8):973-980. View abstract.

Park JB, Kim D, Min JS, et al. Identification and characterization of in vitro inhibitors against UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 in uva-ursi extracts and evaluation of in vivo uva-ursi-drug interactions. Food Chem Toxicol. 2018;120:651-661. View abstract.

Wang L, Del Priore LV. Bull's-eye maculopathy secondary to herbal toxicity from uva ursi. Am J Ophthalmol 2004;137:1135-7. View abstract.

Understanding Heartburn: The Basics

Chronic Conditions Common in Minorities

5 Health Benefits of Hemp

Vitamins and Supplements to Avoid with Hepatitis C

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS CENTER

DRUGS AND MEDICATIONS CENTER

FIRST AID RESOURCES

RELATED TO VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS

UVA URSI - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Lithium interacts with UVA URSI

Drugs that acidify the urine interacts with UVA URSI

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with UVA URSI

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with UVA URSI

Medications changed by the liver (Glucuronidated drugs) interacts with UVA URSI

Minor Interaction

Medications moved by pumps in cells (P-glycoprotein Substrates) interacts with UVA URSI

Dosing

You Might Also Like

WebMD Special Sections

Health Solutions

More from WebMD