Uva ursi is a small, evergreen shrub with orange berries.¹ The common name of uva ursi in Canada and United states is Kinnikinnick.² Uva ursi is one of the species referred to as bearberry.² Due to its anti-septic and diuretic properties, the leaves are traditionally used to treat urinary tract infection.² Uva ursi has now been approved as a treatment for urinary tract infection by Germany authority. In United Kingdom, uva ursi is an over-the-counter (OTC) drug.²
Uva ursi is a useful herb for urinary tract infection. The leaves contain arbutin content which possesses antimicrobial properties.³⁻⁴ The component is hydrolysed in the bowel to glucose and the aglycone hydroquinone which is absorbed and glucuronidated in the liver. Hydroquinone glucuronide is then carried to the kidneys and excreted in the urine. Hydroquinone glucuronide decomposes into hydroquinone in alkaline condition of urine. Hydroquinone acts as an antimicrobial agent to fight against E. coli.⁵
Uva ursi exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to fight against Cutibacterium acnes. An in-vitro study showed that uva ursi demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of Cutibacterium acnes by exhibiting inhibition area of 24mm and a bacteriostatic action of up to 0.6 mg/mL.⁶ Cutibacterium acnes triggers the secretion of cytokine in acne inflammation pathogenesis. In the in-vitro study, uva ursi exhibited a marked cytokine suppressive effect. This result demonstrated uva ursi possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties.
Cutibacterium acnes has shown a worrying increase in resistance to macrolides and tetracyclines. Uva ursi with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties could be an alternative option to treat acne vulgaris. However, further investigation is needed to better understand the mechanism of action of uva ursi against Cutibacterium acnes.⁶
Free hydroquinone in uva ursi is often removed from supplements and generally safe for consumption. Common side effects are nausea, vomiting and turning urine into greenish-brown.
The recommended dose of Uva ursi for urinary ailment is between 420-600mg, divided in three doses throughout the day (140-220mg, three times).
Pregnancy: Using uva ursi during pregnancy is likely unsafe.⁷
Breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if uva ursi is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.⁷
Children: Uva ursi is possibly unsafe in children when taken by mouth. It contains a chemical that might cause severe liver problems.
Free hydroquinone in uva ursi is often removed from supplements and generally safe for consumption. Common side effects are nausea, vomiting and turning urine into greenish-brown.
The recommended dose of Uva ursi for urinary ailment is between 420-600mg, divided in three doses throughout the day (140-220mg, three times).
Pregnancy: Using uva ursi during pregnancy is likely unsafe.⁷
Breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if uva ursi is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.⁷
Children: Uva ursi is possibly unsafe in children when taken by mouth. It contains a chemical that might cause severe liver problems.
The material is prepared for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a piece of personal medical advice. Owing to each person’s varying health needs, a physician should be consulted before acting on any information provided in this material. Although every effort is made to ensure that this material is accurate, it is compiled for internal use only and should not be considered definitive. Neither VitaHealth nor its employees, or information providers shall be responsible or liable for any errors, inaccuracies, or other defects in the information contained in this publication.
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