Uva Ursi
Other names
arctostaphylos
arctostaphylos pinguica
arctostaphylos uva ursi
arctostaphylos uva-ursi
arctostaphylos uva ursi leaf extract
arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract
arctostaphylos uva-ursi, powder
arctostaphylos uva ursi (uva ursi) leaf extract
bear berry
bearberry
bearberry (arctostaphylos) berry
bearberry (arctostaphylos uva-ursi) (leaf) extract
bearberry extract
bearberry glycerite liquid extract
bearberry leaf 4:1 concentrate
bearberry leaf extract
bearberry leaf extract 4:1
certified organic uva ursi (arctostaphylos uva-ursi) dried herb liquid extract
certified organic uva ursi extract
dried uva-ursi herb extract
dried uva-ursi leaf extract
organic uva ursi
organic uva ursi leaf extract
uva ursi
uva-ursi
uva ursi 3:1 extract
uva ursi 4:1 extract
uva ursi 4:1 extract powder
uva ursi (arctostaphylos pungens) leaf powder
uva ursi (arctostaphylos uva-ursi) extract
uva ursi (arctostaphylos uva-ursi) leaf 3:1 extract
uva ursi (arctostaphylos uva-ursi) leaf extract
uva-ursi (arctostaphylos uva-ursi) leaf extract
uva ursi (arctostaphylos uva-ursi) leaf powder
uva-ursi (arctostaphylos uva-ursi) (leaf) powder
uva ursi (arctostaphylos uva-ursi) powder
uva ursi (artostaphylos uva-ursi) powder
uva ursi (bearberry) leaf powder
uva ursi dried extract
uva ursi ext
uva ursi ext.
uva ursi extract
uva-ursi extract
uva ursi extract 3:1
uva-ursi extractives
uva ursi extract, powder
uva-ursi, freeze-dried
uva-ursi, freeze-dried, fresh
uva ursi, freeze-dried, raw
uva ursi glycerite liquid extract
uva-ursi glycerite liquid extract
uva ursi herbal extract
uva ursi herb extract
uva-ursi herb extract
uva ursi herb extract, dry
uva ursi leaf
uva-ursi leaf
uva ursi leaf (1:1) extract
uva ursi leaf 4:1 extract
uva-ursi leaf 4:1 extract
uva ursi leaf (arctostaphylos uva-ursi) extract
uva-ursi leaf (arctostaphylos uva-ursi) extract
uva ursi (leaf) extract
uva ursi leaf extract
uva-ursi (leaf) extract
uva-ursi leaf extract
uva ursi leaf extract 4:1
uva-ursi leaf extract 4:1
uva ursi leaf extract, aqueous
uva ursi leaf extract, powder
uva ursi leaf & leaf extract
uva ursi leaf powder
uva ursi leaves
uva ursi leaves extract
uva ursi leaves powder
uva-ursi liquid extract
uva ursi powder
uva ursi, powder
uva-ursi powder
uva-ursi, powder
uva-usi
wild crafted uva ursi
Synopsis
History
Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), commonly known as bearberry, has a long and esteemed history in traditional medicine, particularly among Native American and European herbalists. The leaves of this low-growing evergreen shrub have been used for centuries as a natural remedy, especially for urinary tract health. Historical records indicate that Native Americans brewed Uva Ursi leaves into teas to address bladder and kidney complaints, leveraging its astringent and diuretic properties. European herbalists during the 13th century also recognized its benefits, using it to promote urinary comfort and healthy kidney function.
The key therapeutic component in Uva Ursi is arbutin, which, when metabolized, releases hydroquinone—a compound with notable antiseptic qualities. This made Uva Ursi a preferred folk remedy for alleviating symptoms of mild urinary tract infections and soothing inflammation of the urinary passages. Additionally, its tannin content contributes to its astringency, providing further relief in traditional remedies.
Uva Ursi is often included in herbal combinations to enhance its effects and broaden its benefits. It pairs well with herbs like corn silk, marshmallow root, and cleavers, all of which support urinary tract health and comfort. In such blends, Uva Ursi acts synergistically, providing a natural and gentle approach to maintaining urinary wellness. Its long-standing reputation and continued use in modern herbal supplements underscore its valuable contributions to natural health and wellness traditions.
Traditional and scientific validation
Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), also known as bearberry, has a long history of traditional use in herbal medicine, particularly for urinary tract health. Used by indigenous peoples of North America and Europe for centuries, Uva Ursi leaves were commonly brewed into teas or tinctures to alleviate symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and support bladder health.
Historically, its effectiveness has been attributed to a compound called arbutin, which, when metabolized in the body, is converted into hydroquinone—a substance with antimicrobial properties. Several laboratory studies have demonstrated that extracts of Uva Ursi can inhibit the growth of common urinary pathogens, suggesting a scientific basis for its traditional use. Additionally, some small human studies and clinical trials have investigated Uva Ursi for preventing recurrent UTIs, with mixed but promising results. For example, a study published in the journal Current Therapeutic Research found that women taking Uva Ursi extract experienced fewer recurrent UTIs compared to a control group. However, these studies often have limitations such as small sample sizes and short durations.
Overall, while laboratory and preliminary clinical evidence supports the potential benefits of Uva Ursi for urinary tract health, more rigorous, large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety. Nevertheless, Uva Ursi remains a valued botanical ingredient in modern nutritional products, offering a natural approach for those seeking to support urinary wellness.
Uses: Health Conditions
Bladder (irritable) (Traditional)
Bladder Infection (Traditional)
Blood in Urine (Traditional)
Infection (bacterial) (Traditional)
Kidney Infection (Traditional)
Urinary Tract Infections (Traditional)
Urination (burning or painful) (Traditional)
Body Systems
Bladder (Traditional)
Kidneys (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)
Lymphatics (Traditional)