Evidence supporting the use of: Uva Ursi
For the health condition: Bladder Infection

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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 and bladder infections. Its use dates back to at least the 13th century in European folk medicine, where it was commonly prescribed as a herbal remedy for cystitis and other urinary complaints. The primary active compound, arbutin, is converted in the body to hydroquinone, which may have mild antibacterial effects in the urine. Native American and European herbalists have recommended uva ursi preparations for bladder and kidney ailments for centuries.

However, while there is some in vitro evidence that uva ursi extracts can inhibit the growth of bacteria such as E. coli, robust clinical evidence in humans is lacking. Few randomized controlled trials have assessed its efficacy, and those that do exist are generally small and of limited quality. Most modern guidelines do not recommend uva ursi as a first-line treatment for urinary tract infections due to insufficient clinical data and concerns over safety with prolonged use (as hydroquinone can be toxic in high doses or with extended exposure). Thus, while its use is justified by tradition and there is some pharmacological rationale, the overall quality of supporting evidence is low, meriting a rating of 2 on a 0-5 scale.

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