Evidence supporting the use of: Benzoic acid
For the health condition: Urinary Tract Infections
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Benzoic acid has a history of traditional use as a urinary antiseptic. Its use for urinary tract infections (UTIs) stems from older medical practices where it was combined with other agents, such as hexamethylenetetramine (methenamine), to acidify urine and exert mild antibacterial effects. The rationale was that benzoic acid, when excreted in urine, could help create an environment less favorable for bacterial growth. However, scientific validation for benzoic acid’s efficacy in treating or preventing UTIs is extremely limited. Modern clinical guidelines do not recommend benzoic acid for UTIs, as more effective antibiotics and urinary antiseptics are available. Most contemporary studies and reviews do not support its use, and it is rarely referenced in current pharmacological literature for this indication. Thus, while there is some historical precedent for its use, particularly in the pre-antibiotic era, robust clinical evidence is lacking, and its therapeutic relevance for UTIs today is minimal.
Other ingredients used for Urinary Tract Infections
alfalfaaloe vera
anthocyanins
asparagus
astragalus
bacillus subtilis
barberry
bearberry
berberine
berry flavor
black currant
radish
cassia bark
celery
cranberry
cucumber
D-mannose
dandelion
dong quai root
melon
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
fennel
fenugreek
fruit blend (proprietary)
fu ling
gokhru
goldenseal
green tea
hibiscus
Indian gum arabic tree
honeysuckle
knotweed
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lophatherum leaf
methenamine
okra
ophiopogon root
pumpkin
pygeum
sage
vitamin C
watercress
watermelon
mulberry
sarsaparilla
cardamom
smilax
swertia
goldenrod
pau d'arco
juniper berries
cornsilk
buchu
birch
couch grass
sheep's sorrel
hydrangea
purslane
coix
shepherd's purse
goji berry
gravel root
akebia
Apple Cider Vinegar
Angelica
Arbutin
Agave
Agrimony
Aronia melanocarpa
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Alchemilla
Asafoetida
Aucubin
Aerva lanata
Adzuki bean
Agrimonia pilosa
Alisma
Abuta
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
bergenin
Berberis (unspecified)
Big Quaking Grass
Bael
Black Gram
Bauhinia
Baobab
Baicalin
Bergenia
Bottle gourd
Cloudberry
Cucurbita
Coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Carvacrol
Chanca Piedra
Coconut Water
Cistus
Cubeb
Crinum latifolium
Coin-leaf desmodium
Corn
Carambola
Cynodon dactylon
Currant
Dwarf Morning Glory
Desmodium
Euryale seed
Other health conditions supported by Benzoic acid
Bladder InfectionBronchitis
Canker Sores
Cold Sores
Fungal Infections
Scabies
Skin (infections)
Urinary Tract Infections
Warts