Overview

Uva Ursi has been shown to be effective in helping control many of the bacteria responsible for urinary infections. The German Commission E Herbal Regulatory Board recommends its use in cases of inflammatory disorders of the urinary tract. It is also potentially active against antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria and at dissolving urinary stones. The uva ursi used in this formula is a solid extract, which is 10 times more concentrated than a liquid extract. Mannose is believed to be the active constituent responsible for cranberry's urinary antimicrobial properties. The most common bacteria involved in urinary tract infections is E. coli, which is not able to attach to the mucosal lining of the bladder in the presence of mannose.

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Bearberry

(Arctostaphylos uva ursi)

Cystitis

Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva ursi), also known as bearberry, has a history of medicinal use dating back to the 2nd century. Native Americans used it as a remedy for urinary tract infections; in fact, until the discovery of sulfa drugs and antibiotics, uva ursi was the treatment of choice for such bladder and related infections. (1) Uva Ursi acts as an anti-inflammatory for the urinary tract and as a mild diuretic. It also has the reputation of dissolving kidney stones (litholytic). This effect has been demonstrated in vivo.(2). Uva Ursi has been shown to be effective against many of the bacteria responsible for urinary infections, including e. coli.(3). The Commission E reported that preparations made from uva ursi act antibacterially in vitro against Proteus vulgaris, E. coli, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus strains, and Candida albicans.. Thus, the German Commission E acknowledges its benefits in cases of inflammatory disorders of the efferent urinary tract. (1) It is also potentially active againt antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria (6).

Pharmacology

The hydroquinone derivative, arbutin, is the chief active compound in uva ursi. The antimicrobial effect is associated with the aglycone hydroquinone released from arbutin (transport form) in an alkaline urine.. During urination, as it passes out of the body, it acts on the mucus membranes of the urinary tract to soothe irritation, reduce inflammation, and fight infection. Uva Ursi's other potentially active ingredients are methylarbutine, hydroquinones, flavonoids and tannins.

Anti-Inflammatory

Based upon animal studies conducted in Japan, uva ursi may increase the anti-inflammatory effects of corticosteroid medications (such as prednisolone and dexamethasone) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; commonly used for pain and inflammation, including ibuprofen and indomethacin). Additional studies are needed to confirm whether uva ursi could increase the effects of these medications in people. (4)

Precautions

Because uva ursi requires an alkaline urine for its antimicrobial properties to work, those taking uva ursi should avoid eating acidic foods like citrus, pineapple, tomato. Taking some baking soda is a good way to keep the urine alkaline. Uva ursi should only be taken for short periods (no longer than a week), and not repeated more than five times in one year. (5)

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