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Diuretic, Prostate, Urinary Tract System
Uva Ursi
Latin binomial: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Synonyms: Bearberry, Mountain Cranberry, Sandberry, Bear Grape 1
Parts Used: Leaves
Constituents: Phenolic glycosides (arbutin, methylarbutin), tannins, flavonoids 1
Medicinal Action: Urinary antiseptic, astringent
Pharmacology
The medicinal action primarily stems from the action of the phenolic glycosides, notably arbutin. After administration, arbutin is converted into the active compound, hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is known to inhibit the growth of many bacterial pathogens, notably Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp., Pseudomona spp. and Escherichia coli.2-4 It appears that the other components in the plant protect arbutin from degradation by bacterial flora, resulting in plant extracts exerting a stronger urinary antiseptic action than arbutin alone.2 There is no consensus as to whether the conversion of arbutin occurs in the urine or gastrointestinal tract.2,3 Irrespective of which is correct, an alkaline urine (pH greater than eight) is necessary for this herb to exert its action.
Indications
Uva Ursi can be used in the treatment of minor urinary tract infections such as cystitis, urethritis and prostatitis.
Toxicology and Contraindications
Adverse side effects are due mainly to hydroquinone. Symptoms present as tinnitus, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, cyanosis, convulsions, delirium and collapse.2
The high proportion of tannins can lead to gastric irritation especially on prolonged use (see Administration).3
Uva Ursi should not be used in cases of infections with kidney involvement.5
Drug Interactions
No incidence of drug interactions could be found.
Administration
Uva Ursi is available in many different dosage forms, including raw herb, tablet, capsule and hydroalcoholic tincture.
Dosage:
Three times daily:2
1.5 to 4g of dried leaves.
4 to 6ml of tincture (1:5).
0.5 to 2ml of fluid extract (1: 1).
250 to 500mg of powdered solid extract (1:4).
Administration is normally limited to not more than a few days.
To avoid high levels of tannins, when Uva Ursi is taken as an infusion, it should be taken as a cold water infusion rather than one prepared with hot water.3
Since urinary pH is so important, patients are normally advised to eat a diet high in vegetables, fruits, potatoes and milk for the course of the treatment. Conversely, supplements of sodium bicarbonate may be given concomitantly.3
Uva Ursi is rarely given alone, but combined with other botanical medicines that have diuretic or urinary antiseptic properties, such as Barosma betulina (Buchu), Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal), Juniperus communes (Juniper) and Chimaphilla umbellata (Wintergreen).
References
1. Wren, R.C. (1988). Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations. Page 273. C. W. Daniel Company, Saffron Walden, UK.
2. Murray, M. (1992). The Healing Power of Herbs. Page 153-154. Prima Publishing,Rocklin, CA.
3. Evans, W.C. (1992). Pharmacognosy. 13th Edition. Page 478. Bailliere Tindall, London, UK.
4. Tyler, V. (1994). Herbs of Choice. The Therapeutic use of Phytomedicinals. Page 79. Pharmaceutical Products Press, Binghamton, NY.
5. Mills, S.Y. (1991). Essential Book of Herbal Medicine. Page 470. Penguin Books Ltd., London, UK.
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