Overview

Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is a small, evergreen shrub with orange berries. The leaves have been traditionally used as medicine.

Uva ursi can reduce bacteria in the urine and also increase urine flow. It also seems to reduce swelling. Bears are very fond of the uva ursi fruit. The Latin name "uva ursi" means "bear's grape".

Uva ursi is used for urinary tract infections (UTIs), enlarged prostate, bronchitis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Ineffective for

  • Infections of the kidney, bladder, or urethra (urinary tract infections or UTIs). Most research shows that taking oral uva ursi does not help to treat UTIs. It isn't clear if oral uva ursi can help to prevent UTIs.
There is interest in using uva ursi for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Uva ursi is possibly safe when taken for up to 5 days. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and can turn the urine greenish-brown. Uva ursi is possibly unsafe when taken in high doses or for a long time. It can cause liver damage and death when used in high doses. When used for a long time, it might increase the risk for cancer.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Uva ursi is possibly safe when taken for up to 5 days. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and can turn the urine greenish-brown. Uva ursi is possibly unsafe when taken in high doses or for a long time. It can cause liver damage and death when used in high doses. When used for a long time, it might increase the risk for cancer.
Pregnancy: Using uva ursi during pregnancy is likely unsafe. It might start labor.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if uva ursi is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Uva ursi is possibly unsafe in children when taken by mouth. It contains a chemical that might cause severe liver problems. Don't give uva ursi to children.

Retinal thinning: Uva ursi contains a chemical that can thin the retina in the eye. Avoid uva ursi if your retinas are already thinning.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Lithium interacts with UVA URSI

    Taking uva ursi might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.

  • Drugs that acidify the urine interacts with UVA URSI

    Uva ursi is sometimes used for urinary problems. It seems to work best when the urine is less acidic. Taking uva ursi with drugs that make the urine more acidic might decrease the effects of uva ursi . Before using uva ursi, talk with your healthcare provider to see if any of the medications you are taking will make your urine more acidic.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with UVA URSI

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Uva ursi might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with UVA URSI

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Uva ursi might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Glucuronidated drugs) interacts with UVA URSI

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Uva ursi might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Medications moved by pumps in cells (P-glycoprotein Substrates) interacts with UVA URSI

    Some medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. Uva ursi might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of uva ursi might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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