| Scientific: | Arctostaphylos uva-ursi |
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| Other: | Bearberry |
| Family: | Ericaceae |
Bearberry is a North American herb used traditionally for urinary tract infections (UTIs). The active compound is arbutin, a glycoside of hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is a small reactive compound that creates free radicals and disrupts cell membranes. The addition of the sugar stabilizes it, but when certain bacteria like E. coli encounter it, they feed on the sugar and then activate the toxic hydroquinone that harms the bacteria. Use this herb in patients with a urinary tract infection with alkaline urine. Bearberry is recommended for short-term use only.
Urinary
• acute lower tract infections when urine is alkaline
• cystitis
• urinary tract infections (UTI)
• enuresis,
• urinary gravel
• prostatis
• Antiseptic (Urinary)
• Astringent
• Antispasmodic
• Antiinflammatory
• Hydroquinone Glycosides (Arbutin)
• Tannins
• Flavonoids
• Tincture (1:5 in 25% EtOH): 2-4 ml tid
• Liquid extract (1:1 in 25% EtOH): 1.5-2.5 tid
• Decoction (dried herb): 2-4 g tid
Long-term use: Use with caution as arbutin may be carcinogenic.
Unknown
Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.
Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.
Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.
Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.
Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.
Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.
Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.
Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002
Disclaimer: This content is subject to change. The information is intended to inform and educate; it does not replace the medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. www.nhpassist.com © 2014 NDAssist Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
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BearberrySummaryBearberry is a North American herb used traditionally for urinary tract infections (UTIs). The active compound is arbutin, a glycoside of hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is a small reactive compound that creates free radicals and disrupts cell membranes. The addition of the sugar stabilizes it, but when certain bacteria like E. coli encounter it, they feed on the sugar and then activate the toxic hydroquinone that harms the bacteria. Use this herb in patients with a urinary tract infection with alkaline urine. Bearberry is recommended for short-term use only. IndicationsSign in requiredActionsSign in requiredConstituentsSign in requiredPosologySign in requiredSafetySign in requiredInteractionsSign in requiredReferencesSign in required |
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