TRADE NAME: Uva Ursi

CHEMICAL NAME:

TYPE OF SUPPLEMENT: Immune Function

WHAT IT IS: Also known as Bearberry, Uva Ursi is an evergreen shrub native to Eurasia. The leaves are generally used (not the berries), and are dried into a powder, capsules, or steeped into tea. The active compound in Uva ursi is Arbutin, a derivative of hydroquinone.

HOW IT WORKS: When ingested, Arbutin splits into a sugar(Glucose), and hydroquinone. The hydroquinone then combines with glucuronic acid, creating a compound with antimicrobial, disinfectant, and astringent properties. It is then released through the urine. When the urine is alkaline (pH8), hydroquinone is activated and released in the urinary tract. The antibacterial agents then act on the mucus membranes of the urinary tract, reducing inflammation, irritation, and mild infection. If the urine is not alkaline, the hydroquinone will remain inactive.

PRIMARY AFFECTS: Uva Ursi has been used since the 13 century in European medicine, and reportedly has been used by Native Americans for much longer. It is typically used for mild urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and cystitis. Uva Ursi is also thought to have diuretic effects (increasing urination), although is not generally known for this.

EFFECTIVE DOSAGE LEVEL: Uva Ursi should not be taken more than 5 times a years and for no longer than 7 days at a time. 1.5 - 2.5 gram capsules should be taken three to four times daily and can also be consumed as a tea ( 3 grams of dried leaf steeped for about 15 minutes in about 5 ounces (150 ml) of water) up to four times a day.

SUPPLEMENT CONFLICTS: Urine must be alkaline in order for the hydroquinone to be unbound and activated so it’s generally best to eat acidic foods while treating with Uva Ursi, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and a variety of vegetables and fruit juices. Food rich in protein, especially cheese, should be limited but not excluded. In some studies, Uva Ursi has shown to increase the anti-inflammatory effect of corticosteroid medicine and should not be taken with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Women who are breast feeding or those with high blood pressure should not take Uva Ursi.

SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects associated with Uva Ursi include insomnia, increased heart rate, and stomach irritation including nausea and vomiting, apparently attributed to it’s Tannin content.