Uva Ursi Interactions Overview

Check For Interactions With Uva Ursi

Uva Ursi

Also known as
  • Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
  • Arberry
  • Arbousier
  • Arbousier Traînant
  • Bear's Grape
  • Bearberry
  • Beargrape
  • Busserole
  • Common Bearberry
  • Faux Buis
  • Hogberry
  • Kinnikinnik
  • Manzanita
  • Mountain Box
  • Mountain Cranberry
  • Petit Buis
  • Ptarmigan Berry
  • Raisin de Renard
  • Raisin d'Ours
Uva Ursi Uva ursi, also known as bearberry, is a plant species belonging to the Ericacea family, and is native to North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. It is a low-growing shrub with small, white flowers and edible red berries. The leaves of the plant are often used in traditional medicine as they are thought to have various medicinal properties, such as astringent, diuretic, and antimicrobial effects. Medicinally, Uva ursi is most often used to treat urinary tract infections and other urinary problems, as well as skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. It is also sometimes used to promote weight loss and as a natural remedy for kidney stones. In dietary supplements, Uva ursi is often standardized with a specific amount of Arbutin (usually around 20%), a constituent of the plant.
There are 762 drugs known to interact with Uva Ursi

Additional Details

Is Uva Ursi Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Uva Ursi is considered possibly safe for short-term oral use when taken in appropriate doses. However, long-term or high-dose use may pose safety concerns due to its hydroquinone content. Hydroquinone is a compound that has mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. At high doses, it can cause severe symptoms such as convulsions, cyanosis, delirium, shortness of breath, and collapse. Very high doses can even be fatal. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using uva ursi, especially in high doses and for prolonged periods. It is also important to note that uva ursi should be avoided by children due to potential liver problems, and its use should be avoided during pregnancy due to its oxytocic effects, which can increase the speed of labor.

How Is Uva Ursi Thought To Work? What Is the Mechanism of Action?

Uva Ursi leaves contain various active components, including arbutin, methyl arbutin, tannins, flavonoids, triterpenes, and phenol-carboxylic acids. These compounds contribute to the plant's therapeutic properties.

  • Anti-inflammatory effects: Arbutin, found in uva ursi, has been shown to enhance the anti-inflammatory properties of prednisolone, a corticosteroid. It can help reduce inflammation in the body.
  • Antimicrobial effects: Uva ursi possesses urinary disinfectant properties and may be useful in preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs). Arbutin is absorbed and metabolized into hydroquinone, which exhibits antiseptic and astringent effects. It may help combat certain bacteria and fungi, including Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli.
  • Drug metabolism effects: Uva ursi may inhibit specific enzymes involved in drug metabolism, such as cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP2C19, CYP3A4, CYP3A5) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1. This inhibition can affect the metabolism of certain medications.
  • Depigmentation effects: Arbutin present in uva ursi can inhibit melanin synthesis, which may contribute to its depigmentation effects.
  • Diuretic effects: Some research suggests that uva ursi can increase urine flow, acting as a diuretic.
  • Ocular effects: Hydroquinone, a constituent of uva ursi, acts as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which inhibits melanin synthesis. This may have implications for retinal thinning.

Pharmacokinetics

When taken orally, arbutin from uva ursi is rapidly absorbed through the small intestine. It is metabolized in the liver to hydroquinone, which is then conjugated with glucuronic acid or sulfate. The majority of hydroquinone is eliminated in the urine. However, the amount of free hydroquinone remaining is considered for safety concerns. The specific details regarding the absorption, distribution, and excretion of uva ursi components are limited and require further research.

Interaction Overview (See Below For Full List)

Uva ursi may interact with certain medications, including those metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP2C19, CYP3A4) and glucuronidation enzymes (UGT1A1). It may also affect drug transporters like P-glycoprotein. Additionally, caution should be exercised when using uva ursi with urinary acidifying agents and lithium. Further information on specific drug interactions can be found in the list below.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

When used orally, common side effects of uva ursi can include diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, and vomiting. Serious adverse effects are rare but may occur at high doses, such as collapse, convulsions, cyanosis, delirium, shortness of breath, and tinnitus. Very high doses can even be fatal. It's essential to monitor for any unusual or severe symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary.

Are Supplements Standardized?

Uva ursi supplements are often standardized based on the content of arbutin, typically expressed as a weight-to-weight ratio. The concentration of arbutin may vary depending on the specific product, with levels ranging from 5% to 16%. Standardization ensures consistency in the active components of uva ursi supplements.

What Is Uva Ursi Used For as a Supplement?

  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Although research does not support the use of oral uva ursi alone for the treatment of UTIs, it has been evaluated in combination with other ingredients for UTI prevention.
  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): Insufficient reliable information is available about the clinical effects of uva ursi for this condition.
  • Bronchitis: There is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of uva ursi for bronchitis.

More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of uva ursi for these uses.

Drugs that interact with Uva Ursi

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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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