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Dietary supplement

Uva Ursi 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NOW

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Uva Ursi 500 mg is a dietary supplement by NOW with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for urinary tract infections, urinary discomfort, mild diuretic.Based on those ingredients, 803 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Uva Ursi. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Uva Ursi 500 mg by NOW

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: uva ursi (also called bearberry leaf), a plant traditionally used for urinary tract support. Each capsule delivers 500 mg of uva ursi.

The capsules themselves are made from gelatin and magnesium stearate, inactive ingredients that help form and stabilize the capsule.

Does it work?

Leans against
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Leans against

The strongest graded evidence we hold for the stated purpose leans against a benefit.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: urinary tract health and comfort.
  • We looked for evidence on: Urinary tract infections (UTIs), urinary discomfort, bladder health, kidney function.
  • The closest evidence on file: Uva Ursi is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Urinary tract infections (UTIs) (Natural Medicines).

The evidence for uva ursi is mixed and limited. For urinary tract infections (UTIs)—the most common reason people take it—uva ursi is rated possibly ineffective.

For bronchitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), there isn't enough reliable evidence to say whether it works or not. The data we hold doesn't establish that this product is effective for any of these purposes.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Uva Ursi

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Uva ursi is generally well tolerated when taken at low doses for a short time. The most common side effects are mild: diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, and vomiting.

However, this herb can be toxic at high doses or with long-term use. Very high doses (20 grams or more of the dried herb) have been reported to cause serious effects like shortness of breath, tremors, and delirium; doses of 30 grams or higher may be fatal.

Because of this toxicity risk, use uva ursi only short-term and at recommended doses. Uva ursi is not safe in pregnancy—it may stimulate the uterus and lacks safety data.

There isn't enough information to know whether it's safe while breastfeeding, so it should be avoided then too.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Uva Ursi

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Uva Ursi.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: lithium.
  • For scale: 804 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, check whether you're on lithium (a mood stabilizer), any medications broken down by your liver's CYP2C19 or CYP3A4 systems (including many antidepressants, statins, and antihistamines), drugs cleared through glucuronidation, urinary acidifying agents, or P-glycoprotein substrates. Your pharmacist can tell you if your medications fall into any of these groups and whether adding uva ursi is safe.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with graded evidence leaning against its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Uva ursi is traditionally used for urinary tract health, but the evidence that it works is weak. More importantly, it interacts with a large number of medications through several pathways—lithium, liver enzymes, and drug transporters.

If you take any prescription medications, check them against the interaction tool on this page before you start. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor about whether this product is right for you.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 25, 2013.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Uva Ursi 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand NOW
Barcode (UPC) 733739047656
Net contents 100 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 25, 2013
DSLD ID 13995
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Uva Ursi 500 mg by NOW, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
50
UPC/BARCODE
733739047656
IngredientAmount% DV
Total Carbohydrates0.8 g1%
Uva Ursi1 g--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General

CODE 4765 V1

Seals/Symbols

GMP QUALITY ASSURED

Formulation

Contains no sugar, salt, yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, corn, milk or preservatives.

General Statements

HERBAL SUPPLEMENT

Uva Ursi, also known as bearberry, has been used by herbalists for over 1,000 years in China. Marco Polo reported its use in the 13th century and helped to bring the use of Uva Ursi to western Europe. Native Americans have also used Uva Ursi for hundreds of years.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

SUGGESTED USAGE: As a dietary supplement, take 2 capsules 1-3 times daily as needed, preferably with meals.

Precautions

Caution: Not for prolonged use without consulting a health practitioner. May cause green color in urine. Discontinue use if nausea or upset stomach occurs. Contraindicated in kidney disorders and irritated digestive conditions.

See for yourself

Uva Ursi 500 mg by NOW label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Uva Ursi 500 mg by NOW

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container50 Amounts shown are per serving.

Uva Ursi

Interacts with
803 drugs
1 g per serving

Uva ursi is a traditional herb used mainly for urinary tract infections, and its leaves contain a compound called arbutin that may have antimicrobial...

Uva Ursi monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Uva Ursi 500 mg by NOW Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Uva Ursi 500 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
803Drugs
740 Moderate 63 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Uva Ursi 803

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Uva Ursi 500 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Uva Ursi6 drug types · 803 drugs

Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates

Theoretically, uva ursi may decrease the metabolism of CYP2C19 substrates.
In vitro, uva ursi appears to inhibit cytochrome CYP2C19. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, uva ursi may decrease the metabolism of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro, uva ursi appears to inhibit CYP3A4. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Glucuronidated Drugs

Theoretically, uva ursi may increase levels of drugs metabolized by glucuronidation.
In vitro, uva ursi extract appears to strongly inhibit UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1 (UGT1A1). However, uva ursi extract does not appear to inhibit UGT1A1 in animal models. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, uva ursi may increase lithium levels, necessitating a decrease in dose.
Uva ursi may have diuretic properties. Diuretics may increase lithium reabsorption with sodium in the proximal tubule of the kidney. Theoretically, uva ursi might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Urinary Acidifying Agents

Effects of uva ursi in the urinary tract may be reduced by urinary acidifying agents.
Uva ursi seems to work best in alkaline urine. Theoretically, taking uva ursi with medications known to acidify the urine may decrease any effects of uva ursi on the urinary tract.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, uva ursi may alter the levels of drugs transported by P-glycoprotein.
In vitro, uva ursi appears to inhibit the multi-drug transporter protein, P-glycoprotein. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Uva Ursi 500 mg, from the product label.

NOW

See all NOW products
Name
NOW FOODS
City
BLOOMINGDALE
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Uva Ursi 500 mg by NOW: Common Questions

Does Uva Ursi 500 mg by NOW interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Uva Ursi 500 mg has a known interaction with 803 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Uva Ursi 500 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take uva ursi if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Uva ursi should be avoided in pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus and safety data is lacking. There isn't enough information to know if it's safe while breastfeeding, so you should avoid it then too. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor about safe alternatives.
What are the side effects of uva ursi?
At normal doses, the most common side effects are mild: diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, and vomiting. At very high doses (20 grams or more), serious effects like shortness of breath, tremors, and delirium have been reported. This is why short-term use at recommended doses is important.
How long can I safely take uva ursi?
Uva ursi should be used short-term only. It can be toxic with prolonged use or at high doses, so don't take it long-term without talking to your pharmacist or doctor.
Does uva ursi actually work for urinary tract infections?
The evidence suggests uva ursi is possibly ineffective for UTIs. For bronchitis and prostate issues, there simply isn't enough reliable evidence to say whether it works. It's worth discussing other options with your doctor.
What is uva ursi used for?
Uva ursi is traditionally used to support urinary tract health, and some people use it for bronchitis or prostate issues. However, the evidence for these uses is limited or weak.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Uva Ursi 500 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Uva Ursi 500 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 8 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Uva Ursi 8 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician's Guide to Herbal Medicine. Terry C. Telger, transl. 3rd ed. Berlin, GER: Springer, 1998.
  3. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  4. Wang L, Del Priore LV. Bull's-eye maculopathy secondary to herbal toxicity from uva ursi. Am J Ophthalmol 2004;137:1135-7. PubMed
  5. Beaux, D., Fleurentin, J., and Mortier, F. Effect of extracts of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth, Hieracium pilosella L., Sambucus nigra L. and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. in rats. Phytother.Res 1999;13(3):222-225.
  6. de Arriba SG, Naser B, Nolte KU. Risk assessment of free hydroquinone derived from Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi folium herbal preparations. Int J Toxicol. 2013;32(6):442-453.
  7. Park JB, Kim D, Min JS, et al. Identification and characterization of in vitro inhibitors against UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 in uva-ursi extracts and evaluation of in vivo uva-ursi-drug interactions. Food Chem Toxicol. 2018;120:651-661. PubMed
  8. Chauhan B, Yu C, Krantis A, et al. In vitro activity of uva-ursi against cytochrome P450 isoenzymes and P-glycoprotein. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2007;85(11):1099-107.

See these in context on the Uva Ursi monograph →

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.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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