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Dietary supplement

Uva Ursi Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Alvita

Other (e.g. Tea Bag) Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Uva Ursi is a dietary supplement by Alvita 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 by Alvita

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.

Uva Ursi by Alvita contains one active ingredient: uva ursi leaf, a dried plant material traditionally used for urinary tract support. The product comes as a tea bag, with no other active or inactive ingredients listed.

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: support urinary tract health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Urinary tract infections (UTIs), urinary discomfort, kidney health.
  • 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 sparse. For urinary tract infections (UTIs), the data we hold rates it as possibly ineffective — meaning the evidence suggests it may not work well for that purpose.

For bronchitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), there isn't enough reliable evidence in our data to rate whether it works or not. If you're considering this product for a specific condition, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist about what the research actually supports.

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 in low doses for a short time. The most common side effects are mild — diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, and vomiting.

At very high doses (20 grams or more of the dried herb), rare but serious effects including convulsions, delirium, shortness of breath, and collapse have been reported; doses of 30 grams or above may be fatal. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are off-limits.

The safety data advises against uva ursi during pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus, and there's not enough information to know whether it's safe while breastfeeding. Use this product short-term only, and talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.

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 Uva Ursi by Alvita, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any medications metabolized by CYP2C19 or CYP3A4 liver enzymes (Moderate severity), glucuronidated drugs processed by your kidneys and liver (Moderate), lithium for mood disorders (Moderate), urinary acidifying agents (Moderate), or P-glycoprotein substrate medications (Minor). Because so many drugs fall into these categories, the medication checker on this page is your best tool.

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 by Alvita is a single-ingredient tea that may work best as a short-term support, though evidence for UTIs is weak. The main caution is its potential to slow how your liver clears certain medications and to interact with lithium and urinary acidifiers.

If you take any prescription drugs — especially those metabolized by liver enzymes — check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this to your routine. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are not appropriate times to use it.

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 Jun 16, 2022.

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, straight from the product label.

Brand Alvita
Net contents 24 Tea Bag(s); 1.48 Oz(s); 42 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 16, 2022
DSLD ID 268792
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Other (e.g. Tea Bag)
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Women (not pregnant or lactating), Organic, Gluten 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 by Alvita, 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:
1 Tea Bag(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tea Bag(s)
Servings per container
24
IngredientAmount% DV
Uva Ursi1.75 Gram(s)--

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.
Formulation

Organic

Traditionally used to support urinary tract health

NSF Certified Gluten-Free Naturally caffeine free

Alvita chooses only the highest quality organic, wildcrafted, or cultivated botanicals, perfectly prepared to provide you with the best Mother Nature has to offer. Historical and scientific literature is painstakingly studied to ensure that the correct traditional plant and most appropriate servings are used, delivering premium flavor and quality.

Certified Organic by QAI.

Certified Gluten-Free by NSF.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Alvita Since 1922

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Seals/Symbols

NSF Certified Gluten-Free USDA Organic

Quality Assurance International Certified Organic Star-K (Kosher)

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Preparation Place one tea bag in a cup and add 8 oz of boiling water. Cover and steep for 12 minutes. Gently squeeze tea bag and remove. Directions for use: We recommend 1 cup, 3 cups daily. Add sweetener if desired

How to brew 1 Pour 8 oz 2 Temp 212 Degrees F 3 Steep 12 min

Formula

Star-K (Kosher)

Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is also commonly known as "bearberry" because its vibrant red and pink fruit is a favorite food for bears. The leaves of the uva ursi shrub have been part of traditional folk use dating as far back as the 2nd century. Different cultures have made use of this beneficial herb, which has been traditionally used to support urinary tract health. Alvita Uva Ursi Tea is made with premium-quality, organic uva ursi leaves, and possesses a rich honey color and distinct earthy flavor and aroma.

General Statements

The Alvita Story… In 1922, a new era for tea consumption began in America. The herb alfalfa, long known for its beneficial nutrients, was packaged in tea bags and sold to an emerging health food market. This product became known as Alvita and set the standard for future herbal teas. Today, Alvita represents more than forty single-ingredient teas, each one uniquely distinct, just like the individuals who drink them.

Herbs are gifts from the earth. Alvita takes its stewardship seriously by offering carefully harvested teas in earth-friendly packaging. Our beautifully illustrated boxes are made using recycled paperboard and our English, pillow style tea bags are oxygen bleached, not chlorine treated. You won’t find a better product, with a cleaner package… anywhere. Alvita… brewed with confidence, steeped in tradition.

100% Recycled Paperboard Recyclable

Precautions

Warning: Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing or under 12 years of age. Consult a healthcare professional before use if you are taking any medication or have any medical condition.

Teas containing uva ursi leaf may cause nausea or vomiting in individuals with sensitive stomachs.

Keep out of reach of children.

Duration of use: Do not use for periods longer than 7 days, or more often than 5 times per year without consulting a physician.

Warning: Do not use if pregnant, nursing or under 12 years of age.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

See for yourself

Uva Ursi by Alvita label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Uva Ursi by Alvita

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

Serving size1 Tea Bag(s) Dosage formOther (e.g. Tea Bag) Servings per container24 Amounts shown are per serving.

Uva Ursi

Interacts with
803 drugs
1.75 Gram(s) 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
Interaction report

Uva Ursi by Alvita Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Uva Ursi?

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 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, from the product label.

Alvita

See all Alvita products
Name
Twinlab Corporation
City
American Fork
State
UT
ZipCode
84003
Phone Number
1-800-645-5626
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Uva Ursi by Alvita: Common Questions

Does Uva Ursi by Alvita interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Uva Ursi 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 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 while I'm pregnant?
No. The safety data rates uva ursi as likely unsafe during pregnancy because it may stimulate the uterus. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking Uva Ursi?
There isn't enough safety information available to know whether uva ursi passes into breast milk or how it might affect a nursing infant. Avoid it while breastfeeding, and check with your doctor or pharmacist for alternatives.
What are the most common side effects?
In low doses taken short-term, uva ursi is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are mild: diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, and vomiting.
Does Uva Ursi actually work for urinary tract infections?
According to the evidence we hold, uva ursi is rated as possibly ineffective for UTIs — meaning the research suggests it may not work well for that purpose. Talk with your doctor about proven options.
How long can I safely take Uva Ursi?
Use it short-term only. The safety data warns against high doses or prolonged use because uva ursi can be toxic at higher amounts or over longer periods.

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 label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Uva Ursi'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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