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Dietary supplement

Uva Ursi Leaves Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Way

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

Uva Ursi Leaves is a dietary supplement by Nature's Way 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 Leaves by Nature's Way

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 Leaves contains one active ingredient: uva-ursi, a plant extract traditionally used for urinary tract support. The capsule also contains hypromellose, an inactive ingredient that forms the capsule shell.

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: Traditional urinary support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Urinary tract infections (UTIs), Urinary discomfort, Urinary frequency, Cystitis.
  • 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. For urinary tract infections, the data suggests it's possibly ineffective.

For bronchitis and benign prostate enlargement, there isn't enough reliable evidence to say whether it works. The product facts don't provide effectiveness data beyond these assessments.

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 at low doses for short-term use. The most common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, and vomiting.

At very high doses — 20 grams or more of the dried herb — serious but rare effects like convulsions, delirium, and difficulty breathing have been reported; doses of 30 grams or higher may be fatal. Don't use this during pregnancy — it may stimulate the uterus and safety data is lacking.

Avoid it while breastfeeding as well; there isn't enough safety information. Keep use short-term and at normal doses to reduce the risk of toxicity.

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 you start, check with your pharmacist if you take lithium or any medications processed by your liver's CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 pathways (Moderate severity). Also mention drugs that acidify your urine or are transported by P-glycoprotein.

Use the search tool below to check your exact medications.

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 an option if you're looking for short-term urinary tract support, though evidence for its effectiveness is limited. If you take lithium, any medications metabolized by CYP3A4 or CYP2C19 enzymes, or drugs that acidify your urine, check with your pharmacist first.

Don't use it long-term or at high doses, and skip it if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

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 Apr 23, 2024.

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 Leaves, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Way
Barcode (UPC) 033674176009
Net contents 100 Vegan Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 23, 2024
DSLD ID 304708
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Children 4 or More Years of Age, Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), 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 Leaves by Nature's Way, 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:
3 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
33
UPC/BARCODE
033674176009
IngredientAmount% DV
Uva-Ursi1.11 Gram(s)--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose

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

Traditional urinary support

Non GMO Project Verified nongmoproject.org

Gluten free. No salt, yeast-derived ingredients, wheat, corn, soy, dairy, or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Vegan

Formula

Uva-Ursi has been referenced as a herbal remedy from as far back as 200 A.D. The name of the plant comes from the Latin "uva" (grape) and "ursus" (bear), referring to the fondness that bears have for the plant's berries. Today, Uva-Ursi is traditionally used for urinary support.

Uva Ursi Leaves 1,110 mg per serving

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Seals/Symbols

Non GMO Project Verified nongmoproject.org

Vegan Quality Global Sourcing Bottled & Tested in the USA

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommendation: Adults take 3 capsules twice daily with food or an 8 ounce glass of water.

Precautions

Warning: Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or under 12 years of age. If you have kidney disease or if you are taking any medications, consult a healthcare professional before use.

This product should not be taken for more than 14 consecutive days, unless otherwise directed by a healthcare professional.

Keep out of reach of children.

Safety sealed with inner seal. Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

Storage

Keep tightly closed. Store at room temperature. Avoid excessive heat and direct sunlight.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright 2023 Nature's Way Brands, LLC

General Statements

Bottles made from 97% post-consumer recycled plastic

See for yourself

Uva Ursi Leaves by Nature's Way label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Uva Ursi Leaves by Nature's Way

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

Serving size3 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container33 Amounts shown are per serving.

Uva-Ursi

Interacts with
803 drugs
1.11 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

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

Interaction report

Uva Ursi Leaves by Nature's Way Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Uva Ursi Leaves?

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 Leaves 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 Leaves, from the product label.

Nature's Way

See all Nature's Way products
Name
Nature's Way Brands, LLC
City
Green Bay
State
WI
ZipCode
54311
Phone Number
1-800-962-8873
Web Address
naturesway.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Uva Ursi Leaves by Nature's Way: Common Questions

Does Uva Ursi Leaves by Nature's Way interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Uva Ursi Leaves 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 Leaves 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.
What side effects might I notice?
At normal short-term doses, the most common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, and vomiting. Very high doses can cause serious effects like convulsions and delirium, but these are rare. Stick to the recommended dose and don't use it long-term.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Uva ursi may stimulate the uterus during pregnancy and lacks safety data, so avoid it. There also isn't enough information to know it's safe while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives.
Does uva ursi actually work for urinary tract infections?
The evidence suggests it's possibly ineffective for UTIs. For bronchitis and prostate concerns, there just isn't enough reliable evidence to say whether it works.
Why shouldn't I take this long-term?
Uva ursi can be toxic in high doses or with prolonged use. The safety data supports short-term use only, so stick to that timeframe and keep your dose at recommended levels.
What's in the capsule besides the active ingredient?
Just hypromellose, which is the material that makes up the capsule shell. It's an inactive ingredient that helps deliver the herb.

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

Not sure if Uva Ursi Leaves is safe with your meds?

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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 Leaves label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Uva Ursi Leaves'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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