Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is a small, evergreen shrub with orange berries. The leaves have been traditionally used as medicine.
Uva ursi can reduce bacteria in the urine and also increase urine flow. It also seems to reduce swelling. Bears are very fond of the uva ursi fruit. The Latin name "uva ursi" means "bear's grape".
Uva ursi is used for urinary tract infections (UTIs), enlarged prostate, bronchitis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Infections of the kidney, bladder, or urethra (urinary tract infections or UTIs). Most research shows that taking oral uva ursi does not help to treat UTIs. It isn't clear if oral uva ursi can help to prevent UTIs.
There is interest in using uva ursi for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Uva ursi is possibly safe when taken for up to 5 days. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and can turn the urine greenish-brown. Uva ursi is possibly unsafe when taken in high doses or for a long time. It can cause liver damage and death when used in high doses. When used for a long time, it might increase the risk for cancer.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy: Using uva ursi during pregnancy is likely unsafe. It might start labor.
Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if uva ursi is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Uva ursi is possibly unsafe in children when taken by mouth. It contains a chemical that might cause severe liver problems. Don't give uva ursi to children.
Retinal thinning: Uva ursi contains a chemical that can thin the retina in the eye. Avoid uva ursi if your retinas are already thinning.
Lithium
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Taking uva ursi might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Uva ursi might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Uva ursi might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Glucuronidated drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Uva ursi might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications moved by pumps in cells (P-glycoprotein substrates)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Some medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. Uva ursi might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of uva ursi might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
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