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Uva ursi

Uva ursi leaf is obtained from Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (family Ericaceae), and contains antispetic glycosides, arbutin, methylarbutin and tannins. Uva ursi is an herb that acts as an excellent diuretic. The herb is also effective for treatment of bladder and kidney ailments. Uva ursi can further eliminate bloating due to water retention and relieve pain from cystitis and nephritis. Urinary tract infections (UTI) are a serious health problem affecting millions of people each year. Herbal remedies have also been used for the treatment of UTI. In particular, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, also known as bearberry, has been used as a urinary antiseptic. Teas and extracts of the uva ursi leaves have been used as urinary tract antiseptic for centuries. The leaves of uva ursi contain hydroquinone derivates, mainly arbutin and methyl-arbutin. Upon consumption, arbutin is hydrolyzed in gastric fluid to hydroquinone. In alkaline urine, hydroquinone is mildly astringent and is an effective antimicrobial agent. It has been suggested that arbutin itself may contribute to the antiseptic activity of uva ursi.

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