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Herbs & Supplements
Arberry
Scientific Name: Uva Ursi
Other Names: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Bear Grape, Bearberry, Coralillo, Hogberry, Kinnikinnick, Mealberry, Mountain Cranberry, Rockberry, Sandberry
When should I be careful taking it?
Even though tannins are thought not to be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, liver damage has occurred rarely in individuals who took large oral doses of tannins. Although uva ursi has not been studied specifically and no cases in which uva ursi caused liver damage have been reported, it does contain significant quantities of tannin. Oral uva ursi should be used with caution and its component, hydroquinone, which was formerly sold for topical use, should never be taken orally. Individuals with liver conditions should not take uva ursi. Furthermore, children are more likely to suffer liver damage from uva ursi, so it should not be given to children under the age of 12 years.
Chemicals in uva ursi may cause tightening of the uterus, which could potentially cause a miscarriage in pregnant women. These chemicals may also induce early labor and cause delivery to proceed rapidly. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid uva ursi.
Individuals who have kidney diseases or stomach conditions should avoid taking uva ursi due to possible irritation from chemicals it contains.
Precautions
Not enough is known about how uva ursi might affect an infant to recommend its use while breast-feeding.
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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When should I be careful taking it? 
