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Herbs & Supplements
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Scientific Name: Uva Ursi
Other Names: Arberry, Bear Grape, Bearberry, Coralillo, Hogberry, Kinnikinnick, Mealberry, Mountain Cranberry, Rockberry, Sandberry
What interactions should I watch for?
Prescription drugs such as ammonium chloride, non-prescription products such as vitamin C, herbals such as rose hips, and foods such as cranberry juice may all make the urine more acidic in nature. Potentially, taking a urine acidifier may lessen or destroy the antibacterial effects of uva ursi.
On the other hand, urinary alkalizers--drugs such as antacids, Bicitra, K-lyte, Polycitra, and sodium bicarbonate; herbals such as alfalfa and peppermint; and foods such as molasses, raisins, spinach, and some dried beans--reduce the acid levels in urine, which may increase uva ursi's antibacterial effects.
No cases of interactions specific to uva ursi have been reported in medical literature, but other oral products that contain tannins have interfered with the way the body uses certain drugs. Individuals who plan to take uva ursi should discuss all the prescription and non-prescription medicines they take with a doctor or pharmacist before they begin to use uva ursi.
Although no interactions have been reported between uva ursi and foods, the tannins in uva ursi may interfere with the absorption of minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium from foods. A dietary deficiency of these minerals is very rare in the United States, but it might be possible if large amounts of uva ursi are used continually and the diet is poor.
Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others. The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals. For specific information on how uva ursi interacts with drugs, other herbals, and foods and the severity of those interactions, please use our Drug Interactions Checker to check for possible interactions.
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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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What interactions should I watch for?
