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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
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Uses
Uva ursi contains chemicals, primarily hydroquinone and hydroquinone derivatives, that make it potentially useful for urinary conditions. It has been approved for treating inflammation of the lower urinary tract by Commission E of the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, which is the German governmental agency that evaluates the safety and effectiveness of herbal products. The United States does not have a comparable agency to evaluate herbal products. Several chemicals found in uva ursi have antibacterial, antiseptic, and astringent properties that may also help to treat urinary tract infections. An astringent shrinks and tightens the top layers of mucous membranes, thereby reducing secretions, relieving irritation, and improving tissue firmness. The antibacterial action of uva ursi is diminished or destroyed, however, if the urine has too much acid in it. Formerly, uva ursi was also thought to promote the production of urine by the body, but this diuretic effect has not been proved in studies of humans. In general, prescription drugs that are more effective than uva ursi and that may have fewer side effects are available for treating urinary tract infections.
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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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Who is this for? 
