Uva Ursi
Feb 17, 2025
Uva Ursi
Uva ursi is a plant that has been used mostly for disorders of the urinary tract. It has been used in cases of kidney, bladder, and urethra infections as well as kidney and bladder stones.
Mechanism of Action:
The active component of Uva ursi is hydroquinone glycosides, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic activities that get excreted in the urine.
Dosage:
More research needs be conducted for appropriate dosing regimens; however, dosing does depend on age, weight, and gender.
Evidence:
Studies have not been able to show the effectiveness of Uva ursi in decreasing the recurrence rate of UTIs. More studies need to be conducted in order to examine the effectiveness of Uva ursi in combatting other urinary tract issues.
Precautions:
In small doses, Uva ursi can cause nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach. In large doses, it can lead to liver damage, eye issues, and discoloration of urine with a greenish color. Uva ursi contains a chemical that can lead to thinning of the retina and should be avoided in people who have thin retinas.
Interactions:
Since Uva ursi can have a diuretic effect, it should be avoided taken at the same time as lithium.
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