Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. Uva-ursi, Bearberry
Family: Ericaceae.
Description: “Mat-forming , evergreen shrub with rooting branches, and obovate, dark green leaves. Racemes of white, pink- tinged flowers apprear from early spring, followed by glossy, red fruits. H 10-15cm, S 30-120cm. Fully hardy.” (Bowm, 1995:86)
Habitat: Heathland and rocky areas from northern Europe to northern Asia, Japan and N America to Arctic Circle (‘panboreal’). Now endangered in S and E Europe due to collection of remnant populations.
Harvest: Leaves collected in September and October, only green leaves selected, (Mills, 1993).
Parts used: Leaves.
Dosage: 1:5 Tincture: 1-4ml tds, Fluid Extract: 1-2ml tds, Dried: 1-4g tds.
Actions
-URINARY ANTISEPTIC,
-ASTRINGENT [on lower digestive tract], (Bradley, 1992);
-diuretic [in general sense, but see ‘Pharmacology’],
-anti-inflammatory, (AD);
Organ systems: URINARY;
Indications:
-Mild infections of the urinary tract, (Bradley, 1992); cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis;
-Diarrhoea and other intestinal irritation, (Mills, 1993);
Safety: Large doses may lead to nausea and vomiting, (Bradley, 1992);
Contra-indications: Pregnancy and kidney disorders;
Key Constituents, (Bradley, 1992):
-Hydroquinones, mainly arbutin (usually 6-7%);
-Tannins, 10-15%;
-Flavonoids, mainly glycosides of quercitin and myricetin;
-Monotropein, an iridoid glycoside;
-Triterpenes, 0.4-0.8%, incl. ursolic acid;
-Misc.: phenolic acids, volatile oil
;
Pharmacology: Uva-ursi extracts and arbutin have been shown to have anti-bacterial effects in vitro, (Wren, 1988); generally accepted that this activity considerably higher in alkaline urine [so adopt ‘alkaline’ diet]. High tannin content causes astringent action. Although traditionally described as a diuretic, one study found it inhibited diuresis, (Bradley, 1992). Possible activity against micro-organisms Klebsiella and Proteus, among others, suggest may also be of benefit in rheumatic diseases due to cross reactions between infective organisms and inflammatory diseases, (Mills, 1993).
Toxicology: No studies found.
History: Botanical name is a combination of Greek (generic) and Latin for ‘bear fruit’ as the berries thought to be eaten by bears.
Traditional and Practitioner sources:
“Produces potent antiseptic in the kidney tubules; also antiseptic and very effective for acid urine. Take an infusion of 15g herb to 500ml water or up to 2ml tincture tds. Add couchgrass and yarrow to infusion or cornsilk if burning sensation severe.” Penelope Ody, 1993: 158 [also incl. case history for recurrent cystitis].
“Restores mucous membrane of urinary and genital structures, especially when pale, flabby and oedematous. Indications:
-Chronic vesical irritation with pain and catarrhal discharge;
-Chronic urethritis;
-Cystitis, haematuria, enuresis [incontinence] -with Rhus aromatica;
-Atonic leucorrhoea [white/ yellow vaginal discharge], profuse menstruation, uterine prolapse, vaginal laxity -with Mitchella repens.” Priest and Priest, 1983, 102.
