Last verified: 11 days ago
Uva Ursi
Also known as: bearberry, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, bearberry extract, arbutin, Uvae ursi folium
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Herbal UTI remedy. Reduces antibiotic use but symptoms last longer than antibiotics.
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What it does
Uva ursi is a shrub whose leaves contain arbutin, a compound that converts to hydroquinone in the urine and acts as an antiseptic. Clinical trials show it can reduce antibiotic use in women with...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
105 mg arbutin 3x daily (315 mg/day) for 5 days based on clinical trials
What the Science Says
Uva ursi is a shrub whose leaves contain arbutin, a compound that converts to hydroquinone in the urine and acts as an antiseptic. Clinical trials show it can reduce antibiotic use in women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) compared to standard antibiotic treatment. However, women using uva ursi experience more symptoms for longer and may face a higher risk of the infection spreading to the kidneys compared to those taking antibiotics.
What It Doesn't Do
Won't clear UTI symptoms as fast as antibiotics. Not proven to prevent UTIs from coming back. No evidence it works for men or complicated infections. Not a proven diuretic in humans — animal studies only. Won't treat kidney infections. No evidence for any use outside of urinary tract symptoms.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Reduces antibiotic use in women with uncomplicated UTIs when used as initial treatment.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: 105 mg arbutin 3x daily for 5 days
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
May relieve UTI symptoms, but works slower and less effectively than standard antibiotics.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 105 mg arbutin 3x daily for 5 days
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Arbutin shows diuretic effects in animal studies by influencing aldosterone-related gene expression.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 25–75 mg/kg in animal models; human dose not established
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Moderate — arbutin is stable through digestion and absorbed in the gut, then hydrolyzed to hydroquinone in the urine where it acts locally. Lab studies show hydroquinone levels increase after pepsin exposure but decrease in the small intestine phase.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Higher rate of kidney infection (pyelonephritis) observed in uva ursi group vs. antibiotics in one RCT — 8 vs. 2 cases
- Hydroquinone, the active metabolite, showed cytotoxic and pro-oxidative effects on bladder cells in lab studies at therapeutic-range concentrations
- Not recommended as a first-line treatment — clinical guidelines still favor antibiotics for confirmed UTIs
- One clinical trial found no significant reduction in UTI symptoms or antibiotic use compared to placebo
- Long-term safety is unknown; sub-acute animal studies showed minor liver enzyme and blood count changes at high doses
Products Containing Uva Ursi
See how Uva Ursi is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Uva Ursi do?
Herbal UTI remedy. Reduces antibiotic use but symptoms last longer than antibiotics.
What is the effective dose of Uva Ursi?
105 mg arbutin 3x daily (315 mg/day) for 5 days based on clinical trials
Is Uva Ursi safe?
Higher rate of kidney infection (pyelonephritis) observed in uva ursi group vs. antibiotics in one RCT — 8 vs. 2 cases
What doesn't Uva Ursi do?
Won't clear UTI symptoms as fast as antibiotics.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-09-13