What is Uva Ursi Arctostaphylos uva-ursi?Its History,Phytochemicals,Mode of Action and Magic Superstition?

Medicinal Uses of Uva Ursi Bearberry.

Uva Ursi Extract INCI Name Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi Extract CAS:84776-10-3 EINECS ELINCS No 283-934-3 Arberry Leaf Rockberry leaf Bearberry leaf extract photo picture image Uva Ursi has been known and used medicinally for hundreds of years, and modern science has proven that the plant is indeed helpful in treating certain conditions, mostly related to the urinary tract, kidneys, and bladder.

Medicinal Action and Uses:

In consequence of the powerful astringency of theleaves, Uva-Ursi has a place not only in all the old herbals, but also in the modern Pharmacopoeias. There are records that it was used in the thirteenth century by the Welsh 'Physicians of Myddfai.' It was described by Clusius in 1601, and recommended for medicinal use in 1763 by Gerhard of Berlin and others. It had a place in the London Pharmacopoeia for the first time in 1788, though was probably in use long before. It is official in nearly all Pharmacopceias, some of which use the name Arbutus.

The usual form of administration is in the form of an infusion, which has a soothing as well as an astringent effect and marked diuretic action. Of great value in diseases of the bladder and kidneys, strengthening and imparting tone to the urinary passages. The diuretic action is due to the glucoside Arbutin, which is largely absorbed unchanged and is excreted by the kidneys. During its excretion, Arbutin exercises an antiseptic effect on the urinary mucous membrane: Bearberry leaves are, therefore, used in inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract, urethritis, cystisis, etc.

Besides the simple infusion (1 OZ. of the leaves to 1 pint of boiling water), the combination of 1/2 oz. each of Uva-Ursi, Poplar Bark and Marshmallow root, infused in 1 pint of water for 20 minutes is used with advantage.

The tannin in the leaves is so abundant that they have been used for tanning leather in Sweden and Russia.

An ash-coloured dye is said to be obtained from the plant in Scandinavian countries.

The berries are only of use as food for grouse. Cattle, however, avoid the plant.

The effects of this medicine depend entirely on its stimulant, astringent, and tonic powers, though, in the smaller doses, it tends to relieve chronic irritation of the bladder. As an astringent, it is applicable to all the purposes for which astringents are used, as in chronic diarrhoea and dysentery, menorrhagia, diabetes, enuresis, etc. In chronic a affections of the kidneys and urinary passages, it is frequently useful; in vesical catarrh, chronic gonorrhoea, strangury, leucorrhoea, and excessive mucous and bloody discharges with the urine. Its tannic acid becomes oxidized and converted into gallic and pyrogallic acids, and humus-like substances, which communicate a dark color to the urine. The keynote to its use is relaxation of the urinary membranes, as is evidenced by catarrhal discharges and a feeling of weight and dragging in the loins and perineum. There is always a feeble circulation and lack of innervation in the urinary tract when uva ursi is indicated. It undoubtedly lessens lithic acid deposits in the urine. In gonorrhoea, with bloody and mucous discharges, and pain in the vesical region, it speedily allays all these unpleasant symptoms. Cystic spasm is relieved by it, and, when calculi are present, it obtunds the cystic membranes to such an extent that the offending material is comfortably borne. It is also a remedy for passive hemorrhage, small in amount, and in chronic affections of the larynx, bronchiae, and pulmonary tissues, with excretion and cough. In large doses, uva ursi may cause emeto-catharsis. Arbutin, while undoubtedly diuretic, does not fully represent uva ursi, and the latter is said not to exert a diuretic action in health. Arbutin, in its passage through the system, is decomposed, and gives rise to hydroquinone, to which body has been attributed the retardation of putrescent changes in the urine of persons taking uva ursi.
Uva Ursi Extract INCI Name Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi Extract CAS:84776-10-3 EINECS ELINCS No 283-934-3 Arberry Leaf Rockberry leaf Bearberry leaf extract photo picture image

Medicinal uses:

The leaves are grown commercially for use as a diuretic and astringent, and the medicine, marketed under the name Uva Ursi or Bearberry, has long been used for relieving kidney and bladder problems and Certain constituents of the uva-ursi leaf combine with chemicals normally found in urine to form hydroquinone (P-dihydroxybenzene), which is bactericidal. Don't worry if the urine turns bright green. (Gibbons) Uva-ursi helps to reduce accumulations of uric acid and to relieve the pain of bladder stones and gravel; use it to alleviate cystitis.

The tea is known as Kutai, or "Caucasian tea," in Russia. It is popular in many parts of the world as a tonic or health tea, good for stomach and urinary disorders such as bedwetting. Use 1 teaspoon of dried leaves per cup of boiling water and steep for five minutes. Prospectors and trappers recommend soaking the leaves in whiskey first and then using them in the normal way to make tea. (Turner and Czszawinski) The tea or tincture can be used for bronchitis, according to Lust.

The term kinnikinnick is said to be derived from an Algonquin Indian word meaning "smoking mixture." The name has come to be used for Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, whose leaves are often used in smoking mixtures. (Turner and Czszawinski) The Chippewas smoked these leaves as a headache cure.

Lime villagers say uva-ursi berries are good as a laxative. (Kari)

Bearberry or Uva Ursi is a small, evergreen shrub found in the northern U.S. and in Europe, especially in dry, sandy or gravelly soils. A single long, fibrous main root sends out several prostrate or buried stems from which grow erect, branching stems 4-6 inches high. The bark is dark brown or slightly reddish. The small leathery obovate to spatulate leaves are rounded at the apex, 1/2-1 inch long, and slightly rolled down at the edges. Fall is the best time to pick the leaves.

Bearberry is remarkable for reducing accumulations of uric acid in the body: Bearberry also relieves the extreme pain accompanying kidney and bladder stones and inflammation of the bladder itself. This is best accomplished by soaking a handful of fresh leaves in enough brandy to cover for one week, after which 1 tbsp. of these leaves, chopped or cut, are then simmered in 1 cup of boiling water for 20 minutes. Then before drinking when lukewarm, add a teaspoon of the brandy solution in which the leaves had been soaked to each cup of tea consumed.

Bearberry or manzanita is terrific for treating kidney problems: Nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys) and renal calculi (kidney stones) are overcome with a tea made from the berries and leaves of this plant. Cystitis (inflammation of the urinary bladder) and urethritis in women (inflammation of the urethra) have been successfully treated using the same tea. It is the astringency of the tannin acid on the berries and leaves that makes them work so well in such medical conditions.

To make an all-purpose tea: bring a quart of water to a boil.Then add 3 tablespoons of dried, chopped berries and leaves. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer about 5 minutes. Turn off the stove and let the brew steep for a half hour. Strain one cup at a time and take when lukewarm on an empty stomach.

In folk medicine: bearberry is a diuretic and astringent for diseases of the bladder and kidneys, It is supposed to impart tone to the urinary passages and also to exert an antiseptic action there. This is supposed to render the medication practicable in various inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract such as urethritis, cystitis, etc. Bearberry contains about 5 to 12 percent of the phenolic glycoside arbutin, which hydrolyzes when taken to release hydroquinone, the principal antiseptic and astringent constituent of the plant. Ursolic acid, a triterpene derivative, and isoquercitrin, a flavonoid pigment, also contribute to the diuretic action. Bearberry contains large amounts (15 to 20 percent) of tannin, an undesirable constituent that tends to upset the stomach. Consequently, the leaves should not be extracted with hot water, as is normally the case in preparing a tea. Rather, it is better to pour cold water over them and allow them to stand twelve to twenty-four hours before drinking. This minimizes the tannin content of the beverage.

Arbutin, or more specifically, the hydroquinone derived from it, is a rather effective urinary antiseptic, but only if taken in large doses and if the urine is alkaline. This means that consumers should avoid eating acid-rich foods, including many fruits and their juices, sauerkraut, vitamin C, and similar products. Consumers must also be aware that hydroquinone, in large doses, is toxic and may cause ringing in the ears, vomiting, convulsions, and collapse. However, since the recommended dose of bearberry is 1 gram, three to six times daily (delivering an average of 400 to 800 mg arbutin daily), and doses as large as 20 grams have produced no adverse response in healthy individuals, there would seem to be minimal cause for concern. Bearberry is not recommended for children and pregnant or lactating women. If symptoms persist beyond two weeks, or worsen during treatment, medical advice is necessary.

Bearberry is an ingredient in practically all of the kidney- and bladder-type teas, large numbers of which are marketed in Europe. It appears to be a modestly effective urinary antiseptic and diuretic if properly employed. The wisdom of self-determining conditions in which it might prove helpful and then self-treating them is, of course, an individual matter.

Best natural urinary antiseptics:Bearberry is one of the best natural urinary antiseptics. Bearberry has been used extensively in herbal medicine to disinfect and astringe the urinary tract in cases of acute and chronic cystitis and urethritis. However, bearberry is not a suitable remedy if there is a simultaneous infection of the kidneys.

Reference:

1.What is Uva Ursi Arctostaphylos uva-ursi?Its History,Phytochemicals,Mode of Action and Magic Superstition?

last edit date:10th,Mar.2010.

Available Product

Name:Uva Ursi Extract
Serie No:P081
Specifications:10:1.TLC
INCI Name:ARCTOSTAPHYLOS UVA URSI EXTRACT
EINECS/ELINCS No.:283-934-3
CAS:84776-10-3
Chem/IUPAC Name:Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi Extract is an extract of the leaves of the bearberry,Arctostaphylos uva-ursi,Ericaceae

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