SCORE

Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

UTI · Urinary antiseptic

Tier 3 — Trending

What it is

A bearberry leaf preparation whose active glycoside arbutin is hydrolysed to hydroquinone in alkaline urine, providing antimicrobial action in the bladder. Traditional European use for acute uncomplicated UTI with some supporting clinical data. Hydroquinone raises concerns about hepatotoxicity and potential carcinogenicity with prolonged use, so courses must be short (under 1 week) and infrequent (max 5 times per year). Not appropriate for chronic UTI prevention — use cranberry, D-mannose, or lactobacilli instead.

Efficacy

2/5

Safety

3/5

Research

2/5

Onset

4/5

Cost

4/5

Drug-int.

3/5

Dose

400–800 mg standardised extract (20% arbutin) 3 times daily for max 5–7 days

Time of day & tips

Short-course only; alkalinise urine (bicarbonate-rich diet) to convert arbutin to hydroquinone; avoid in pregnancy, kidney disease, and children; not for prevention

Sensitive populations: This supplement's evidence base touches pregnancy, pediatric, or other sensitive populations. Confirm any change with your healthcare provider before use.

Compare or learn more

Compare with another supplement →
Browse by symptom →
Open the full interactive view →

Educational reference, not medical advice. About · Methodology · Privacy · Terms