Uva Ursi
At a glance
- Best for
- adult women with an acute uncomplicated lower UTI, short-term only
- Typical dose
- 400-840 mg arbutin/day, divided
- Time to effect
- Days
- Main caution
- limit to under 1-2 weeks per course due to hydroquinone exposure
What is it
Uva ursi, also known as bearberry, is the leaf of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi , a low-growing evergreen shrub of cold-temperate Northern Hemisphere regions. The leaves contain 5-15% arbutin (a hydroquinone glucoside), tannins (gallotannins and ellagitannins, often 6-20%), iridoids, and flavonoids. Arbutin is the principal active and is hydrolysed in vivo - particularly in alkaline urine - to release hydroquinone, which exerts mild antibacterial activity in the urinary tract; this mechanism underlies the historical and modern herbal use of uva ursi as a treatment for uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections in adult women.
Is it worth it for you?
Worth considering if…
- You are an adult woman with an acute uncomplicated lower UTI
- You want a short-course herbal option
- You will keep use under one week per course
Probably skip if…
- You need long-term or prophylactic use
- You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under 12
- You have renal impairment or signs of an upper UTI
Evidence at a glance
| Goal | Evidence | Effect | Best fit | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| acute uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection | Mixed Evidence | Uncertain; small studies | Adult women with acute uncomplicated lower UTI seeking a short-course option | Days |
Evidence for 1 use
AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.
acute uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection
Disease adjunctArbutin in uva ursi is hydrolyzed in vivo, especially in alkaline urine, to hydroquinone, which has mild urinary antibacterial activity underlying its traditional and monograph-supported use. Clinical evidence is limited to small and older trials, and use must be short because of hydroquinone exposure concerns.
Bottom line: A short-course herbal option for acute lower UTI in women, with limited trial support.
How to take it
- Typical dose
- 400-840 mg arbutin/day (about 3-4 g dried leaf or equivalent extract), divided into 2-3 doses
- Timing
- Spread across the day
- With food
- Note tannins with meals can reduce iron and alkaloid absorption
- How long to try
- No more than 1 week per course and no more than 5 courses per year
What to track
- UTI symptoms (dysuria, frequency)
- Any fever or flank pain (seek care)
- GI tolerance
Safety
Common side effects
Mild nausea, Gastric irritation, Greenish urine discoloration
Serious risks
- Potential hepatotoxicity and theoretical genotoxicity from hydroquinone with high doses or prolonged use
Who should avoid it
- Pregnant or breastfeeding people
- Children under 12
- People with renal impairment
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation due to possible oxytocic effects and lack of safety data.
Interactions
Tannins can reduce absorption when taken together
Choosing a product
Look for
- Standardized arbutin content
- Clear short-course dosing instructions
- Leaf (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) source
Be skeptical of
- Safe for long-term daily use
- Prevents recurrent UTIs
References by claim
Track Uva Ursi with Pilora
Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.
Coming to App StoreDisclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.