Uva Ursi
Useful mainly for adult women with an acute uncomplicated lower UTI, short-term only.
Quick decision guide
May help most
adult women with an acute uncomplicated lower UTI, short-term only
Common dosing range
400-840 mg arbutin/day, divided
When to expect effects
Days
Watch out for
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?
Use this as a quick fit check, not a diagnosis.
Worth considering if…
Probably skip if…
Evidence at a glance
| Goal | 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 |
acute uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection
- Effect
- Uncertain; small studies
- Best fit
- Adult women with acute uncomplicated lower UTI seeking a short-course option
- Time
- 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
What to track
Safety
Know the common side effects, key cautions, and who should avoid it.
Common side effects
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
What to look for on the label — and what to be skeptical of.
Look for…
Be skeptical of…
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.