Everything You Need to Know About

Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Botanical family: Ericaceae
Parts used: Leaves
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Overview and Health Benefits

Bearberry, also known as uva-ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), is most renowned for its efficacy in treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, astringent and diuretic properties. It has a long documented history of use across Europe, North America and China (Erichsen-Brown, 1979). Modern research supports many of these traditional uses, notably for the urinary system, highlighting the herb's potent bioactive compounds.


Key benefits:

  • Urinary Anti-infective & Urinary Tract Health: Bearberry is effective in managing urinary tract infections (UTIs), including those affecting the bladder (cystitis) or the urethra (urethritis) (Heirich et al., 2012). The herb's primary active compound, arbutin, is metabolised into hydroquinone, which shows strong antimicrobial effects against pathogens in the urinary tract (Heinrich et al., 2012). Hydroquinone is active against many bacteria, but particularly those liable to cause UTIs, such as E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Heinrich et al., 2012). In 1993, a preliminary report found that an extract of uva-ursi had a preventative effect on recurrent cystitis in women, concluding that it significantly reduced the number of recurrent infections compared to a placebo without causing side effects (Larsson et al., 1993). A 2018 randomised controlled trial found that a combination of plant extracts, including arbutin, effectively prevented the recurrence of UTIs by reducing bacterial load and improving urinary health (Genovese et al., 2018). Another trial the same year found that initial treatment with arbutin significantly reduced the number of antibiotic courses prescribed for women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections without increasing the symptom burden or complications (Afshar et al., 2018). Research suggests that the herb’s antiinfective activities are most effective when urine is alkaline, as acidity reduces its antibacterial properties (Bone, 2003; Mount Sinai, n.d.). Therefore, alkalinization of urine with buffering agents containing sodium bicarbonate, for example, may be desirable while using bearberry with this purpose (Bone, 2003).
  • Anti-inflammatory Properties: Bearberry's anti-inflammatory effects (Lee & Kim, 2012) are particularly beneficial for the urinary system. Compounds in the herb have been shown to reduce inflammation markers (Zhang et al., 2021), providing relief from conditions like cystitis and urethritis. 
  • Diuretic Effects: Bearberry promotes urine production, which helps flush out toxins and pathogens from the urinary tract, aiding in the prevention and treatment of UTIs. Its diuretic action is attributed to its active compounds such as ursolic acid and arbutin, which stimulate the kidneys and increase urine production (Beaux et al., 1999).
  • Antioxidant Activity: Bearberry exhibits significant antioxidant properties, helping to protect cells from oxidative damage. This activity supports overall cellular health and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases linked to oxidative stress. Studies have shown that beaberry’s phenolic acids contribute to its antioxidant capacity (Sugier et al., 2021).
  • Astringent and Tonic Effects: Bearberry is known for its astringent properties, meaning its ability to tighten tissues, which helps reduce excess fluids like mucus and vaginal discharge, and soothe irritation in the urinary tract. It has also been traditionally used to strengthen bladder muscles, promoting normal contractions and easing bladder irritation (Hoffmann, 2003).

Safety

Bearberry’s high tannin content makes it unsuitable for long-term use due to potential gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting (Madaus, 1938). Bearberry is contraindicated for individuals with kidney disease and is theoretically risky for those with iron-deficient anaemia and malnutrition, as tannins can bind to metal ions and inhibit their absorption (WHO, 2004; Mills & Bone, 2013). To mitigate interaction risks, it is advised to take iron supplements at least two hours after uva-ursi (Mills & Bone, 2013). Administration of high doses of isolated hydroquinone extract has been shown to have severe effects, so taking whole plant extracts is preferable (WHO, 2004).

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid uva-ursi (WHO, 2004). It is not recommended for children under 12 years old, and initial doses for children and the elderly should be smaller (Mills & Bone, 2013). Users should not be alarmed if their urine turns green, as this is a normal reaction (Heinrich et al., 2012).

As with any herbal remedy, consulting with a healthcare professional before using uva-ursi is crucial, especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking prescription medications.


Key Body Systems Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) relates to

Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Urinary system
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Skin
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Immune System
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Endocrine and or Reproductive System
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Digestive System

Energetics

Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Drying
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Cooling

Key actions

  • Diuretic
  • Antimicrobial
  • Astringent
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Digestive
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Key uses

  • Urinary tract infections
  • Cystitis
  • Urethritis
  • Nephritis
  • Prostatitis

Where to Find Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

A member of the Ericaceae family alongside azaleas, rhododendrons, cranberries, and blueberries, bearberry is a low-growing evergreen shrub with distinctive features. The plant forms dense mats with trailing stems, and young branches initially grow upwards a few inches. The leaves are small, leathery, and oval-shaped, with a glossy, dark green upper surface and a lighter green underside. From June to September, bearberry produces clusters of small, bell-shaped, reddish-white flowers at the ends of branches. These flowers give way to bright red, smooth, and glossy berries in late summer.

Bearberry thrives in alpine forests and rocky, well-drained soils, commonly found in the northern hemisphere, particularly in North America, Europe, the Iberian Peninsula, Siberia, and the Himalayas. It flourishes in cool climates, often at high altitudes where other vegetation struggles. It is commonly seen in acidic, sandy, or rocky soils, often in pine forests or open, sunny areas. 

References

Afshar, K., Fleischmann, N., Schmiemann, G., Bleidorn, J., Hummers-Pradier, E., Friede, T., Wegscheider, K., Moore, M., & Gágyor, I. (2018). Reducing antibiotic use for uncomplicated urinary tract infection in general practice by treatment with uva-ursi (REGATTA) – a double-blind, randomised, controlled comparative effectiveness trial. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 18(1), 203. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-018-2266-x

Beaux, D., Fleurentin, J., & Mortier, F. (1999). Effect of extracts of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth, Hieracium pilosella L., Sambucus nigra L., and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. in rats. Phytotherapy Research, 13(3), 222–225. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-1573(199905)13:3<222::AID-PTR447>3.0.CO;2-P

Bone, K. (2003). A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs: Herbal formulations for the individual patient. Churchill Livingstone.

Erichsen-Brown, C. (1979). Medicinal and other uses of North American plants. Dover Publications.

Genovese, C., Davinelli, S., Mangano, K., Tempera, G., Nicolosi, D., Corsello, S., Vergalito, F., Tartaglia, E., Scapagnini, G., & Di Marco, R. (2018). Effects of a new combination of plant extracts plus d-mannose for the management of uncomplicated recurrent urinary tract infections. Journal of Chemotherapy, 30(2), 107-114. https://doi.org/10.1080/1120009X.2017.1393587

Heinrich, M., Barnes, J., Gibbons, S., Williamson, E. M. (2012). Fundamentals of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy. Churchill Livinstone. 

Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical herbalism. Healing Arts Press.

Larsson, B., Jonasson, A., & Fianu, S. (1993). Prophylactic effect of UVA-E in women with recurrent cystitis: A preliminary report. Current Therapeutic Research, 53(4), 441-443. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0011-393X(05)80204-8

Lee, H.-J., & Kim, K.-W. (2012). Anti-inflammatory effects of arbutin in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. Inflammation Research, 61(8), 817-825. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00011-012-0474-2 

Madaus, G. (1938). Lehrbuch der biologischen heilmittel [Textbook of biological remedies]. Leipzig, Germany: Thieme. Retrieved from https://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/madaus/arctostaphylos.html

Mills, S., & Bone, K. (2013). Principles and practice of phytotherapy (2nd ed.). Elsevier.

Mount Sinai. (n.d.). Uva ursi. Mount Sinai Health Library. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/uva-ursi

Sugier, P., Sęczyk, Ł., Sugier, D., Krawczyk, R., Wójcik, M., Czarnecka, J., Okoń, S., & Plak, A. (2021). Chemical characteristics and antioxidant activity of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi L. Spreng. at the southern border of the geographical range of the species in Europe. Molecules, 26(24), 7692. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26247692 

World Health Organization. (2004). WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants: Volume 2. World Health Organization. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42784 

Zhang, B., Zeng, M., Li, B., Kan, Y., Wang, S., Cao, B., Huang, Y., Zheng, X., & Feng, W. (2021). Arbutin attenuates LPS-induced acute kidney injury by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis via the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway. Phytomedicine, 82, 153466. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153466