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Herb

Uva-Ursi

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Uva-Ursi. Antibacterial herb for acute uncomplicated UTI; alkaline urine required.

How it works. Arbutin converts to hydroquinone in alkaline urine, with antibacterial activity.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Limited but supportive evidence in acute UTI (limited).

How much to take. Typical dose: 400–800 mg standardized × 3/d for ≤7 days.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. Serious: Hepatotoxicity with chronic use.

Stacking. Pairs well with A high-quality multivitamin, Omega-3 (EPA/DHA). Avoid combining with Pregnancy, Long-term use.

Common forms. Available as Standardized arbutin.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Uva-Ursi. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Uva-Ursi. Antibacterial herb for acute uncomplicated UTI; alkaline urine required.

Key compound: arbutinC12H16O7 · 272.25 g/mol

What it is

Antibacterial herb for acute uncomplicated UTI; alkaline urine required.

Also called

Arctostaphylos uva-ursiBearberry

Food sources

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Goals

Kidney HealthWomen's Health

How it works

Arbutin converts to hydroquinone in alkaline urine, with antibacterial activity.

Pathways

  • Urinary antibacterial

Effects

  • ↓Bacterial growth (urinary) decreases

What the research supports

Limited but supportive evidence in acute UTIlimited

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
400–800 mg standardized × 3/d for ≤7 days
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the standardized arbutin form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset

Serious

  • Hepatotoxicity with chronic use

Medication interactions

Urine acidifiers (vit C high dose)moderate

Reduces efficacy.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • A high-quality multivitaminCovers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.

Avoid combining

  • PregnancyPossible oxytocic.
  • Long-term useHepatotoxicity.

Common forms

  • Standardized arbutin

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Uva-Ursi — Limited but supportive evidence in acute UTI ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Uva-Ursi and "Limited but supportive evidence in acute UTI". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Uva-Ursi — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Uva-Ursi and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Uva-Ursi — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Uva-Ursi and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

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