Introduction
Uva ursi is a plant with red berries. The leaves have been used to ease symptoms of urinary tract infection and to help control blood glucose. Uva ursi can be taken as a pill, powder, or extract. It can also be made into a tea.
Dosages
There are no advised doses for uva ursi.
What Research Shows
There is not enough data to support that uva ursi is helpful in treating health problems. We will review future studies as they are published.
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Safety Notes
It may be safe for most adults to take uva ursi in small doses for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children should not take uva ursi.
Interactions
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.
References
REFA Safety
REFA1 Wang L, Del Priore LV. Bull's-eye maculopathy secondary to herbal toxicity from uva ursi. Am J Ophthalmol. 2004 Jun;137(6):1135-1137.
REFA2 de Arriba SG, Naser B, et al. Risk assessment of free hydroquinone derived from Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi folium herbal preparations. Int J Toxicol. 2013 Nov-Dec;32(6):442-453.