Bearberry (arbutin, arctostaphylos uva ursi, mountain cranberry, uva ursi): Dosing and Uses

Suggested dosing of Arbutin, arctostaphylos uva ursi (bearberry)

Dried herb

1.5-4 g PO qd

Tea

One cup of tea PO QId

Steep 3 grams dried leaf in 150 mL cold water for 12-24 hours and then strain

Fluid extract (1:1 in 25% alcohol)

1.5-4 mL PO TId

Hydroquinone derivative, calculated as water-free arbutin

100-210 mg PO QId

Suggested uses of Arbutin, arctostaphylos uva ursi (bearberry)

Urinary tract antibacterial, astringent

Efficacy

Possibly effective for urinary tract inflammation

Currently is not clear if extended use is safe, tell patients not to use long-term

More evidence is needed to support use for UTI's

Arbutin, arctostaphylos uva ursi (bearberry) adverse (side) effects

Nausea, vomiting, greenish-brown urine

Warnings

Contraindications

Renal impairment

Cautions

WARNING: urine must be alkaline for efficacy

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy category: unsafe

Lactation: N/A

Pregnancy categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Pharmacology of Arbutin, arctostaphylos uva ursi (bearberry)

Metabolism: N/A

Excretion: N/A

Mechanism of action

Arbutin, tannins, hydroquinone: antimicrobial, astringent