Uva Ursi - NutraPedia

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Uva Ursi (Bearberry) Overview

1) Conditions Studied

Uva Ursi, also known as bearberry, has been studied for various conditions, primarily:

  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Inflammation of the urinary tract
  • Diuretic effects
  • Antiseptic properties

2) Efficacy in Treating Conditions

Research on Uva Ursi's effectiveness in treating conditions like UTIs has shown mixed results. Some studies suggest that it may help to reduce bacteria in the urine, while others have not found significant benefits. Its use is more supported as a short-term measure for UTIs due to its antiseptic properties.

3) Health Benefits

The health benefits of Uva Ursi may include:

  • Antimicrobial activity that may reduce the growth of bacteria and help in treating UTIs
  • Anti-inflammatory effects that could help with urinary tract inflammation
  • Diuretic properties that may aid in flushing the urinary tract

4) Downsides

While Uva Ursi may have potential health benefits, there are some downsides to consider:

  • It contains hydroquinone, which can be toxic in high doses or with prolonged use
  • May cause liver damage if used excessively
  • Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, greenish-brown urine, and in severe cases, liver damage

5) Genetic Variations and Effects

There is limited research on the interaction between Uva Ursi and specific genetic variations. However, individuals with certain genetic predispositions may metabolize the active compounds differently, potentially altering the effectiveness or safety of the herb. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using Uva Ursi, especially if you have a known genetic condition or are taking other medications.

Uva Ursi and Arbutin Research Summary

The research investigates Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (bearberry) extracts and their component, arbutin, across various studies. Arbutin is a natural skin-whitening agent with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is quantifiable using gas chromatography and HPLC, and it's effective in reducing melanin production.

Gas Chromatography Method for Arbutin

A quantitative gas chromatography method is developed for measuring arbutin in uva-ursi, offering high sensitivity and linearity for arbutin concentrations. The method provides a viable alternative to the standard HPLC method.

Arbutin's Anti-inflammatory Properties

Arbutin exhibits anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated murine BV2 microglial cells by suppressing production of inflammatory markers and preventing activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Antimicrobial Activity of Uva Ursi

Extracts from Arctostaphylos uva-ursi show substantial antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The plant is also highlighted for its urinary antiseptic properties in the treatment of urinary tract infections.

Arbutin's Impact on Tyrosinase Activity

Alpha-arbutin, derived from hydroquinone and starch, is found to be more effective than beta-arbutin in inhibiting tyrosinase activity from mushroom and mouse melanoma, suggesting its potential use in skin lightening products.

Uva Ursi's Role in Urinary Tract Health

Uva ursi leaf is noted for its historical use as a urinary antiseptic, and modern research confirms its efficacy in treating urinary tract issues.

Impact of Arbutin on Drug Metabolism Enzymes

Studies show that uva-ursi can potentially affect drug safety by influencing drug metabolism enzymes and transport proteins, highlighting the need for further research.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi and its compound arbutin have significant potential in natural remedies for skin lightening, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial applications, with implications for urinary tract health and drug interactions.

References:


  1. Validation of a quantitative assay of arbutin using gas chromatography in Origanum majorana and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi extracts
  2. Botanical medicines for the urinary tract
  3. Anti-inflammatory effects of arbutin in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 microglial cells
  4. A comparison of the anti-Staphylococcus aureus activity of extracts from commonly used medicinal plants
  5. The toxicology of hydroquinone--relevance to occupational and environmental exposure
  6. Effects of alpha- and beta-arbutin on activity of tyrosinases from mushroom and mouse melanoma
  7. Inhibition of the adherence of P-fimbriated Escherichia coli to uroepithelial-cell surfaces by proanthocyanidin extracts from cranberries
  8. Urolithiasis and phytotherapy
  9. Water-extractable magnesium, manganese and copper in leaves and herbs of medicinal plants
  10. Structural criteria for depigmenting mechanism of arbutin
  11. Antibacterial and quorum sensing regulatory activities of some traditional Eastern-European medicinal plants
  12. Validated methods for direct determination of hydroquinone glucuronide and sulfate in human urine after oral intake of bearberry leaf extract by capillary zone electrophoresis
  13. Influence of aqueous extracts of medicinal plants on surface hydrophobicity of Escherichia coli strains of different origin
  14. Toxicogenomics of A375 human malignant melanoma cells treated with arbutin
  15. Effect of extracts of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth, Hieracium pilosella L., Sambucus nigra L. and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. in rats
  16. Inhibitory effects of alpha-arbutin on melanin synthesis in cultured human melanoma cells and a three-dimensional human skin model
  17. HPTLC densitometric analysis of arbutin in bulk drug and methanolic extracts of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
  18. Bacterial deconjugation of arbutin by Escherichia coli
  19. Human exposure to naturally occurring hydroquinone
  20. In vitro activity of uva-ursi against cytochrome P450 isoenzymes and P-glycoprotein
  21. Urinary excretion and metabolism of arbutin after oral administration of Arctostaphylos uvae ursi extract as film-coated tablets and aqueous solution in healthy humans
  22. Comparative study of the leaf volatiles of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. and Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. (Ericaceae)
  23. Studies of cuticle drugs from natural sources. IV. Inhibitory effects of some Arctostaphylos plants on melanin biosynthesis
  24. Bull's-eye maculopathy secondary to herbal toxicity from uva ursi
  25. The structure of cranberry proanthocyanidins which inhibit adherence of uropathogenic P-fimbriated Escherichia coli in vitro
  26. Marked potentiation of activity of beta-lactams against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by corilagin
  27. Urinary excretion of arbutin metabolites after oral administration of bearberry leaf extracts
  28. Antitussive effect of arbutin
  29. Isolation of Piceoside from Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
  30. Selective determination of arbutin in cosmetic products through online derivatization followed by disposable electrochemical sensor
  31. A single extraction step in the quantitative analysis of arbutin in bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) leaves by high-performance liquid chromatography
  32. Risk assessment of free hydroquinone derived from Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi folium herbal preparations
  33. Proteomics analysis of A375 human malignant melanoma cells in response to arbutin treatment
  34. Natural approaches to prevention and treatment of infections of the lower urinary tract
  35. Screening of selected food and medicinal plant extracts for pancreatic lipase inhibition
  36. Phenylglucosides and the Na+/glucose cotransporter (SGLT1): analysis of interactions


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