Uvae ursi folium
Bearberry Leaf
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng.
Published 2012
Format: PDF
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SUMMARY:
The herbal monograph selects and summarises scientific studies and textbooks regarding efficacy, dosage and safety to support the therapeutic uses of bearberry leaf.
The botanical definition of the herbal drug is the whole or cut dried leaf of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng.
Studies with its main characteristic constituents arbutin and methylarbutin are included.
The therapeutic indications are uncomplicated infections of the lower urinary tract.
Administration of bearberry leaf addresses posology; its duration of use; contra-indications; special warnings; special precautions for use; interactions with other medicinal products; other forms of interaction; in pregnancy and lactation; its effects on ability to drive; undesirable effects; overdose.
In vitro experiments with bearberry leaf demonstrate antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
In vivo experiments in animals demonstrate anti-inflammatory and diuretic activities.
Pharmacokinetics of orally administered arbutin or bearberry leaf extracts were assessed in animals and healthy volunteers.
Preclinical safety data, such as single dose toxicity and genotoxicity are reported.
The selection of literature cited in the monograph is aimed at compiling relevant information about the possible physiological roles of bearberry leaf and its major constituents.
KEYWORDS:
- Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng.
- Uvae ursi folium
- Bearberry Leaf
- Urinary tract infections