The urinary tract disinfecting effect of bearberry leaves is mainly due to arbutin or hydroquinone. From the chemical point of view, arbutin is a derivative of hydroquinone; in alkaline environment, arbutin converts into hydroquinone. Only the hydroquinone formed ultimately has an antibacterial and disinfectant effect on the urinary tract.
An alkaline pH value in the urine can be achieved by ingesting plant food or sodium hydrogen carbonate (=soda or sodium bicarbonate). The tannins contained in the leaves stabilize the arbutin and additionally have antibacterial effects themselves. In addition to the disinfecting effect, a diuretic effect of bearberry leaves has not been clearly proven. Possibly the flavonoids could be responsible for this.
Bearberry – side effects
Side effects rarely occur when taking bearberry leaves. Those who are particularly sensitive to the stomach may experience nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal discomfort due to irritation of the stomach lining by the tannins. In cold preparations, fewer tannins are released, which minimizes the risk of such side effects.
In very rare cases, hypersensitivity reactions of the skin such as redness and itching could also be observed.
What are the drug interactions?
Since the full antibacterial effect of bearberry is achieved only when urine is alkaline, the leaves should not be taken with medications that make urine acidic. Eating meat also tends to contribute to acidic urine.
