Products
Bearberry leaves are available as a tea, in the form of tea blends, and as an open product in pharmacies and drugstores. They are a typical ingredient of kidney and bladder teas and kidney and bladder lozenges. Furthermore, drops, capsules and tablets containing preparations from bearberry are available (e.g. Cystinol).
Stem plant
Bearberry, from the heather family (Ericaceae), is a low, evergreen shrub that grows in the Northern Hemisphere.
Medicinal drug
Bearberry leaves (Uvae ursi folium) are the whole or cut, dried leaves of . The pharmacopoeia requires a minimum content of arbutin. Extracts and tea mixtures are prepared from the leaves.
Ingredients
Active ingredients include:
- Hydroquinone derivatives (phenolic glycosides): arbutin, methylarbutin.
- Phenolic carboxylic acids, e.g. gallic acid.
- Flavonoids
- Tannins: gallotannins
- Triterpenes
Effects
Preparations of bearberry leaves have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-adhesive properties. The antibacterial effects are attributed to hydroquinone derivatives (arbutin). In the liver, after absorption, hydroquinone conjugates (glucuronides, sulfates) are formed and excreted in the urine. In bacteria, these are metabolized to hydroquinone, which has an antibacterial effect (Siegers et al., 2003). Therefore, urinary alkalinization-as previously recommended-is not necessary (de Arriba et al., 2010).
Indications for use
For the treatment of cystitis in women and other inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. Medicines are usually taken three times a day after meals. Preparations with bearberry leaves should be administered for a maximum of one week.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Kidney disease
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
- Children and adolescents under 18 years (due to the indication).
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, stomach irritation, stomach pain and vomiting, and rarely allergic reactions. The taste of the teas may be considered unpleasant.