Europe
BEARBERRY
Arctostaphylos uva ursi Spreng.
Renal function Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, rich in arbutin, is traditionally used for its antiseptic and diuretic properties. It is particularly used in the urinary tract and in cosmetics for its lightening effects.
Our references
Regulations
and analysis
Identification : TLC
Data on traditional use
Cahier de l’agence du médicament (France):
- Traditionally used to promote renal elimination of water and for the urinary tract.
EMA monograph :
- Traditionally used for urinary tract comfort
Canadian monograph :
-
Used to promote renal water elimination and urinary tract comfort.
German monograph :
- Used for the urinary tract
Plant bylaw file
Association ideas by health benefice
Select one or more axes:
Detailed description
Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, a shrub of the Ericaceae family, is native to cold-temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. Its leaves, rich in phenolic compounds, have been used for centuries in phytotherapy.
Bearberry leaves are particularly renowned for their content of arbutin, a hydroquinone derivative. Arbutin is metabolized to hydroquinone, which has anti-adhesive properties for bacteria on mucous membranes, particularly those of the urinary tract. This extract is commonly used to aid urinary comfort thanks to its effects on renal water elimination and its anti-adhesive activity. In addition to its applications in the urinary sphere, bearberry is also used in cosmetic formulations for its skin-lightening properties, attributed to the limitation of melanin production by arbutin.
