Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Uva ursi/Drug Interactions:

  • CorticosteroidsCorticosteroids: According to laboratory study, uva ursi may increase the inhibitory effect of prednisolone on swelling (9). According to laboratory study, the arbutin in uva ursi may potentiate the effects of prednisolone and dexamethasone on contact dermatitis (10).
  • DiureticsDiuretics: According to in vivo study, uva ursi may increase urine flow (8).
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS): According to laboratory study, the arbutin in uva ursi may increase the anti-inflammatory activity of indomethacin on contact dermatitis, hypersensitivity, and arthritis (11).
  • Urine acidifying drugsUrine acidifying drugs: Concomitant use of uva ursi and urine acidifiers may result in decreasing the effects of uva ursi.
  • Urine alkalinizing drugsUrine alkalinizing drugs: Concomitant use of uva ursi and products that can alkalinize the urine can enhance the antibacterial activity of uva ursi.

    • Uva ursi/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • AloesinAloesin: Combination of uva ursi and aloesin inhibits tyrosinase activity in a synergistic manner by combined mechanisms of noncompetitive and competitive inhibitions (12).
  • Arbutin containing herbsArbutin containing herbs: Herbs containing arbutin, a constituent of uva ursi, may result in increases in serum and urinary levels of hydroquinone and its metabolites (13). Arbutin is found in sweet marjoram, damiana, and other herbs.
  • DiureticsDiuretics: According to in vivo study, uva ursi may increase urine flow (8).
  • Urine acidifying herbsUrine acidifying herbs: Concomitant use of uva ursi and products that can acidify the urine (e.g., vitamin C) can potentially reduce the antibacterial activity of uva ursi.
  • Urine alkalinizing herbsUrine alkalinizing herbs: Concomitant use of uva ursi and products that can alkalinize the urine can enhance the antibacterial activity of uva ursi.

    • Uva ursi/Food Interactions:

  • Arbutin containing foodArbutin containing food: Food containing arbutin, a constituent of uva ursi, may result in increases in serum and urinary levels of hydroquinone and its metabolites (13). Some foods that contain arbutin are broccoli, pears, blueberries and cranberries.
  • Urine-acidifying foodUrine-acidifying food: Foods that acidify urine (cranberry juice, dairy products, vegetables, fruits, potatoes, etc.) may reduce the antibacterial activity of uva ursi.

    • Uva ursi/Lab Interactions:

  • Colorimetric urine testColorimetric urine test: Uva ursi can interfere with colorimetric urine tests and can turn urine greenish brown.