PureBulk

Similar Purebulk products

Grape Seed Extract

What is Bearberry Leaf (Uva Ursi) PE 4:1?

Bearberry is an evergreen perennial shrub that flourishes in the rich soil of North America, Europe and Asia. Indeed, you may even have it on your hillside, aiding in erosion control. As a gardener, you would know this berry bearing low-growing shrub as "kinnikinnick."

Historically, Native Americans used kinnikinnick in place of tobacco in their ceremonial pipes for a milder smoke. The name Bearberry comes from the fact that bears like to eat the berries. The Latin name Uva ursi translates to mean bear grape. Some say only the bears could stand the taste of the berries, so perhaps eating your hillside plant isn't the best choice!

• Bearberry Leaf contains arbutin, a glycoside with diuretic and urinary antiseptic actions.
• Bearberry may inhibit melanin formation (affecting skin pigmentation.)

Common Names:

Bearberry, Beargrape, Uva ursi, Kinnikinnik, Rockberry, Hogberry.

Scientific Name:

Arctostaphylos uva ursi

Benefits of Bearberry Leaf

The primary chemical constituents of this herb include glycosides (arbutin, methylarbutin, ericolin), allantoin, flavonoids (quercetin, myricacitrin), tannins, hydroquinone, ellagic acid, gallic acid, malic acid and ursolic acid. It also contains vitamin A, iron, manganese, selenium and silicon.

Bearberry naturally contains about 1-3% arbutin, an antiseptic phenolic glycoside. Arbutin and other glycosides have diuretic and urinary antiseptic action. They relieve pain from bladder stones, cystitis, nephritis and kidney stones.

In the urinary tract, the arbutin constituent is converted in the body to hydroquinones and glucose, which have antiseptic and disinfecting properties and also help to alkalinize the urine. Arbutin was also found to inhibit melanin formation.

Suggested Use of Bearberry Leaf

As a dietary supplement, take 760 mg (1/ 4 tsp) one or two times daily with meals or as directed by physician. Not for long-term use. Individual use preferences vary. You can see the volumetric equivalency chart here. This powder is quite palatable when mixed with a small amount of your favorite liquid.

Potential Side Effects and Cautions

WARNING: Excess or prolonged use can cause liver damage. Not to be used by people with kidney or digestive disorders.
One of the active ingredients in bearberry are chemicals known as hydroquinones. The hydroquinone may turn the urine green, which is not harmful. However, hydroquinones are toxic chemicals and should be taken with care. Short term side effects may include mild nausea or dizziness. Other reported side effects include vomiting, irritability, insomnia and an increased heart rate. Extremely high intake may cause ringing in the ears, shortness of breath, convulsions, collapse and delirium. Uva ursi has also been linked with albuminuria, hematuria and urine cast. WARNING: Prolonged use may damage the liver.

Who should not take Bearberry?

Uva ursi is contraindicated in pregnant or lactating women and should be used in young children only with the guidance of a health care professional.

What are possible food and drug interactions?

People should avoid taking acidic agents, such as fruit juice or vitamin C, while using Bearberry.

Bioavailability, Mixing and Solubility:

Bearberry is poorly soluble in water.

Purity and Concentration

PureBulk proudly carries products that are FREE of fillers or additives! This product is a 4:1 extraction meaning 4 parts of the raw material (leaves) were used to yield the extracted product. You will receive a resealable bag containing this fine, dark-tan powder.

How should I store it?

Store the bag in a cool, dry area protected from light. Reseal after each use.

References & Further Research

Chemical Information Review Document for Arbutin [CAS No. 497-76-7] and Extracts from Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Wikipedia: Bearberry

NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates herbal and other dietary supplements differently than conventional medicines. The standards for supplements are found in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), a federal law that defines dietary supplements and sets product-label­ing standards and health claim limits. To learn more about DSHEA, visit the FDA Web site.