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UVA & URSI Leaf Safety

Uva ursi is an evergreen shrub which has dark leathery green leaves. It contains hydroquinone derivatives such as arbutin and methyl-arbutin. These chemicals have medicinal value as antibacterial agents, but they also produce serious side effects.

  1. Applications

    • Uva ursi leaves have been used to treat urinary tract infections, bladder inflammation, and as a diuretic.

    Side Effects

    • Consuming large amounts of uva ursi can cause ringing of the ears, nausea, vomiting, blue coloration of skin and convulsions.

    Toxicity

    • Arbutin and methyl-arbutin are converted to hydroquinone in the stomach, which is extremely toxic to the liver. According to Drugs.com, death can occur after consuming 5 g of hydroquinone.

    Dosage

    • According to Drugs.com, 400 to 840 mg of arbutin, about 10 g of uva ursi leaves, is the recommended dosage for treatment of urinary tract infection. This is well below the toxic range.

    Considerations

    • Uva ursi leaves have oxytocic effects, meaning they can hasten labor by stimulating uterine contractions in pregnant women.

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