de Arriba Susana Garcia, Naser Belal, Nolte Klaus-Ulrich
International journal of toxicology, 2013
Abstract
Uva-ursi folium (bearberry leaf) has been traditionally used to treat symptoms of lower urinary tract infections. The most representative constituent of this herbal drug is arbutin that is rapidly absorbed in the small intestine and undergoes hepatic conjugation to form hydroquinone (HQ) conjugates. As free HQ is crucial for the safety of the herbal preparation, we reviewed published and unpublished experimental and human studies to clarify some outdated assumptions and to support the safety of therapeutic daily doses of Uva-ursi folium extract. Specifically, data on pharmacokinetics and the human exposure of arbutin and HQ were reviewed. A therapeutic recommended human daily dose of bearberry leaf extract (420 mg hydroquinone derivatives calculated as anhydrous arbutin) liberates free HQ in urine at a maximum exposure level of 11 µg/kg body weight (bw)/d. By means of an experimental no observed effect level value, a permitted daily exposure dose below which there is a negligible risk to human health was estimated for free HQ (100 µg/kg bw/d). Dietary sources of arbutin/HQ that are regularly consumed long term by humans generate comparable free HQ exposure levels. There is no direct evidence, regarding human data, supporting the fact that free HQ causes convulsion, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, or promotion of tumors in humans. Free HQ had no activity promoting pancreatic, bladder, stomach, or liver carcinogenesis. In conclusion, under the recommended use conditions Uva-ursi folium is a safe therapeutic option for treating lower urinary tract infections.
Keywords
Arctostaphylos Uvae ursi folium; Hydroquinone; arbutin; bearberry leaf; carcinogenic potential; hepatotoxicity; nephrotoxicity.
| PMID: | 24296864 |
|---|---|
| DOI: | 10.1177/1091581813507721 |
| Category: | Urinary Tract |
The best supplements with Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi in Urinary Tract category:
- Kidney Cleanse, 90 Veggie Caps (Now Foods) - A healthy urinary tract is essential for maintaining the body's normal fluid balance and for cleansing the body of metabolic wastes. It contains among others: Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi.
- Water Out, Fluid Balance, 100 Veggie Caps (Now Foods) - NOW Water Out is a blend of complementary herbs and nutrients formulated to support healthy urinary tract function and proper bodily fluid balance. It contains among others: Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi.
Articles similar to "Risk Assessment of Free Hydroquinone Derived From Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi Folium Herbal Preparations."
- The significance of Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi for Urinary Tract: Reducing Antibiotic Use for Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection in General Practice by Treatment With Uva-Ursi (REGATTA) - A Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Comparative Effectiveness Trial. ( Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI) are common in general practice and usually treated with antibiotics...)
- The role of Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi in Urinary Tract: Uva-ursi Extract and Ibuprofen as Alternative Treatments for Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection in Women (ATAFUTI): A Factorial Randomized Trial. (Objectives: The aim was to investigate if offering symptomatic therapy (Uva-ursi or ibuprofen) alongside a delayed prescription would relieve symptoms and reduce the consumption of antibiotics for adult women presenting with acute uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI)... We found no evidence of an effect of either intervention on the severity of frequency symptoms. There is evidence that advice to take ibuprofen will reduce antibiotic consumption without increasing complications. For every seven women given this advice, one less will use antibiotics. )
- The significance of Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi for Urinary Tract: Botanical medicines for the urinary tract. (Four important categories of urologic herbs, their history, and modern scientific investigations regarding them are reviewed... We found no evidence of an effect of either intervention on the severity of frequency symptoms. There is evidence that advice to take ibuprofen will reduce antibiotic consumption without increasing complications. For every seven women given this advice, one less will use antibiotics. )