Bearberry Uva-Ursi

Bearberry Uva-Ursi

Bearberry Uva-Ursi

Scientific names: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Arctostaphylos coactylis, Arctostaphylos adenotricha

Other common names: Arctostaphylos, bear’s grape, crowberry, foxberry, hogberry, kinnikinnick, manzanita, mountain box, rockberry, uva-ursi

The common bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi L. Sprengel) is a ubiquitous procumbent evergreen shrub located throughout North America, Asia, and Europe. The fruits are almost tasteless but the plant contains a high concentration of active ingredients.

Bears are particularly fond of the fruit, which explains its Latin name, “uva ursi,” which means “bear’s grape.” Most authorities refer to Arctostaphylos uva-ursi as uva ursi. However, the related plants, Arctostaphylos adentricha and Arctostaphylos coactylis, have also been termed uva ursi by some experts.

Uva ursi is used primarily for urinary tract disorders, including infections of the kidney, bladder, and urethra; swelling (inflammation) of the urinary tract; increased urination; painful urination; and urine that contains excess uric acid or other acids. Uva ursi is also used for constipation and a lung condition called bronchitis.

Uva ursi, hops, and peppermint are also used in combination to treat people with compulsive bedwetting and painful urination [1].

HEALTH BENEFITS OF BEARBERRY UVA-URSI

Immune Support, Women, Urinary Tract Support

Uses

 Bearberry exerts antimicrobial effects against Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Enterobacter aerogenes, Streptococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, and Candida albicans. Bearberry traditionally has been used as a diuretic (it is especially effective in cases of highly acidic urine), an antiinfl ammatory, and an astringent. Contemporarily, it is used as a decoction to treat urinary tract infections. Bearberry may be useful in premenstrual bloating.

Actions

Little primary research is available detailing the mode of action of bearberry.

Antiseptic/Diuretic Action

The diuretic effect of bearberry results from both its triterpene chemical components and arbutin, a hydroquinone. These components stimulate diuresis.

Antiinflammatory Action

One of the flavonoid components of bearberry, quercitrin, is responsible for decreased infl ammation. Arbutin and urosolic acid may also be responsible for its antiinfl ammatory effects (Jahodar et al, 1985).

Antimicrobial Action

Research on the antimicrobial effect of bearberry has focused on arbutin. Arbutin has been reported to be effective as a diuretic and as a urinary antiseptic in moderate doses, but only if the urine is alkaline. Use of the whole plant is most effective because of the combined effects of arbutin and gallic acid, another chemical component (Constantine et al, 1966; Leung, Foster, 1996). Urosolic acid has been found to be effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and yeast (Kowalewski et al, 1976; Zaletova et al, 1986). Arctostaphylos uva-ursi has been shown to be effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (Shimizu et al, 2001).

Bearberry has shown an inhibitory effect against Arcobacter butzleri, A. cryaerophilus, and A. skirrowii (Cervenka et al, 2006). Methanol extracts showed strong antimicrobial activity.

Herbal Use

Uva-ursi is stated to possess diuretic, urinary antiseptic, and astringent properties. Traditionally, it has been used for cystitis, urethritis, dysuria, pyelitis, lithuria, and specifically for acute catarrhal cystitis with dysuria and highly acidic urine (2).

Constituents

The following is compiled from several sources, including General References G2 and G6.

Flavonoids Flavonols (e.g. myricetin, quercetin) and their glycosides including hyperin, isoquercitrin, myricitrin and quercitrin. Iridoids Asperuloside (disputed), monotropein. (1) Quinones Total content at least 6%, mainly arbutin (5–15%) and methyl-arbutin (glycosides), with lesser amounts of piceoside (2) (a glycoside), free hydroquinone and free p-methoxyphenol. (3)

Tannins 6–7% (range 6–40%). Hydrolysable-type (e.g. corilagin pyranoside); ellagic and gallic acids (usually associated with hydrolysable tannins). Terpenoids a-Amyrin, a-amyrin acetate, b-amyrin, lupeol, uvaol, ursolic acid, and a mixture of mono- and di-ketonic aamyrin derivatives.(4, 5) Other constituents Acids (malic, quinic), allantoin, resin (e.g. ursone), volatile oil (trace) and wax.

Contraindications

defi ciency, anemia, malnutrition due to high tannin level, and disorders involving gastrointestinal irritation. It is not intended for prolonged use unless used under the direction of an experienced herbalist.

Parts used:

Leaf

Additional Resources

[1] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-350/uva-ursi

[2] Mosby’s Handbook of Herbs and Natural Supplements – fourth edition

Important Precautions

Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.

Disclaimer

This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT USING THIS HERB

Buchu

Buchu

Buchu

Scientifi c names: Scientifi c names: Barosma betulina (Agathosma betulina)

 Other common names: Agathosma, betuline, bocco

 (From Mosby’s Handbook of Herbs and Natural Supplements – fourth edition) 

 Origin: Buchu is found in South Africa.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF BUCHU

Immune Support, Men, Women, Urinary Tract Support

Buchu is a plant from South Africa. The leaf is used to make medicine.

Buchu is used for urinary tract infections (UTIs), including infections involving the urethra (urethritis) and kidneys (pyelonephritis). It is also used by mouth for treating inflamed prostate (prostatitis), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), high blood pressure, fever, cough, common cold, upset stomach, stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gout, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Buchu is applied to the skin as an insect repellant, as a deodorant, and for skin infections.

In manufacturing, the oil from buchu is used to give a fruit flavor (often black currant) to foods. It is also used as a fragrance in perfumes and colognes

It is thought that the active chemicals in buchu may kill germs and also promote urine flow [1].

Joanne Barnes, Linda A Anderson and J David Phillipson

Uses

Buchu is stated to possess urinary antiseptic and diuretic properties. It has been used for cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, and specifically for acute catarrhal cystitis.

Buchu is listed by the Council of Europe as a natural source of food flavouring (category N3). This category allows buchu to be added to foodstuffs in the traditionally accepted manner. [2]

Buchu is also used in combination with uva-ursi for benign prostatic hyperplasia. [1]

Constituents

Flavonoids Diosmetin, quercetin, diosmin, quercetin-3,7-diglucoside, rutin.

Volatile oils 1.0–3.5%. Over 100 identified compounds, including diosphenol, limonene, menthone and pulegone as the major components. Other constituents Mucilage, resin.

Part(s) Used

Leaf

Additional Resources

[1] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-180/buchu

[2] Joanne Barnes; Linda A. Anderson; J. David Phillipson. Herbal Medicines, 3rd Ed.

View Important Precautions

Important Precautions

Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.

Disclaimer

This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT USING THIS HERB

Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola

Scientifi c names: Scientifi c names: Centella asiatica

Other common names: Centella, hydrocotyle, Indian pennywort, Indian water navelwort, talepetrako, teca, water pennywort

Origin:  Gotu kola is a creeping plant found in the swamps of Africa, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF GOTU KOLA

Immune Support, Men, Women, Urinary Tract Support

Gotu kola is an herb that is commonly used in Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. The above-ground parts are used to make medicine.

Gotu kola contains certain chemicals that seem to decrease inflammation and also decrease blood pressure in veins. Gotu kola also seems to increase collagen production, which is important for wound healing.

Uses

Gotu kola is used to treat bacterial, viral, or parastitic infections such as urinary tract infection (UTI), shingles, leprosy, cholera, dysentery, syphilis, the common cold, influenza, H1N1 (swine) flu, elephantiasis, tuberculosis, and schistosomiasis.

Gotu kola is also used for fatigue, anxiety, depression, psychiatric disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, and improving memory and intelligence. Other uses include wound healing, trauma, and circulation problems (venous insufficiency) including varicose veins, and blood clots in the legs.

Some people use gotu kola for sunstroke, tonsillitis, fluid around the lungs (pleurisy), liver disease (hepatitis), jaundice, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), stomach pain, diarrhea, indigestion, stomach ulcers, epilepsy, asthma, “tired blood” (anemia), diabetes, and for helping them live longer.

Gotu kola is sometimes applied to the skin for wound healing and reducing scars, includiung stretch marks caused by pregnancy. [1]

Constituents

Amino acids Alanine and serine (major components), aminobutyrate, aspartate, glutamate, histidine, lysine and threonine.(1)

The root contains greater quantities than the herb.(1)

Flavonoids Quercetin, kaempferol and various glycosides.(2–4)

Terpenoids Triterpenes, asiaticoside, centelloside, madecassoside,

brahmoside and brahminoside (saponin glycosides). Aglycones are referred to as hydrocotylegenin A–E;(5) compounds A–D are reported to be esters of the triterpene alcohol R1- barrigenol.(5, 6) Asiaticentoic acid, centellic acid, centoic acid and madecassic acid.

Volatile oils Various terpenoids including b-caryophyllene, transb- farnesene and germacrene D (sesquiterpenes) as major components, a-pinene and b-pinene. The major terpenoid is stated to be unidentified.

Other constituents Hydrocotylin (an alkaloid), vallerine (a bitter principle), fatty acids (e.g. linoleic acid, linolenic acid, lignocene, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid), phytosterols (e.g. campesterol, sitosterol, stigmasterol),(7) resin and tannin

Part(s) Used

Bark

Additional Resources

[1] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-753/gotu-kola

View Important Precautions

Important Precautions

Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.

Disclaimer

This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT USING THIS HERB

Horopito

Horopito

Juniper

Juniper

Juniper

Scientifi c names: Juniperus communis, Juniperus oxycedrus L.

Other common names: A’ra’r a’di, ardic, baccal juniper, common juniper, dwarf, gemener, genievre, ground juniper, hackmatack, harvest, horse savin, juniper mistletoe, yoshu-nezu, zimbro

Origin: Juniper is an evergreen found in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF JUNIPER

Immune Support, Men, Women, Urinary Tract Support

Juniper is a short to medium-height tree that grows wild in some parts of Europe, North America, and Asia. There are many varieties of juniper, but Juniperus communis is the most common in North America.

People use the juniper berry to make medicine. Medicinal preparations include the extract of juniper berry, as well as the essential oil of juniper berry. Don’t confuse juniper berry oil with cade oil, which is distilled from juniper wood (Juniperus oxycedrus). 

Uses

Juniper is used for digestion problems including upset stomach, intestinal gas (flatulence), heartburn, bloating, and loss of appetite, as well as gastrointestinal (GI) infections and intestinal worms. It is also used for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney and bladder stones. Other uses include treating snakebite, diabetes, and cancer.

Some people apply juniper directly to the skin for wounds and for pain in joints and muscles. The essential oil of juniper is inhaled to treat bronchitis and numb pain.

In foods, the juniper berry is often used as a condime [1].

Traditionally, juniper has been used as a diuretic (for both adults and children) and an antiflatulent, as well as to treat urinary tract infections, diabetes mellitus, inflammation, gout, asthma, obesity, prostate disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders. [2]

Constituents

The following is compiled from several sources, including General References G2, G58 and G62.

Acids Diterpene acids, ascorbic acid and glucuronic acid.

Flavonoids Amentoflavone,(1) quercetin, isoquercitrin, apigenin and various glycosides.

Tannins Proanthocyanidins (condensed), gallocatechin and epigallocatechin.(2)

Volatile oils 0.2–3.42%. Primarily monoterpenes (about 58%)

including a-pinene, myrcene and sabinene (major), and camphene, camphor, 1,4-cineole, p-cymene, a- and g-cadinene, limonene, bpinene, g-terpinene, terpinen-4-ol, terpinyl acetate, a-thujene, borneol; sesquiterpenes including caryophyllene, epoxydihydrocaryophyllene and b-elemem-7a-ol.(3, 4)

Other constituents Geijerone (C12 terpenoid), junionone (monocyclic cyclobutane monoterpenoid),(5) desoxypodophyllotoxin (lignan),(6) resins and sugars.

Part(s) Used

Fruit (berry)

Additional Resources

[1] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-724/juniper

[2] Linda Skidmore-Roth-Mosbys handbook of herbs  natural supplements-Mosby _ Elsevier 4th Ed.

View Important Precautions

Important Precautions

Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.

Disclaimer

This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT USING THIS HERB