Uva Ursi
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is a dietary supplement with 4 published peer-reviewed studies involving 1,800 participants, researched for UTI Prevention & Treatment.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
UTI Prevention & Treatment
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
UTI Prevention & Treatment
To assess uva ursi extract for recurrent uncomplicated urinary tract infection prevention.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess uva ursi extract for recurrent uncomplicated urinary tract infection prevention.
Dose
Standardised uva ursi extract (UVA-E) once daily (105mg arbutin equivalent)
Participants
57 women with history of recurrent UTIs
Duration
12 months
Results
No UTI recurrences in the uva ursi group vs 23% recurrence rate in placebo at 12-month follow-up. Statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Well tolerated.
How They Measured It
UTI recurrence rate, bacterial cultures, symptom scores at 12 months
To review mechanisms and clinical evidence for uva ursi in UTI treatment.
Study Type
Pharmacological review
Purpose
To review mechanisms and clinical evidence for uva ursi in UTI treatment.
Dose
N/A - review
Participants
Review of available studies
Duration
N/A
Results
Arbutin hydrolyzed to hydroquinone in alkaline urine. Hydroquinone demonstrates antimicrobial activity against E. coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus at urinary concentrations.
How They Measured It
Arbutin conversion studies, in vitro antimicrobial assays
To confirm arbutin to hydroquinone conversion in human urine post-ingestion.
Study Type
Pharmacokinetic study
Purpose
To confirm arbutin to hydroquinone conversion in human urine post-ingestion.
Dose
Uva ursi leaf extract standard dose
Participants
8 healthy subjects
Duration
Single dose
Results
Arbutin successfully converted to free hydroquinone in alkaline urine. Urine samples showed significant antimicrobial activity against common UTI pathogens.
How They Measured It
Urinary hydroquinone levels, antimicrobial activity of collected urine samples
To assess anti-inflammatory effects of ursolic acid from uva ursi on bladder epithelium.
Study Type
In vitro study
Purpose
To assess anti-inflammatory effects of ursolic acid from uva ursi on bladder epithelium.
Dose
Ursolic acid at various concentrations
Participants
Bladder epithelial cell models
Duration
N/A
Results
Ursolic acid significantly reduces bladder epithelial inflammation via NF-kB pathway inhibition. Reduces IL-8, IL-6, and COX-2 expression significantly.
How They Measured It
NF-kB activation, bladder epithelial inflammation markers
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Uva Ursi research
There are currently 28 peer-reviewed studies on Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), involving 1,800 total participants. Research covers UTI prevention, Urinary tract health, Antimicrobial support and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (3 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Uva Ursi has been researched for: UTI prevention, Urinary tract health, Antimicrobial support, Kidney support. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 3 out of 28 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
