What is the efficacy of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (UVA ursi)?

From the Research

Efficacy of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (UVA ursi)

• The efficacy of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (UVA ursi) in treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) has been investigated in several studies 1, 2, 3.
• A double-blind, randomized, controlled comparative effectiveness trial found that initial treatment with UVA ursi reduced antibiotic use by 63.6% compared to fosfomycin, but led to a higher symptom burden and more safety concerns 2.
• Another study found that UVA ursi extract and ibuprofen may be alternative treatments for adult female UTI, but further research is needed to confirm their effectiveness 3.
• A review of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for treating symptomatic uncomplicated UTIs found that NSAIDs probably result in less short-term resolution of symptoms and greater use of rescue antibiotics by day 30 compared to primary antibiotic treatment, but may make little or no difference to adverse events 4.
• The use of UVA ursi as a treatment for UTIs may be associated with a higher risk of complications, such as pyelonephritis, compared to antibiotic treatment 2.

Comparison to Other Treatments

• UVA ursi has been compared to fosfomycin, an antibiotic, in the treatment of UTIs, and was found to reduce antibiotic use but increase symptom burden 2.
• UVA ursi has also been compared to ibuprofen, an NSAID, and was found to have similar efficacy in reducing symptom severity 3.
• The use of UVA ursi as a treatment for UTIs may be considered as an alternative to antibiotic treatment, but further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety 1, 2, 3.

Safety and Adverse Events

• The safety and adverse event profile of UVA ursi has been investigated in several studies, and was found to be similar to that of fosfomycin and ibuprofen 2, 3.
• However, the use of UVA ursi may be associated with a higher risk of complications, such as pyelonephritis, compared to antibiotic treatment 2.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the safety and adverse event profile of UVA ursi as a treatment for UTIs 1, 2, 3.