Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi

Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi, Ericaceae, Resins, arbutin, glucosides, flavonoids, tannins, gallic, tannic, ursolic and other organic acids, hydroquinones.
Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi, Ericaceae, Resins, arbutin, glucosides, flavonoids, tannins, gallic, tannic, ursolic and other organic acids, hydroquinones.Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi, Ericaceae, Resins, arbutin, glucosides, flavonoids, tannins, gallic, tannic, ursolic and other organic acids, hydroquinones.Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi, Ericaceae, Resins, arbutin, glucosides, flavonoids, tannins, gallic, tannic, ursolic and other organic acids, hydroquinones.Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi, Ericaceae, Resins, arbutin, glucosides, flavonoids, tannins, gallic, tannic, ursolic and other organic acids, hydroquinones.
Botanical Nomenclature Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi
Common Name Bearberry, Kinnikinnick, Pinemat Manzanita
Taxonomy- Family Ericaceae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi is an evergreen, woody, groundcover shrub, growing up to 30cm. Its small leaves are green, thick, shiny and stiff. The flowers are small, closely crowded and pink and the seeds are small, red, smooth and glossy berries. It blossoms from May to June and the seeds ripen from September to December. The harvesting of the leaves takes place mainly from May to June.
Region Found Epirus (Vikos-Aoos)
Part of the Plant with Active Substances Leaves
Active Substances Resins, arbutin, glucosides, flavonoids, tannins, gallic, tannic, ursolic and other organic acids, hydroquinones.
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The whole plant is antiseptic, diuretic, laxative, analgesic, astringent, hypnotic, lithontriptic and tonic. It is taken orally as a herbal tea for the treatment of cystitis, urethritis, pyelitis and other kidney diseases. The infusion of the leaves is used externally as a salve to treat rashes, skin sores, rheumatism and burns and as a wash for a baby's head, eyewash, mouthwash and vaginal wash. Its action is based on the endogenous enzymatic cleavage of arbutin to hydroquinone that is catalysed by emoulsine.
Method of Administration The plant is administered as a herbal tea (70g of dried herb in a cup of boiling water, three times a day) for its antiseptic and diuretic actions. It is also used externally as an infusion (a mixture with other herbs) especially, for vaginal, eye and mouth washing and for the washing of other inflamed areas.
Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions.
Toxicity- Adverse Effects A prolonged use of the herb may cause glycosuria, hepatic problems and constipation. However, no severe side effects have been reported when the herb is properly used.
References 1) Bιβλίο: Τα φαρμακευτικά βότανα και οι θεραπευτικές τους ιδιότητες, Λάμπρου Π. Σπύρου, Αγροτικός εκδοτικός οίκος, Αθήνα 1981, A' τόμος, σελίδες: 75-76 2) Βιβλίο: Οδηγός των φαρμακευτικών φυτών, Paul Schauenberg, Ferdinand Paris, Εκδότης Μ. Γκιούρδας, Αθήνα 1981, 1) Bιβλίο: Τα φαρμακευτικά βότανα και οι θεραπευτικές τους ιδιότητες, Λάμπρου Π. Σπύρου, Αγροτικός εκδοτικός οίκος, Αθήνα 1981, A' τόμος, σελίδες: 75-76 2) Βιβλίο: Οδηγός των φαρμακευτικών φυτών, Paul Schauenberg, Ferdinand Paris, Εκδότης Μ. Γκιούρδας, Αθήνα 1981, σελίδες 104-105, 3)http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/bearbe22.html 4)http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-uva-ursi.html 5)http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ARUV 6)http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/uva-ursi 7)http://www.drugs.com/npp/uva-ursi.htmlσελίδες 104-105, 3)http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/bearbe22.html 4)http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-uva-ursi.html 5)http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ARUV 6)http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/uva-ursi 7)http://www.drugs.com/npp/uva-ursi.html