Interactions with Uva Ursi

Uva ursi (100 mg/kg 50% methanolic extract po) increased the inhibitory effect of prednisolone on picryl chloride-induced swelling in mice (Kubo et al. 1990). Arbutin, a compound isolated from the leaves of uva ursi, may be responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of this herb. In another mouse study, arbutin (10 or 50 mg/kg) potentiated the effects of prednisolone and dexamethasone on picryl chloride-induced contact dermatitis (Matsuda et al. 1990). Similar results were obtained with a water extract of uva ursi that also enhanced the ability of dexamethasone ointment (0.005 or 0.025%) to inhibit picryl-chloride-induced contact dermatitis in mice (Matsuda et al. 1992).

Indomethacin

Arbutin (50 mg/kg po) increased the anti-inflammatory activity of indomethacin on picryl chloride-induced contact dermatitis, sheep red cell delayed type hypersensitivity, carrageenin-induced edema, and adjuvant-induced arthritis in mice (Matsuda et al. 1991). Clinical studies are needed to confirm whether uva ursi could potentiate the effects of anti-inflammatory medications in humans.

References

Kubo M, Ito M, Nakata H, Matsuda H. Pharmacological studies on leaf of arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. I. Combined effect of 50% methanolic extract from Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. (bearberry leaf) and prednisolone on immuno-inflammation. Yakugaku Zasshi. 1990;110(1):59-67.

Matsuda H, Nakamura S, Tanaka T, Kubo M. Pharmacological studies on leaf of arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. V. Effects of water extract from arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. (Bearberry leaf) on the antiallergic anti-inflammatory activities of dexamethasone ointment. Yakugaku Zasshi–J Pharm Soc Jpn. 1992;112(9):673-677.

Matsuda H, Nakata H, Tanaka T, Kubo M. Pharmacological study on Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. II. Combined effects of arbutin and prednisolone or dexamethazone on immuno-inflammation. Yakugaku Zasshi. 1990;110(1):68-76.

Matsuda H, Tanaka T, Kubo M. Pharmacological studies on leaf of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.). Spreng. III. Combined effect of arbutin and indomethacin on immuno-inflammation. Yakugaku Zasshi. 1991;111(4-5):253-258.

This publication contains information relating to general principles of medical care that should not in any event be construed as specific instructions for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any drugs or compounds currently marketed or in investigative use. The reader is advised to check product information (including package inserts) for changes and new information regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed herein.