Category Archives: Bearberry (Arctostaphylos)

The phenolic compound content in plants of the family Ericaceae under cryolithozone conditions

Niklaida N Ivanova* , Nadezhda K. Chirikova Online http://www.ecosysttrans.com 2023.

It is well known that northern berries are very high in antioxidants. This article from Yakutsk verifies the high levels in lingonberries, Vaccinium vitas-idaea, bog blueberries, V. uliginosum, and bearberries, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. They propose that the bog blueberry is the most valuable of the three.

“The fruits of Vaccinium vitis-idaea contain a high level of water-soluble extractives… The fruits of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi and Vaccinium uliginosum, on the contrary, are rich in lipophilic biologically active substances (fat-soluble vitamins, waxes, phospholipids). The fruits of Vaccinium vitis-idaea and Vaccinium uliginosum have the highest content of phenolic compounds…The highest content of flavonoids was recorded in the berries of Vaccinium uliginosum. Thus, the study demonstrates that the fruits of plants from the family Ericaceae growing in Yakutia have a significant amount of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. The arbutin content increases in the order Arctostaphylos uva-ursi – Vaccinium vitis-idaea – Vaccinium uliginosum. Thus, the study demonstrates that the fruits of plants from the family Ericaceae growing in Yakutia have a significant amount of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. Presumably this can be explained by the activation of oxidative stress under the influence of low temperatures.Presumably this can be explained by the activation of oxidative stress under the influence of low temperatures”. (Ivanova 2023).

Antibacterial activity of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract against urinary tract infection causing agents

Jasmeet Kaur Sohal, Prachi Jha and Meghna Shrivastava The Pharma Innovation Journal 2023; 12(11): 1052-1055

This article summarizes science about kinnikinnick or bearberry that has been known for hundreds of years. One of the most popular medicinal plants in Eastern Europe is this plant, and its value in urinary tract infections is well known. The berries have also been eaten, although not palatable, but mixed with animal fat, they made a component of pemmican for Native Americans and Canadians. The leaves also were used as a subsitute for tobacco. Aside from all that, there is abundant literature that extols the virtues of this plant for UTIs. This study reinforces that knowledge. (Sohal et al. 2023)

Abstract: Urinary tract infection is one of the most prevalent illnesses seen in modern medicine, affecting patients of all ages from newborns to the elderly. … This study has been focused to determine the antibacterial activity of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract against urinary tract infection causing agents. The extract showed excellent antibacterial activity against the tested microorganisms which can gain attention of pharmaceutical industry for preparation of antimicrobial agents of natural origin.

Documenting Change in Nunavut

Here is a thesis that explores climate change through berries near Kugluktuk, Nunavut, Canada. The program is part citizen science as well as documenting the ethnobotany of the region. It includes great summaries of the most important berries and even some recipes!

ubc_2017_may_desrosiers_sarah

Bearberry Medicine

Berries have so many great health attributes (nutrients, antioxidants, vitamin C, even iron in some cases), it is not only the fruiting part of a plant that humans have used medicinally.  Before the advent of sulfa drugs, bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) was used to treat urinary tract infections and chronic cystitis.  It is still used in alternative medicine, and with the increase in antibiotic-resistant UTI bacteria, it is being looked at again.  You can take a commercial extract (pill), or make a tea from the dried leaves.  Uva ursi contains tannins (which shrink mucus membranes) and antibacterial compounds like hydroquinone and arbutin.  It is most effective when taken at the beginning on an infection, and should only be taken for up to 5 days at a time.

Caution–bearberry should not be taken as a preventative.  One of the components, hydroquinone, can cause serious liver damage. Do your research, check your dosages, and talk to a medical professional before you decide to try uva ursi for urinary problems.  Bearberry medicine

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