What it is
Uva Ursi, also known as Bearberry, is a botanical supplement traditionally used for its urinary antiseptic properties. It contains compounds like arbutin, which are believed to exert beneficial effects on the urinary system.
Supplement · Liver & Hepatoprotective
Uva Ursi (Bearberry)
500 mg · vegan · gluten-free · 90 caps
urinary-tract-infectionskidney-stonesinflammation urinary tractkidney
Affiliate link · we earn from qualifying purchases. No paid placements.
How it works
The primary active compound, arbutin, is metabolized in the body to hydroquinone, which has antimicrobial properties that can help combat urinary tract infections. Uva Ursi also possesses diuretic and astringent qualities, aiding in flushing the urinary tract and reducing inflammation.
Who should take it
Adults looking to address sluggish detox, fatigue, skin breakouts. Particularly relevant for people who prefer a targeted single ingredient and who have ruled out an underlying condition that needs medical care first.
Avoid / careful
Pregnant or nursing women without clinician oversight. People on prescription medication affecting the same pathway should consult a doctor before combining. Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses but mild GI upset can occur when starting.
When to take it
Morning
Noon
Evening
Night
How to take it
With food
Empty stomach
Before food
FAQs
Frequently asked
How long does it take to see effects?
Effects related to urinary antiseptic action can be noticed within 24-48 hours of consistent use. Diuretic effects may be more immediate.
Can I take Uva Ursi long-term?
Uva Ursi is generally recommended for short-term use (up to 5-7 days) to manage acute urinary discomfort. Prolonged use is not advised due to potential liver toxicity from hydroquinone.
What is the active compound in Uva Ursi?
The primary active compound is arbutin, which is converted to hydroquinone in the body, providing its urinary antiseptic benefits.
Research
6 studies · 2010–2024
Evidence grade
ABCD
C · C · emerging-to-moderate human evidence for liver detoxification and elimination
From the blog
Editorial notes
SacredBod's longer take on Uva Ursi (Bearberry) — context the structured blocks above don't capture.
About Uva Ursi (Bearberry)
Uva Ursi (Bearberry) is a liver & hepatoprotective supplement used to support liver detoxification and elimination. Arbutin bearberry for urinary antiseptic. It is available in capsule form and dosed for adults in India and internationally. As a western-tradition entry in the SacredBod catalog, it is positioned as a single-ingredient option that can be used on its own or layered into a broader protocol. Uva Ursi (Bearberry) works through the mechanisms characteristic of its class — see the mechanism and research sections for detail. It primarily acts on the liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, and effects are dose-dependent, typically becoming measurable within 4-8 weeks for detox markers. Consistency matters more than dose size for this category.
Evidence
Uva Ursi (Bearberry) carries an evidence grade of C in the SacredBod catalog, reflecting emerging human evidence for liver detoxification and elimination. Arbutin bearberry for urinary antiseptic. Benefits are cumulative rather than immediate, typically becoming noticeable within 4-8 weeks for detox markers, and individual response varies.
Dosing
A typical dose is 500 mg, taken with food, usually in the morning. Start at the lower end, assess tolerance, and stay consistent; more is not automatically better.
Cautions
Pregnant or nursing women without clinician oversight. People on prescription medication affecting the same pathway should consult a doctor before combining. Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses but mild GI upset can occur when starting.
Who it’s for
Adults looking to address sluggish detox, fatigue, skin breakouts. Particularly relevant for people who prefer a targeted single ingredient and who have ruled out an underlying condition that needs medical care first.
As part of the Liver & Hepatoprotective category, Uva Ursi (Bearberry) can be used on its own or layered into a broader protocol — see the Goes with panel for evidence-aligned pairings.
Added to your stack.