In consequence of the powerful astringency of theleaves,
Uva-Ursi has a place not only in all the old herbals,
but also in the modern Pharmacopoeias.
The usual form of administration is in the form of an infusion, which has a soothing as well as an astringent effect and
marked diuretic action. Of great value in diseases of the bladder and kidneys, strengthening and imparting tone to the urinary
passages. The diuretic action is due to the glucoside Arbutin, which is largely absorbed unchanged and is excreted by the
kidneys. During its excretion, Arbutin exercises an antiseptic effect on the urinary mucous membrane: Bearberry leaves are,
therefore, used in inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract, urethritis, cystisis, etc.
