Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi
Uva ursi contains arbutin which can liberate free hydroquinone in vivo. Risk assessments suggest typical recommended doses are below the permitted daily exposure threshold for hydroquinone, but long-term high-dose use is discouraged due to potential genotoxicity of hydroquinone.
What it is
Bearberry — leaves of the Arctostaphylos uva-ursi shrub used in herbal preparations; contains arbutin (which can release hydroquinone in the body).
Herbal/botanical extract; used in supplements (urinary tract support) and cosmetic skin-brightening formulations.
Why it's flagged
- hydroquinone release (potential genotoxicity at high doses)
- hepatotoxicity risk with prolonged use
- not recommended in pregnancy/lactation
What regulators actually say
"A therapeutic recommended human daily dose of bearberry leaf extract (420 mg hydroquinone derivatives calculated as anhydrous arbutin) liberates free hydroquinone in urine at a maximum exposure level of 11 µg/kg body weight per day."
"Uva ursi is the dried leaves of the bearberry... The active component is arbutin, which is converted to hydroquinone, which has antibacterial activity in the urinary tract."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Sold as dietary supplement under DSHEA; not GRAS for food
European Union — EFSA
EMA HMPC herbal monograph; short-term traditional use only
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