Description
Ingredients
Uva Ursi
The leaves of uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva ursi) have been used for centuries in herbal medicine to support the health of the urinary tract. The medicinal portion of uva ursi is the dried leaves, which, in addition to providing arbutin, contain methylarbutin, flavonoids, allantoin, tannins, gallic and ellagic acids, volatile oils and a resins (urvone). Each of the components in uva ursi leaf work synergistically with arbutin to promote healthy bacteria balance in the urinary tract. Additionally, the components of the uva ursi leaf prevent the breakdown and improve absorption of the arbutin molecule. When arbutin remains intact, it is excreted through the kidneys and provides microbial support for urinary tract mucous membranes. Research has demonstrated uva ursi’s ability to promote microbial balance in the bladder and ability to flush out the urinary tract. A double-blind, randomized study (57 women treated with either uva ursi or placebo for 1 month) found that, at one year follow-up, the uva ursi group demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the reoccurrence of urinary tract challenges.
Berberine Sulfate
Berberine sulfate is an alkaloid sulfate extracted from the roots and barks of many plants and possesses microbialbalancing properties. Berberine sulfate’s main mechanism of action is blocking the adhesion of organisms to host cells. A study on the effect of berberine on erythrocytes and epithelial cells found berberine’s promotion of microbial balance to be mediated by the selective suppression of the synthesis and assembly of fimbriae by organisms. Another study found berberine to disrupt adhesion both by releasing lipoteichoic acid from the cell surface and by directly preventing or dissolving lipoteichoic acid-fibronectin complexes.
Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root is a traditional irritation-relieving herb with a long history of use in coating the gastric lining through its mucilage polysaccharides, which swell when mixed with liquid. This provides a soothing property to mucous membranes. The irritation-relieving activity of marshmallow root results in the promotion of a healthy mucosal surface in the urinary tissues and membranes. Additionally, the German Commission E has approved the use of marshmallow root for promoting a healthy inflammatory process within the gastric mucosa.
Celery Seed Extract
Part of the same family as carrots, parsley and fennel, celery seed has been used for centuries and is still in use today for its soothing and microbial-balancing qualities. Research has also demonstrated that celery seed increases urine production, resulting in a flushing of the urinary tract. Celery seed has been shown to reduce the membrane integrity of various microbes.
Bladderwrack
Bladderwrack is a perennial seaweed found along the shores of Europe and America that has been used to support urinary health. Bladderwrack has been used historically to naturally flush out urinary passages. It also promotes normal levels of inflammation in the bladder.
References
† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
- Jahodar L, Jilek P, Paktova M, Dvorakova V. [Antimicrobial effect of arbutin and an extract of the leaves of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi in vitro]. Cesk Farm. Jun 1985;34(5):174-178.
- Moskalenko SA. Preliminary screening of far-eastern ethnomedicinal plants for antibacterial activity. J Ethnopharmacol. Mar 1986;15(3):231-259.
- Annuk H, Hirmo S, Turi E, Mikelsaar M, Arak E, Wadstrom T. Effect on cell surface hydrophobicity and susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to medicinal plant extracts. FEMS Microbiol Lett. Mar 1 1999;172(1):41-45.
- Park SF. The repression of listeriolysin O expression in Listeria monocytogenes by the phenolic beta-D-glucoside, arbutin. Lett Appl Microbiol. Oct 1994;19(4):258-260.
- Beaux D1, Fleurentin J, Mortier F. Effect of extracts of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth, Hieracium pilosella L., Sambucus nigra L. and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. in rats. Phytother Res. 1999 May;13(3):222-5.
- Bertil Larsson, Aino Jonasson, Stefan Fianu. Prophylactic effect of UVA-E in women with recurrent cystitis: A preliminary report. Current Therapeutic Research. Volume 53, Issue 4, Pages 441-443, April 1993.
- Sun D, Abraham SN, Beachey EH. Influence of berberine \\ sulfate on synthesis and expression of Pap fimbrial adhesin in uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 1988;32(8):1274-1277.
- Sun D1, Courtney HS, Beachey EH. Berberine sulfate blocks adherence of Streptococcus pyogenes to epithelial cells, fibronectin, and hexadecane. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1988 Sep;32(9):1370-4.
- Engels, G. Marshmallow. HerbalGram. 2007;(75):1-5.
- Newall C, Anderson L, Phillipson J, eds. J.Herbal medicines: A guide for health-care professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press; 1996.
- Celery Seed. Integrative Medicine Access
- Johnston L. Urinary Tract Infections http://www.scitherapies. info/uti.htm.
- Zhou Y1, Taylor B, Smith TJ, Liu ZP, Clench M, Davies NW, Rainsford KD. A novel compound from celery seed with a bactericidal effect against Helicobacter pylori. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2009 Aug;61(8):1067-77.
Warnings
Always be sure to speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new nutritional supplement when pregnant or nursing. For children, we recommend speaking with your child's pediatrician regarding proper dosing. Store away from children.
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