Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is a versatile plant known for its significant therapeutic potential, particularly when utilizing its root and various extracts like Folium uvae-ursi or aqueous preparations. Rich in bioactive polyphenols, this species functions through diverse mechanisms including 11B-HSD, 5-Lipoxygenase, ACE, and AP-1 inhibition. These chemical properties make it a subject of interest for addressing various health conditions such as urinary tract infections, edema, and cellulite. Furthermore, research explores its application in more complex medical contexts, including the management of colorectal cancer. Through specialized preparations like Gurgem-7, the plant continues to be studied for its multifaceted pharmacological impact.
- Synonyms
- Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Var. Coactilis · Daphnidostaphylis Fendleriana · 38 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Distribution
- Australasia
- Plant Parts
- Root
Classification
Common Names
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is a versatile plant known by a diverse array of names across different languages and cultures. In English-speaking regions, it is most widely recognized by its common name, Bearberry. This botanical variety also carries unique regional identifiers, such as Arando-Ursino and Berendruif. French speakers often refer to the species as Arbousier traînant, while the name Adi ayıqulağı is used in other linguistic traditions. These varied monikers reflect the widespread global presence and cultural significance of this hardy species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is a botanical species that is frequently identified by several different scientific synonyms. Within various taxonomic records, you may encounter it listed under the name Arbutus uva-ursi. Other historical or alternative designations include Arbutus buxifolia and Arbutus procumbens. Additionally, the plant has been associated with the names Arbutus officinalis and Arctostaphylos adenotricha in certain contexts. Navigating these various nomenclatures is essential for accurate identification in botanical studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a diverse group of living organisms. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida, showcasing its fundamental botanical structure. It further falls into the order Ericales, a group that links it to many other specialized flowering plants. As a member of the Ericaceae family, it shares common characteristics with other well-known heathland species. Ultimately, this plant is defined by its specific genus, Arctostaphylos, which helps botanists identify its unique lineage.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Arctostaphylos |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi exhibits a widespread presence across several key regions within the Asia-Temperate zone. This resilient plant can be found stretching across the vast landscapes of Mongolia. Its distribution continues through the Russian Far East, specifically within the Amur, Khabarovsk, and Sakhalin regions. Furthermore, the species is well-established in the Siberian territory of Buryatiya. Together, these locations highlight the significant geographical reach of this species throughout Northern Asia.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is a self-supporting plant that typically takes on a shrub growth form. This resilient species exhibits a highly variable stature depending on its environment. While some specimens may only reach a minimal height of 0.05 m, others commonly grow to at least 0.16 m. In ideal conditions, the plant can reach a maximum height of approximately 1.3 m. This range of size allows the shrub to adapt effectively to its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi stands out among tested medicinal extracts for its remarkable capacity to scavenge DPPH radicals and chelate iron. This potent biological activity is largely attributed to the high levels of polyphenols found within the plant. These polyphenol-rich compounds play a critical role in modulating the susceptibility of Escherichia coli to various antibiotics. Research indicates a strong correlation between this polyphenol content and the extract's ability to protect bacteria against peroxide stress. Ultimately, the antioxidant and prooxidant properties of these polyphenols appear to drive the complex mechanisms that influence bacterial response to antibiotic treatment.
Conditions
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is traditionally used to treat urinary tract infections due to bioactive compounds like arbutin that possess anti-adhesive properties. This plant also demonstrates antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, showing both bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal effects. In certain contexts, extracts of the plant have been shown to stimulate biofilm formation in Escherichia coli. Furthermore, the roots of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi exhibit high bioaccumulation of heavy metals, specifically accumulating Cu and Zn. These diverse biological and chemical interactions highlight the complex functional profile of the species.
Preparations
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is prepared as Folium uvae-ursi, a drug used in the pharmaceutical industry for producing medicinal teas with disinfective effects on the urinary tract. This plant is also a component of the traditional Mongolian prescription known as Gurgem-7. Research further demonstrates that Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is prepared as an aqueous extract to study its inhibitory effects on myrosinase activity. Additionally, the plant is processed as a water extract to investigate its impact on the decomposition of glucosinolates. Finally, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is prepared as various extracts that exhibit significant antioxidant and prooxidant properties when interacting with bacteria.
Parts used
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi serves as a significant subject in studies regarding heavy metal bioaccumulation in medicinal plants. Specifically, the roots of this species demonstrate a high capacity for accumulating metals such as copper and zinc from contaminated environments. The study found that the roots of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi achieved bioaccumulation factors of 30.44 for copper and 20.59 for zinc. Such high levels of metal uptake highlight the risks associated with using plants irrigated with contaminated drain water for medicinal purposes. Consequently, these findings emphasize the necessity of monitoring plant parts like roots to ensure human safety and mitigate health risks.