Novel Immunomodulatory properties of Uva-ursi folium extract

• Published in: Zeitschrift für Phytotherapie
• Main Authors: Garcia de Arriba, S, Henneicke-von Zepelin, HH, Appel, K, Nolte, KU
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: German
• Published: 01.06.2016
• ISSN: 0722-348X; 1438-9584
• DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1584472

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi folium (bearberry leaf) is traditionally used for the treatment of symptoms of mild recurrent lower urinary tract infections such as burning sensation during urination and/or frequent urination. In addition to the antibacterial activity, it has also been suggested that preparations of Uva-ursi folium possess anti-inflammatory beneficial properties. In the present study, we investigated the effects of an ethanolic Uva-ursi extract and the corresponding herbal medicinal product Cystinol ® akut, on cytokine release in human primary peripheral monocytes. Uva-ursi extract and Cystinol ® had no effect on the basal release of IL-1β, IL-6, PGE 2 and TNF-α, while basal IL-8 release was dose-dependently stimulated. Uva-ursi extract inhibited LPS-stimulated IL-1β, IL-6, PGE 2 and TNF-α release, whereas the LPS-stimulated IL-8 release was increased. Similarly, Cystinol ® inhibited the LPS-induced IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α release and dose-dependently enhanced the LPS-stimulated IL-8 release. For now and first time, these results showed that Uva-ursi extract and Cystinol ® inhibited the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a physiologically reasonable dose range. Together with the induction of IL-8, a chemoattractant and an important normal urothelial growth factor [1], these results suggest that Cystinol ® possesses anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory effects, which may additionally contribute to the benefit of Cystinol ® in treating urinary bladder infects. The possible clinical importance of these findings should be interpreted together with results of in vivo studies. [1] Tseng-Rogenski S, Liebert M. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2009; 297(3): F816 – 21