Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi? Is Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi safe for nursing mother and child? Does Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi extracts into breast milk? Does Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi influence milk supply or can Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi lactation summary

Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi is unsafe in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi is 5 out of 8 which is considered Unsafe as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 5 indicates that usage of Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi may cause serious side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi may cause moderate to high side effects or may affect milk supply in lactating mother.
  • Our suggestion is to use safer alternate options rather than using Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi .
  • It is recommended to evaluate the advantage of not breastfeeding while using Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Vs not using Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi And continue breastfeeding.
  • While using Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Its must to monitor child for possible reactions. It is also important to understand that side effects vary largely based on age of breastfed child and time of medication in addition to dosage.
  • Score calculated using the DrLact safety Version 1.2 model, this score ranges from 0 to 8 and measures overall safety of drug in lactation. Scores are primarily calculated using publicly available case studies, research papers, other scientific journals and publically available data.

Answer by Dr. Ru: About Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi usage in lactation

Shrub leaves are used. It contains arbutoside or arbutin as an active substance, also, tannins, flavonoids, ursolic acid and hydroquinone. The Commission E of German Ministry of Health approves it as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory medicament for the urinary tract. As a diuretic drug it may decrease breast milk production. When took in high amount it can irritate the uterus and hydroquinone may be toxic for the liver.
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. We do not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.