Are Bearberry Leaves Carcinogenic?

Bearberry leaves help against urinary tract infections, but are suspected of being carcinogenic. In this article you can read what you need to know about the effects and dangers of bearberry leaves.

Bearberry Leaves: Carcinogenic?

Bearberry leaves come from the bush of the bearberry. This is also called cranberry or urinary herb – an indication of the healing effect on urinary tract infections.

• As an extract, bearberry leaves are said to have health-promoting effects. This should help with mild bladder infections .
• The substances arbutin and methylarbutin are contained in bearberry leaves. These are converted to hydroquine compounds in the body.
• Because hydroquinone fights urinary pathogens such as E. coli , bearberry leaf is believed to have a preventative and analgesic effect on urinary tract infections. However, this has not yet been medically proven.
• Rather, bearberry leaves are criticized because they could be potentially carcinogenic due to the active ingredient hydroquinone. Damage to the liver and a change in the genetic material are also suspected if the extract is consumed in large quantities.
• But there are no studies that provide evidence for this either. But the dosage instructions for bearberry leaves are strict: they should be used for a maximum of one week and a maximum of five times a year.
• Bearberry leaves are not suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women, children and people with kidney problems.