Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is indicated for which condition?

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Bearberry is used for urinary tract infections because it contains arbutin, a glycoside that is converted in the urine to hydroquinone, which has antimicrobial activity focused in the urinary tract. This makes the herb helpful for conditions like cystitis or urethritis where bacteria are localized in the bladder and urethra, rather than addressing systemic conditions. The other options don’t align with bearberry’s action—hypertension involves blood pressure regulation, migraine is a vascular/neurotransmitter issue, and osteoarthritis is a joint degenerative/inflammatory process—so bearberry doesn’t target those pathways. Use is typically short-term due to safety considerations with hydroquinone exposure; avoid use in pregnancy and in some kidney or urinary tract conditions, and seek medical care if symptoms persist.