A Review - Herbs in Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Abstract

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) affects various part of the urinary tract. When it affects the lower part it is known as a bladder infection and when it affects the upper part it is known as kidney infection clinically, presence of more than 1 Lakh organisms per ml of midstream sample of urine (MSU) is an indication of urinary tract infection. A pain and burning feeling when you urinate, Urethral discharge containing pus or mucus, Frequent and urgent need to urinate especially at night, Obstructed urinary flow, Lower back pain, Unexplained fever, Cloudy urine with visible blood are the common symptoms of UTI. Cranberry, blue berry, berberine, bearberry, buchu oil etc are found to be effective in urinary tract infection. The fimbriae of E.coli produce two types of adhesins such as mannose sensitive and mannose resistant adhesins that attach to receptors on uroepithelial cells. Proanthocyanidin obtained from cranberry, blueberry etc shows extreme inhibitory activity against mannose-resistant adhesins. In bearberry the active antimicrobial activity is shown by aglycone hydroquinone which is released in alkaline urine. Buchu leaf is a diuretic and urinary tract antiseptic Urinary tract antiseptic activity is may be due to its essential oil. The essential oil consists mainly of the monoterpene diosphenol.