Hf02-05 a History of Herbs Used to Treat Urinary Tract Infection by Indigenous People of North America

You have accessJournal of UrologyHistory of Urology Forum II (HF02)1 May 2024HF02-05 A HISTORY OF HERBS USED TO TREAT URINARY TRACT INFECTION BY INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF NORTH AMERICA Amanda Rubano, Divya Ajay, and Ronald Rabinowitz Amanda RubanoAmanda Rubano , Divya AjayDivya Ajay , and Ronald RabinowitzRonald Rabinowitz View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/01.JU.0001008760.25751.09.05AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: As Indigenous People historically created medicinal treatments derived from native plants of their environments, this review emphasizes the herbs employed by different tribes across North America for the treatment Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). As antibiotics are the standard treatment for UTIs, the increase in microbial resistance prompts the exploration of alternative therapies. This review identifies these herbs to investigate whether they could be a potential alternative to antibiotics in modern medicine. METHODS: A review of field notes, species descriptions, illustrations, and primary North American Indigenous Peoples' phenological observations was undertaken to investigate the herbs used to treat and prevent UTIs in various tribal communities. RESULTS: Wild mint (Mentha arvensis), which has antimicrobial and diuretic properties, was used by the Cherokee, Ojibwa, Cree, and Lenape tribes. Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) grows throughout North America and was used by Cree, Innu, Inuit tribes of Northeastern Canada. Arbutin, a compound found in the leaves of bearberry, has antiseptic and diuretic properties. It was brewed into a tea and applied directly to the affected area. The tea was also drunk to promote urination and flushing of bacteria from the urinary tract. The Iroquois, Micmac, Wampanoag, and Algonquin-speaking tribes, which spanned across Canada, used cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) to treat irritative urinary symptoms. Cranberry prevents bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls. Presently, the American Urologic Association guidelines recommend cranberry for recurrent UTIs, advising patients to take 36 mg daily of proanthocyanidins (PAC), cranberry's active ingredient. Like cranberries, mossberries (Vaccinium oxycoccos) are found on low shrubs in northern regions and cold climates and were thought to have antibacterial properties. Mossberries were used by Inuit and Cree tribes. Algonquin-speaking tribes used Goldenrod (Solidago spp.), discovering that the leaves and flowers have diuretic properties, increasing urination and assisting with the excretion of bacteria. Eastern Cherokee used a mix of herbs that included Solidago odora for urinary problems. CONCLUSIONS: This review represents a complete understanding of the North American plants used by Indigenous People across the region to treat UTIs. Prior to the advent of antibiotics, Indigenous People of North America employed a variety of herbs and berries to manage irritative urinary symptoms. Many of these natural remedies have since been discovered to contain compounds with proven antibacterial, antiseptic, and diuretic qualities. The recognition of these herbal resources offers an alternative therapeutic approach for both managing and preventing UTIs. Source of Funding: None © 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 211Issue 5SMay 2024Page: e274 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.Metrics Author Information Amanda Rubano More articles by this author Divya Ajay More articles by this author Ronald Rabinowitz More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...