PubMed-compiled information sheet
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Compiled from 3 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Cowberry leaf (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), also known as lingonberry leaf, contains antioxidant phenolic compounds and is used in traditional medicine for urinary tract infections [PMID:31737914, PMID:29513959].
Background
Cowberry leaf (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.), also referred to as lingonberry leaf, is a plant source rich in phytochemicals [PMID:31737914].
Traditional uses
Traditional medicine utilizes lingonberry leaf (Vitis idaeae folium) infusions preventatively, to aid treatment, and to ease symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs) [PMID:29513959].
Active compounds
The leaves contain phenolic compounds, specifically quinic acid and catechin [PMID:31737914].
Mechanism of action
Phytochemical-rich extracts of the leaves exhibit radical scavenging activity and can inhibit the formation of toxic Maillard reaction products, such as Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) and Nε-(2-furoylmethyl)-L-lysine (furosine) [PMID:31737914].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DUrinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Lingonberry leaf infusions are used in traditional medicine for the treatment and reduction of UTI symptoms, though the provided study focused on the Microtox test as an assessment tool for these properties [PMID:29513959].
Evidence DRumen Health (Sheep)
Supplementation with dried lingonberry leaves (9.30 g/kg DM) significantly reduced Isotrichidae protozoal counts and increased ruminal papilla width and surface area in sheep [PMID:40807336].
Evidence summary
The available evidence is limited to in vitro food models, animal studies (sheep), and a comparative study on herbal infusions; there are no human clinical trials provided.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 31737914 (2019) — Phytochemical-Rich Antioxidant Extracts of Vaccinium Vitis-idaea L. Leaves Inhibit the Formation of Toxic Maillard Reaction Products in Food Models. · Journal of food science
- 2.PMID: 40807336 (2025) — Lingonberry Leaves Modify Rumen Protozoa Population, Carbohydrate Digestion, and Morphology of Gastrointestinal Tract in Sheep: A Preliminary Study. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
- 3.PMID: 29513959 (2017) — MICROTOX TEST AS A TOOL TO ASSESS ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF HERBAL INFUSIONS USED IN URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS. · Acta poloniae pharmaceutica