Herbs & Botanicals · Traditional urinary folk herb
Pipsissewa
Chimaphila umbellata · also called Prince's pine
Pipsissewa is a small woodland evergreen used in folk medicine, often for the urinary tract, and often compared with uva ursi. We found no human trial of pipsissewa by itself, and no official herbal monograph. The only human studies involve a six-ingredient prostate product. A urinary infection needs a doctor, and nothing is known about safety in pregnancy or kidney disease.
General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made
About Pipsissewa
Pipsissewa (Chimaphila umbellata) is a woodland evergreen of the heath family with a folk reputation as a urinary herb.
What it is
Pipsissewa, also called prince's pine, is a small evergreen plant of cool northern woods. Its accepted botanical name is Chimaphila umbellata, in the heath family (Ericaceae), the same family as uva ursi.
A 2023 review says most of its compounds are phenolics, sterols and triterpenoids. It names chimaphilin as the characteristic compound, plus isohomoarbutin and methyl salicylate. We could not confirm that it holds the arbutin found in uva ursi.
Traditional and current uses
Pipsissewa is often described as a urinary herb. The sources we could open do not describe this use in detail, so we treat it as an unverified folk idea.
In Japan and Germany an extract of the plant is one of five plant extracts, plus wheat germ oil, in a prostate-symptom tablet.
What the research shows
We found no human trial of pipsissewa on its own. The two small human studies we found tested a six-ingredient product, with no placebo in one and an untreated group in the other, so they cannot show what pipsissewa does.
Lab work shows the compound chimaphilin slowed yeasts in dishes, and a different compound reduced bone-cell formation in cells. A diuretic result was found only in a different species, Chimaphila japonica.
For comparison, trials of uva ursi are mixed: in one it cut antibiotic use but left more symptoms, and in another it was no better than placebo. The EU accepts uva ursi only as a traditional medicine. Pipsissewa has no such status.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- Folk use for urinary complaints (not confirmed in the sources we could open)
- Named among medicinal plants in a Kentucky county survey
Studied for research
- Urinary tract: no human trial of pipsissewa
- Prostate symptoms: only a mixed product, small studies
- Antifungal action: lab only
- Bone-cell formation: cell tests only
Main compounds
- Chimaphilin
- Isohomoarbutin
- Methyl salicylate
- Phenolics, sterols and triterpenoids
Common forms
- Dried leaf
- Tea
- Tincture
- Capsule
- Extract inside a branded Japanese prostate tablet
Research links: Plant review (2023) · Antifungal lab study (2008) · Prostate product study (2008) · EU summary for uva ursi (relative) · Uva ursi vs antibiotic trial (2021) · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
The plant and its history
- Accepted scientific name
- Chimaphila umbellata (L.) W.P.C.Barton
- Naming authority
- (L.) W.P.C.Barton
- Synonyms
- Pyrola umbellata L.
- Common names
- Pipsissewa (English); Prince's pine (English)
- Botanical family
- Ericaceae (heath family; older books use Pyrolaceae)
- Classification
- Plantae > Ericaceae > Chimaphila > Chimaphila umbellata
- Native range
- Circumboreal (from a 2019 Annals of Botany record in the graph summary; country-by-country range not verified).
- Habitat
- Woodland understory (the 2019 and 2017 ecology papers describe pyroloid plants as partly fungus-fed 'mixotrophs'; not read in detail).
- What the plant looks like
- Roots: Not verified.; Stems: Not verified.; Leaves: Evergreen leaves (leaf is the part used in folk medicine per the brief; not verified from a source read).; Flowers: Not verified.; Fruit: Not verified.; Bark: Not applicable.
- Cultivation
- The 2023 review says the plant is hard to grow in the lab (problems with in-vitro cultivation).
- Harvest and processing
- Not verified.
- Look-alikes and adulterants
- Name: Chimaphila japonica and other pyroloid plants (Pyrola); Note: Related plants. C. japonica is a different species; its diuretic result cannot be applied to pipsissewa.; Name: Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi); Note: Same family but a different plant; not a substitute.
- Sustainability and conservation
- The 2023 review abstract calls the conservation status alarming. Official lists were not read.
Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof
| Tradition or era | Documented use | Source |
|---|---|---|
| North America, folk medicine | A folk 'urinary' herb reputation is repeated in herbal books, but no authoritative source we could open describes it. The 2025 Kentucky survey names the plant among 14 locally used medicinal plants without stating its specific use in the abstract. | p41157739 |
| Modern Japan and Germany | An extract of the plant is one ingredient in the multi-ingredient prostate-symptom product Eviprostat. | p18634442 |
Traditional use shows how a plant was used. It does not show that a supplement works or is safe today.
What is inside, and how it may work
What the plant contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.
Main compounds
| Compound | Family | Where it is concentrated | Activity studied | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chimaphilin (2,7-dimethyl-1,4-naphthoquinone) PubChem 101211 | naphthoquinone | not stated Not given. | Principal antifungal compound in a 2008 lab study; called the characteristic compound by the 2023 review. 5 1 7 | Lab |
| Isohomoarbutin | phenolic glycoside | not stated Not given. | Named in the 2023 review; function not described in the abstract. 1 | Chemistry only |
| Arbutin and hydroquinone PubChem 440936 | phenolic glycoside and its breakdown product | unknown NOT verified for pipsissewa. Hydroquinone CID 785. In uva ursi these are the main compounds. | Uva ursi context only; not shown for pipsissewa. 15 7 | Unverified for this plant |
| Methyl salicylate PubChem 4133 | aspirin-related ester, essential oil | not stated Not given. | The plant's only essential oil per the 2023 review. 1 7 | Chemistry only |
| Naphthalene glycoside DMDHNG | naphthalene glycoside | leaves and stems Not given. | Reduced osteoclast formation in cells. 10 | Laboratory research |
| Phenolics, sterols, triterpenoids | broad groups | not stated Majority of compounds per the 2023 review. | Not assessed here. Tannins are expected in this kind of plant but no tannin figure was found in the sources read. 1 | Chemistry only |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yeast cell wall building and transcription | Not identified | Chimaphilin slowed yeasts in dishes; gene-deletion tests pointed to these pathways. 5 | Laboratory research |
| RANKL-driven osteoclast formation | RANKL, TRAP, cathepsin K, NFATc1 (genes in cells) | An isolated compound reduced osteoclast formation and the activity of these genes in cells. 10 | Laboratory research |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- Not studied.
- Distribution
- No data.
- Metabolism
- No data. For uva ursi, arbutin is changed into hydroquinone conjugates in the liver; not shown for pipsissewa.
- Elimination
- No data.
- Bioavailability
- No data.
Isolated compounds versus whole extracts
The lab studies used isolated compounds (chimaphilin, a glycoside) or crude extracts; the human studies used a six-ingredient branded mixture. None tested pipsissewa leaf, tea or capsules, so results cannot be swapped between these.
Nutritional composition
Pipsissewa is a medicinal plant, not a source of any essential nutrient.
4 very low certainty2 not enough evidence
What was looked at
The 6 benefits and uses checked for Pipsissewa, each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.
- Urinary tract complaints (traditional folk idea)Not enough evidence
- Prostate-related urinary symptoms (combination product only)Very low certainty
- Antifungal activity (lab only)Very low certainty
- Antioxidant activity in a chemical testVery low certainty
- Bone-cell (osteoclast) formation in cell testsVery low certainty
- Diuretic effect (different species only)Not enough evidence
What is Pipsissewa good for?
What pipsissewa is claimed to do and what the research shows. "Insufficient" means too little human research to judge. "Very low" means mostly lab results. Nothing here is proven to work.
Benefits, one by one
Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.
Urinary tract complaints (traditional folk idea)
Not enough evidencePipsissewa is often called a urinary herb and is compared with uva ursi. We found no human trial of pipsissewa for the urinary tract and no regulator monograph. The only urinary research on a related plant is on uva ursi, and it is mixed.
5 studiesNot covered here.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
None for pipsissewa. For uva ursi, a 2021 trial of 398 women found fewer antibiotic courses than with fosfomycin but more symptoms and 8 kidney infections versus 2 (p=0.067), and a 2019 trial of 382 women found no clear benefit over placebo. The EU committee accepts uva ursi only as a traditional medicine.
Results
No pipsissewa result. The uva ursi trials are about a different plant and do not transfer.
Effect sizes as reported
None for pipsissewa.
Why this rating
No human study of pipsissewa. Evidence for the better-known relative is itself mixed, so even a transfer would be weak.
Form and dose studied
Not covered here.
Who was studied
None studied.
Limits
Everything about uva ursi is borrowed and cannot be applied to pipsissewa.
Why researchers looked
Pipsissewa is a relative of uva ursi in the heath family, and the two are often linked in herbal books.
Traditional use
Folk reputation as a urinary herb. The sources we could open do not describe this use in detail: the 2023 review abstract does not list it and the Kentucky survey abstract does not say which plant is used for what.
Proposed mechanism Unverified idea
Not shown for pipsissewa. Uva ursi works through arbutin turning into hydroquinone in the body. We could not verify that pipsissewa holds arbutin; the review we read names isohomoarbutin, a related compound.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
A urinary infection needs a proper diagnosis. In the uva ursi trial, a few more women developed kidney infections. Do not try to treat one on your own with a herb.
Prostate-related urinary symptoms (combination product only)
Very low certaintyA Japanese product called Eviprostat contains pipsissewa extract along with four other plant extracts and wheat germ oil. Two small human studies on this mixture reported symptom scores improving. Neither can show that pipsissewa itself did anything.
2 studiesBranded multi-ingredient tablet; not interchangeable with pipsissewa …
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
2008: a randomized comparison of two doses of the product in men with benign prostatic enlargement had no placebo group; scores and night-time urination improved in both and both were well tolerated. 2012: 37 men after prostate brachytherapy, 18 given the product and 19 untreated, recovered better on some urinary scores at 6 months.
Results
Scores improved in both studies, but without a placebo comparison for the first and with an untreated (not placebo) group for the second.
Effect sizes as reported
No effect sizes in the abstracts.
Why this rating
Combination product, small studies, no placebo, abstracts only. Cannot be credited to pipsissewa.
Form and dose studied
Branded multi-ingredient tablet; not interchangeable with pipsissewa leaf, tea or capsules.
Who was studied
Men with benign prostatic enlargement; men after prostate brachytherapy.
Limits
Mixture of six ingredients; no placebo; the number of men in the 2008 study was not in the abstract; funding not read.
Why researchers looked
The mixture is sold in Japan and Germany for urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
Traditional use
Not a traditional use of the herb alone.
Proposed mechanism Unknown
Not established.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Both reports said the product was well tolerated, but that says little about pipsissewa on its own. Urinary symptoms in men need a medical check.
Antifungal activity (lab only)
Very low certaintyA compound called chimaphilin from the plant slowed the growth of three yeasts in dishes, including two linked to dandruff. This does not show that any product works on skin.
1 studiesIsolated compound from an ethanol extract.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
None.
Results
Chimaphilin slowed Saccharomyces cerevisiae (0.05 mg/mL), Malassezia globosa (0.39 mg/mL) and M. restricta (0.55 mg/mL) in microdilution tests.
Effect sizes as reported
Lab concentrations only.
Why this rating
Test-tube study only.
Form and dose studied
Isolated compound from an ethanol extract.
Who was studied
Yeast cultures.
Limits
Isolated compound, lab only; no animal or human data.
Why researchers looked
To find what in the plant acts on fungi.
Traditional use
Not a documented traditional use in the sources read.
Proposed mechanism Laboratory research
In yeast gene tests, the targets of chimaphilin pointed to cell wall building and gene reading.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Not applicable.
Antioxidant activity in a chemical test
Very low certaintyThe crude extract showed strong antioxidant activity in a chemical test. Such tests do not show a benefit in people.
1 studiesCrude ethanol extract.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
None.
Results
Pronounced antioxidant activity of the crude extract in the DPPH assay.
Effect sizes as reported
No numbers in the abstract.
Why this rating
Chemical assay only.
Form and dose studied
Crude ethanol extract.
Who was studied
None.
Limits
Does not predict any effect in the body.
Why researchers looked
Part of the same 2008 laboratory study.
Traditional use
The authors suggest a link to wound healing; this was not tested.
Proposed mechanism Laboratory research
Chemical radical-scavenging (DPPH) assay only.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Not applicable.
Bone-cell (osteoclast) formation in cell tests
Very low certaintyA compound isolated from the leaves and stems reduced the formation of bone-resorbing cells in dishes. Cell study only.
1 studiesIsolated compound (not the leaf or tea).
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
None.
Results
Dose-dependent reduction of osteoclast activity and formation.
Effect sizes as reported
No numbers in the abstract.
Why this rating
One isolated compound in cells.
Form and dose studied
Isolated compound (not the leaf or tea).
Who was studied
Cells in dishes.
Limits
No animal or human data.
Why researchers looked
To look for new compounds that affect bone cells.
Traditional use
None.
Proposed mechanism Laboratory research
The compound lowered RANKL-triggered osteoclast activity and the activity of bone-cell genes in cells.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Not applicable.
Diuretic effect (different species only)
Not enough evidenceA 2024 study found diuretic activity in compounds from Chimaphila japonica, a different species. Nothing like this was found for pipsissewa.
1 studiesIsolated compounds.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
None.
Results
Three compounds from C. japonica showed potent diuretic activity in the study's tests.
Effect sizes as reported
No numbers in the abstract.
Why this rating
Different species, lab and computer work, nothing for pipsissewa.
Form and dose studied
Isolated compounds.
Who was studied
None.
Limits
Cannot be applied to Chimaphila umbellata.
Why researchers looked
To find the active parts of an East Asian relative used as a folk remedy.
Traditional use
Not established for pipsissewa.
Proposed mechanism In silico and lab, other species
The authors docked selected compounds to a kidney-related enzyme (WNK1) on a computer; this does not show the effect in the body.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
A diuretic effect, if real, could matter for people with kidney disease or on water pills; this was not studied.
Connections to the rest of health
How Pipsissewa connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.
Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes
A. Wellness goals
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy Skin | Very low certainty | Antifungal activity (lab only): A compound called chimaphilin from the plant slowed the growth of three yeasts in dishes, including two linked to dandruff. This does not show that any product works on skin. | 5 | |
| Bone Health | Very low certainty | Bone-cell (osteoclast) formation in cell tests: A compound isolated from the leaves and stems reduced the formation of bone-resorbing cells in dishes. Cell study only. | 10 |
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urinary System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Urinary tract complaints (traditional folk idea) Studied for: Prostate-related urinary symptoms (combination product only) | 1 13 4 6 2 11 12 14 |
| Integumentary System | Biological association | Very low certainty | Studied for: Antifungal activity (lab only) | 5 |
| Musculoskeletal System | Biological association | Very low certainty | Studied for: Bone-cell (osteoclast) formation in cell tests | 10 |
E. Health conditions
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urinary tract infection | Not enough evidence | No trial of pipsissewa; the related uva ursi has mixed trials and a traditional-use monograph. Preparation or compound: Leaf (folk) |
4 6 2 |
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chimaphilin (2,7-dimethyl-1,4-naphthoquinone) | Biological association | Lab | Principal antifungal compound in a 2008 lab study; called the characteristic compound by the 2023 review. Preparation or compound: not stated |
5 1 7 |
| Isohomoarbutin | Biological association | Chemistry only | Named in the 2023 review; function not described in the abstract. Preparation or compound: not stated |
1 |
| Arbutin and hydroquinone | Biological association | Unverified for this plant | Uva ursi context only; not shown for pipsissewa. Preparation or compound: unknown |
15 7 |
| Methyl salicylate | Biological association | Chemistry only | The plant's only essential oil per the 2023 review. Preparation or compound: not stated |
1 7 |
| Naphthalene glycoside DMDHNG | Biological association | In vitro | Reduced osteoclast formation in cells. Preparation or compound: leaves and stems |
10 |
| Phenolics, sterols, triterpenoids | Biological association | Chemistry only | Not assessed here. Tannins are expected in this kind of plant but no tannin figure was found in the sources read. Preparation or compound: not stated |
1 |
Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 25, 2026).
The evidence
The research centre for Pipsissewa. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.
Evidence by outcome
Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).
How we rate evidence
High certainty
Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.
Moderate certainty
Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.
Low certainty
Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.
Very low certainty
Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.
Mixed findings
Trials or reviews disagree with each other.
Not enough evidence
Not enough human research to say either way.
Evidence against
Good research found no benefit, or found harm.
We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We started from our existing summary of this herb, then checked each cited paper in PubMed and the accepted name in GBIF. Documents we could not open are marked as second-hand. No study is cited that we could not verify.
Study library: every study we checked 15
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ali 2023 Chimaphila umbellata; a biotechnological perspective on the coming-of-age prince's pine Phytochemistry Reviews · PMID 37359710 · DOI |
Narrative review review |
Plant chemistry, uses and conservation of Chimaphila umbellata | Whole plant chemistry whole plant not given here |
The review says most compounds are phenolics, sterols and triterpenoids. Other named compounds are 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, isohomoarbutin and methyl salicylate (the only essential oil). Chimaphilin is the characteristic compound. It also describes an alarming conservation status and problems growing the plant in the lab. The abstract does not mention clinical trials. Narrative review; no pooled effect Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Chemistry, therapeutic uses, conservation, cultivation Limitations: Only the abstract was read. The abstract does not name arbutin or hydroquinone, and does not describe human trials or safety data. Funding and conflicts: not read Read: abstract |
| European Medicines Agency 2018 Uvae ursi folium - herbal medicinal product (EMA public page) European Medicines Agency · Source |
Regulator summary (uva ursi, a different plant) regulator |
Bearberry leaf (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) | Bearberry leaf leaf not given here |
Read directly in this round. The EU committee accepted bearberry leaf as a traditional medicine for symptoms of mild, recurrent lower urinary tract infections in adult women, only after a doctor has ruled out serious causes, for no more than one week, and with a doctor visit if symptoms last over four days or worsen. Women with kidney disorders must not take it. Nausea, vomiting and stomach ache have been reported. The page says no clinical studies with bearberry-only preparations were available, and it does not name pipsissewa. Regulator summary Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Traditional-use conclusions and risks Limitations: Covers uva ursi only. No EU monograph for pipsissewa was found. Funding and conflicts: Government Read: full-text (public summary page) |
| GBIF Secretariat 2026 GBIF species match: Chimaphila umbellata GBIF API · Source |
Taxonomy database not applicable |
Plant name not given here |
Checked 2026-10-25: Chimaphila umbellata (L.) W.P.C.Barton is the ACCEPTED name (key 2888307, exact match), in the family Ericaceae. Name check Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Accepted name and family Limitations: Name and family only. Funding and conflicts: Public database Read: API record | |
| Gagyor 2021 Herbal treatment with uva ursi extract versus fosfomycin in women with uncomplicated urinary tract infection in primary care: a randomized controlled trial Clinical Microbiology and Infection · PMID 34111592 · DOI |
Randomized double blind controlled trial (uva ursi, a different plant) human (other plant) |
398 Women with suspected uncomplicated urinary tract infection, Germany |
Uva ursi extract leaf not given here · vs Fosfomycin antibiotic |
Uva ursi cut antibiotic courses by 63.6% compared with fosfomycin (95% CI 53.6 to 71.4%) but failed to show it was no worse for symptoms (136.5% of the symptom burden). Eight women in the uva ursi group developed a kidney infection (pyelonephritis) versus two with fosfomycin (p=0.067). Adverse events were similar. Fewer antibiotics but more symptoms Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Antibiotic courses; symptom burden Limitations: About uva ursi, a different plant. Shown here only to explain why a urinary infection needs a proper check. Funding and conflicts: not read Read: abstract |
| Galvan 2008 Antifungal and antioxidant activities of the phytomedicine pipsissewa, Chimaphila umbellata Phytochemistry · PMID 17950387 · DOI |
Laboratory study in vitro |
Fungi and chemical assay in the lab | Ethanol extract; isolated chimaphilin aerial parts (not specified in abstract) not given here |
Chimaphilin (2,7-dimethyl-1,4-naphthoquinone) was the main antifungal compound. It slowed growth of baker's yeast and of two dandruff-linked yeasts (Malassezia globosa and M. restricta) in dishes. The crude extract showed strong antioxidant activity in a chemical (DPPH) test. In yeast gene tests, the targets pointed to cell wall building and gene reading. Lab result only Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Antifungal and antioxidant activity Limitations: Test tube only. Says nothing about skin, urinary or any effect in people. Funding and conflicts: Research support, non-US government (details not read) Read: abstract |
| Moore 2019 Uva-ursi extract and ibuprofen as alternative treatments for uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women (ATAFUTI): a factorial randomized trial Clinical Microbiology and Infection · PMID 30685500 · DOI |
Randomized placebo controlled factorial trial (uva ursi, a different plant) human (other plant) |
382 Women aged 18-70 with suspected lower urinary tract infection, UK |
Uva ursi extract leaf not given here · vs Placebo |
Uva ursi was no better than placebo for frequency symptoms (-0.06, 95% CI -0.33 to 0.21) and did not clearly reduce antibiotic use (39.9% versus 47.4%; p=0.293). No safety concerns were reported. No clear benefit Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Symptom severity; antibiotic use Limitations: About uva ursi, a different plant. Funding and conflicts: not read Read: abstract |
| NCBI PubChem 2026 PubChem compound records: chimaphilin (CID 101211), arbutin (CID 440936), methyl salicylate (CID 4133), hydroquinone (CID 785) PubChem · Source |
Chemistry database not applicable |
Compound names not given here |
Name lookups on 2026-10-25 returned these CIDs: chimaphilin 101211, arbutin 440936, methyl salicylate 4133, hydroquinone 785. Only the identifiers were checked, not the compound pages. Identifier check Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Compound identifiers Limitations: Identifiers only. Funding and conflicts: Public database Read: API record | |
| NIDDK / National Library of Medicine 2020 Uva Ursi (LiverTox, via the site's uva ursi file) LiverTox · PMID 32364691 |
Drug database entry (uva ursi, a different plant) database |
Uva ursi leaf not given here |
Per the uva ursi page of this site, LiverTox says uva ursi extracts have not been linked to raised liver enzymes or clinically apparent liver injury. NOT re-opened here; no LiverTox entry for pipsissewa was found. Summary only Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Liver injury Limitations: Summary-only; about uva ursi. Funding and conflicts: Government Read: summary-only | |
| National Library of Medicine 2006 Uva Ursi (LactMed, via the site's uva ursi file) LactMed · PMID 30000963 |
Drug database entry (uva ursi, a different plant) database |
Uva ursi leaf not given here |
Per the uva ursi page of this site, LactMed says there are no data on uva ursi in breast milk and it should generally be avoided while breastfeeding. This record was NOT re-opened for pipsissewa, and LactMed has no pipsissewa entry that we found. Summary only Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Breastfeeding Limitations: Summary-only; about uva ursi. Funding and conflicts: Government Read: summary-only | |
| Shin 2015 A new naphthalene glycoside from Chimaphila umbellata inhibits the RANKL-stimulated osteoclast differentiation Archives of Pharmacal Research · PMID 25861914 · DOI |
Laboratory (cell) study in vitro |
Cells in dishes | Isolated compound DMDHNG leaves and stems not given here |
A new naphthalene glycoside from leaves and stems reduced osteoclast activity and formation in cell dishes, in a dose-dependent way, and lowered the activity of bone-cell genes. Cell result only Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Bone-cell (osteoclast) formation Limitations: Cell study of one isolated compound; no animal or human data. Funding and conflicts: not read Read: abstract |
| Tamaki 2008 [Assessment of clinical usefulness of Eviprostat for benign prostatic hyperplasia--comparison of Eviprostat tablet with a formulation containing two-times more active ingredients] Hinyokika Kiyo (Acta Urologica Japonica) · PMID 18634442 |
Randomized comparison of two doses of the same product (Japanese language paper) |
Men with benign prostatic enlargement (BPH) | Eviprostat (combination: Chimaphila umbellata, Populus tremula, Pulsatilla pratensis, Equisetum arvense extracts and wheat germ oil) not stated not given here |
Both versions of the combination product were reported as well tolerated, with symptom and quality-of-life scores improving gradually over the treatment period and less getting up at night. There was no placebo group. Improvement in scores in both groups; no placebo comparison Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Symptom score (IPSS), quality of life, side effects Limitations: Combination product, so the effect cannot be put down to pipsissewa. No placebo group. Only the abstract was read; the number of men was not in the abstract. The authors are linked to a Japanese study of this product; funding not read. Funding and conflicts: not read Read: abstract |
| Tanaka 2012 Suppressive Effects of Eviprostat, a Phytotherapeutic Agent, on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Prostate Cancer Patients Treated with Brachytherapy Low Urin Tract Symptoms · PMID 26676455 · DOI |
Small comparison with an untreated group |
37 Men treated with prostate brachytherapy (18 treated, 19 untreated) |
Eviprostat (combination product containing Chimaphila umbellata extract) not stated not given here |
Both groups got worse at 1 month and then improved. The treated men recovered significantly better at 6 months on several urinary subscales. The authors say the product may ease urinary symptoms after brachytherapy. Better recovery on some scores at 6 months Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Symptom scores (IPSS, EPIC) Limitations: Combination product; small; untreated control (not placebo), so expectation could play a part. Abstract does not say people were randomly assigned. Only the abstract was read. Funding and conflicts: not read Read: abstract |
| Veldhi 2025 A Review and Survey of Local Eastern Kentucky Medicinal Plants and Their Pharmacological Benefits Plants (Basel) · PMID 41157739 · DOI |
Local survey plus literature review survey |
People in Pike County, Kentucky, USA | Survey of 14 plants including Chimaphila umbellata various not given here |
Chimaphila umbellata was one of 14 medicinal plants named in a county survey. The abstract lists uses for the group as a whole (antirheumatic, laxative, anti-infective and others) without saying which plant is used for what. Survey; no outcomes Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Local uses, published research Limitations: Abstract does not give uses for pipsissewa. Not evidence of benefit. Funding and conflicts: not read Read: abstract |
| Yu 2024 Constituents of Chimaphila japonica and Their Diuretic Activity Molecules · PMID 38474601 · DOI |
Laboratory and animal style bioassay study other species, lab |
Compounds from a different species (Chimaphila japonica) | Isolated phenols and flavonoids whole plant of C. japonica not given here |
Three compounds from C. japonica showed potent diuretic activity in the tests described, and a computer docking test was done against a kidney-related enzyme (WNK1). Lab result for a different species Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Diuretic activity, docking Limitations: A different species (C. japonica), not pipsissewa. Abstract does not say what test system was used for the diuretic activity. Funding and conflicts: not read Read: abstract |
| de Arriba 2013 Risk assessment of free hydroquinone derived from Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi folium herbal preparations International Journal of Toxicology · PMID 24296864 · DOI |
Toxicology review (about uva ursi, a different plant) review (other plant) |
Uva ursi (bearberry leaf), not pipsissewa | Uva ursi leaf extract leaf not given here |
About uva ursi: arbutin is absorbed in the small intestine and made into hydroquinone conjugates in the liver. The authors estimate free hydroquinone exposure from recommended use and say they found no direct human evidence that free hydroquinone causes convulsions, liver harm, kidney harm or tumours. They concluded uva ursi is safe under recommended use. Review; no pooled effect Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Free hydroquinone exposure and safety Limitations: About uva ursi, not pipsissewa. Authors are linked to a company that sells uva ursi extract (as noted in the uva ursi page of this site; not re-checked here). It cannot be applied to pipsissewa, whose arbutin content was not verified. Funding and conflicts: industry-linked (not re-checked) Read: abstract |
What we do not know yet
- No human trial of pipsissewa on its own.
- Arbutin and hydroquinone content not verified.
- No human safety, pregnancy, kidney or interaction data.
- No regulator monograph.
- No contaminant or identity testing of products.
How new research is added
New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and are placed in a review queue. A person reads each one before it changes any evidence rating or safety wording.
Lab markers
What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".
Safety
What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.
Main points to know 8
- No human safety data exist for pipsissewa. We found no human safety study, no case report, no interaction study and no regulator statement (EMA/HMPC, NCCIH, LiverTox, LactMed) for pipsissewa. Not finding reports is not proof of safety. Every caution below is either about the related plant uva ursi or reasoning from the plant's chemistry, and is labelled that way. Gap 1 2
- A urinary infection needs medical care, not a herb. Burning, urgency or frequent urination can be a bladder or kidney infection. In a trial of the related herb uva ursi, 8 women developed a kidney infection versus 2 with an antibiotic (p=0.067, not clearly different). Pipsissewa has no trial at all. See a doctor, and urgently for fever, shivering, back or side pain, vomiting or blood in the urine. Rct (other plant) 4 6 2
- Hydroquinone and arbutin: a known worry for uva ursi, unverified for pipsissewa. Uva ursi leaf holds arbutin, which the body turns into hydroquinone. A company-linked review says exposure from recommended use is low and found no direct human evidence of liver or kidney harm, but the concern exists in animal and lab work. For pipsissewa, the review we read names isohomoarbutin and chimaphilin, not arbutin, and we could not verify how much arbutin or hydroquinone it releases. Treat the uva ursi cautions as a reason to ask first, not as proof about pipsissewa. Review (other plant) and gap 15 1
- Kidney disease: avoid unless a doctor says otherwise. The EU summary for uva ursi says women with kidney disorders must not take it. Nothing was tested for pipsissewa, and a diuretic-type effect was seen in lab work on a different species. Kidney safety of pipsissewa is unknown. Authoritative guidance (other plant) 2 14
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid (no data). No pregnancy or breastfeeding information was found for pipsissewa. The uva ursi page of this site reports that EU guidance does not recommend uva ursi in pregnancy or breastfeeding, and that LactMed advises avoiding it while breastfeeding (summary-only, not re-opened here). Safety is not established. No data; guidance on other plant 9
- Tannins and the stomach. The EU summary lists nausea, vomiting and stomach ache for uva ursi, a tannin-rich leaf. The pipsissewa sources we read list phenolics but give no tannin figure, so stomach upset is plausible, not shown. Authoritative guidance (other plant); reasoning 2 1
- Methyl salicylate: a chemical reason to ask a pharmacist. The 2023 review names methyl salicylate, an aspirin-related compound, as the plant's only essential oil. We found no source on how much a leaf product holds. If you react to aspirin or take blood thinners, ask a pharmacist. This is reasoning from the chemistry, not a documented problem. Theoretical 1
- Wild plants: conservation concern. The 2023 review describes the plant's conservation status as alarming. Picking wild plants can harm populations; official lists were not read. Review abstract 1
Side effects 3
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| No adverse effects documented for pipsissewa Absence of reports is not proof of safety. | Not established | unknown unknown | Gap 1 |
| Nausea, vomiting, stomach ache (reported for uva ursi) Not shown for pipsissewa. | Not established | mild unknown | Regulator summary (other plant) 2 |
| Combination prostate product described as well tolerated Six-ingredient product; says little about pipsissewa alone. | Not established | none reported in the abstracts not applicable | Human studies (combination) 11 12 |
Liver
No liver injury case or liver study was found for pipsissewa, and LiverTox has no entry we could find. For uva ursi, the site's summary of LiverTox says extracts have not been linked to clinically apparent liver injury (summary-only, not re-opened). Hydroquinone is the usual worry; the review we read found no direct human evidence of liver harm for uva ursi. 8 15
How often. Unknown for pipsissewa.
Monitoring. No agency advice found. Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or severe itch after any herb should be checked by a doctor.
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Pipsissewa supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 3
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicines for the kidneys, water pills and other medicines cleared by the kidneys prescription | Unknown. A diuretic effect was seen only in lab work on a different Chimaphila species. | Unknown. | Theoretical Not enough evidence 14 | Ask a pharmacist before combining. |
| Aspirin, other salicylates and blood thinners prescription | Theoretical: methyl salicylate is named in the plant. Amounts in products unknown. | Unknown. | Theoretical Not enough evidence 1 | Ask a pharmacist, especially if allergic to aspirin or on blood thinners. |
| Antibiotics or other treatment for a urinary infection prescription | Not studied. | Unknown; delaying proper treatment is the main concern. | No data Not enough evidence 4 | Do not use a herb in place of treatment prescribed for an infection. |
Who should check first 4
| Situation | Advice | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Urinary tract infection symptoms | Get a medical assessment first; do not self-treat. | Guidance and trial on other plant 2 4 |
| Kidney disease | Avoid unless a doctor advises. Safety unknown. | Guidance on other plant 2 |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | Avoid; no safety data. | No data 9 |
| Children | No safety data in children; ask a doctor. | No data |
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. No toxicity study of pipsissewa was found.
Animal. None found.
Human doses studied. Not given here.
High dose or long term signals. Not studied.
Overdose response. Not described.
Genotoxicity. Not found.
Toxic plant parts. Not described in the sources read.
No contaminant or adulteration testing of pipsissewa products was found.
Identity and mix-ups. No identity study of retail pipsissewa was found. Pyrola species are close relatives that share the common name 'wintergreen' in some places; whether they are mixed in with pipsissewa products was not checked.
Heavy metals and microbes. We found no testing papers. Absence is not proof of safety.
| Body | Action | Date |
|---|---|---|
| European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (European Union) | No herbal monograph for pipsissewa found. The monograph for uva ursi (a relative) is a traditional-use monograph; read in this round only as a comparison. source | 2018 |
When to get medical help
- Fever, shivering, back or side pain, vomiting or blood in the urine
- Symptoms that last more than a few days or get worse
- Rash, swelling or breathing trouble after use
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine
- Possible pregnancy while using it
Stop the supplement and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.
General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is pipsissewa?
Is pipsissewa the same as uva ursi?
Does pipsissewa treat urinary tract infections?
Does it contain arbutin like uva ursi?
Is it safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Not known. No data exist, so avoid it unless a doctor advises.
Is it safe for kidney or liver problems?
Does it interact with medicines?
No interaction study exists. The plant holds an aspirin-related compound, so people on blood thinners or with aspirin allergy should ask a pharmacist.
Can it upset the stomach?
Possibly. Uva ursi, a tannin-rich leaf, can cause nausea and stomach ache. This is not shown for pipsissewa.
Is it an antifungal?
Only in the lab. A compound slowed yeasts in dishes, which does not show a skin or body effect.
What about the prostate tablet that contains it?
Is the wild plant endangered?
A 2023 review calls its conservation status alarming. Official lists were not read, so check local rules before picking.
How much should I take?
We give no amounts, because there is no human evidence to base any on. Ask a doctor or pharmacist.
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Editorial transparency
- Written by
- AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against PubMed records.
- Medical review
- None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
- First published
- 2026-10-25
- Last substantive update
- 2026-10-25
- How we research
- We started from our existing summary of this herb, then checked each cited paper in PubMed and the accepted name in GBIF. Documents we could not open are marked as second-hand. No study is cited that we could not verify.
- How we rate evidence
- See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
- Independence
- No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown. If one is added later it will be labelled and kept apart from the evidence.
Sources 15
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
- Ali U, Khan MM, Khan N, et al.. Chimaphila umbellata; a biotechnological perspective on the coming-of-age prince's pine. Phytochemistry Reviews. 2023. PMID 37359710. DOI 10.1007/s11101-023-09880-1. (abstract)
- European Medicines Agency. Uvae ursi folium - herbal medicinal product (EMA public page). European Medicines Agency. 2018. (full-text (public summary page))
- GBIF Secretariat. GBIF species match: Chimaphila umbellata. GBIF API. 2026. (API record)
- Gagyor I, Hummers E, Schmiemann G, et al.. Herbal treatment with uva ursi extract versus fosfomycin in women with uncomplicated urinary tract infection in primary care: a randomized controlled trial. Clinical Microbiology and Infection. 2021. PMID 34111592. DOI 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.05.032. (abstract)
- Galvan IJ, Mir-Rashed N, Jessulat M, et al.. Antifungal and antioxidant activities of the phytomedicine pipsissewa, Chimaphila umbellata. Phytochemistry. 2008. PMID 17950387. DOI 10.1016/j.phytochem.2007.09.007. (abstract)
- Moore M, Trill J, Simpson C, et al.. Uva-ursi extract and ibuprofen as alternative treatments for uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women (ATAFUTI): a factorial randomized trial. Clinical Microbiology and Infection. 2019. PMID 30685500. DOI 10.1016/j.cmi.2019.01.011. (abstract)
- NCBI PubChem. PubChem compound records: chimaphilin (CID 101211), arbutin (CID 440936), methyl salicylate (CID 4133), hydroquinone (CID 785). PubChem. 2026. (API record)
- NIDDK / National Library of Medicine. Uva Ursi (LiverTox, via the site's uva ursi file). LiverTox. 2020. PMID 32364691. (summary-only)
- National Library of Medicine. Uva Ursi (LactMed, via the site's uva ursi file). LactMed. 2006. PMID 30000963. (summary-only)
- Shin BK, Kim J, Kang KS, et al.. A new naphthalene glycoside from Chimaphila umbellata inhibits the RANKL-stimulated osteoclast differentiation. Archives of Pharmacal Research. 2015. PMID 25861914. DOI 10.1007/s12272-015-0598-3. (abstract)
- Tamaki M, Nakashima M, Nishiyama R, et al.. [Assessment of clinical usefulness of Eviprostat for benign prostatic hyperplasia--comparison of Eviprostat tablet with a formulation containing two-times more active ingredients]. Hinyokika Kiyo (Acta Urologica Japonica). 2008. PMID 18634442. (abstract)
- Tanaka T, Morimoto K, Nishikawa N, et al.. Suppressive Effects of Eviprostat, a Phytotherapeutic Agent, on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Prostate Cancer Patients Treated with Brachytherapy. Low Urin Tract Symptoms. 2012. PMID 26676455. DOI 10.1111/j.1757-5672.2011.00100.x. (abstract)
- Veldhi P, Crager C, Ghayur A, et al.. A Review and Survey of Local Eastern Kentucky Medicinal Plants and Their Pharmacological Benefits. Plants (Basel). 2025. PMID 41157739. DOI 10.3390/plants14203182. (abstract)
- Yu Y, Hu D, Liu J, et al.. Constituents of Chimaphila japonica and Their Diuretic Activity. Molecules. 2024. PMID 38474601. DOI 10.3390/molecules29051092. (abstract)
- de Arriba SG, Naser B, Nolte KU. Risk assessment of free hydroquinone derived from Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi folium herbal preparations. International Journal of Toxicology. 2013. PMID 24296864. DOI 10.1177/1091581813507721. (abstract)