Comparative stability of arbutin in Arctostaphylos uva-ursi by a new comprehensive stability-indicating HPLC method.

Introduction: Arbutin is a phenol glucoside found in high concentrations in bearberry leaves and associated with the antimicrobial activity of the plant. Hydroquinone can also be found in leaves or be formed by degradation of arbutin. Lengthy exposure to free hydroquinone is associated with induction of toxicity in different organs.