Interstitial Cystitis

Why it works: Mechanism: D-mannose is a simple sugar that binds to FimH adhesins on E. coli (and some other Enterobacterales) so the bacteria can’t stick to urothelial cells; they’re then flushe...

Instructions: If you and your clinician decide to target recurrent UTIs that overlap with your IC, the doses studied most often are:. Daily prophylaxis:. • 2 g once daily (powder) in primary-car...

Warnings: Diabetes / blood sugar: D-mannose is a sugar; some advisories caution it may affect glycemic control...

Studies: For IC/BPS specificallyThere are no robust trials showing D-...

Why it works: IC/BPS shows microbiome differences (urinary, vaginal and gut) versus controls, suggesting dysbiosis could contribute to symptoms; this motivates interest in microbiome-modulating...

Instructions: If patients and their clinicians elect to experiment adjunctively, practices are usually extrapolated from rUTI studies and general probiotic use:. Form/route considered:. • Vagina...

Warnings: Not an established IC/BPS therapy: Using probiotics for IC/BPS is off-label and not guideline-recomm...

Studies: Microbiome in IC/BPS (background, not treatment trials):2025...

Why it works: Mast-cell–driven inflammation: IC/BPS often shows increased mast-cell number/activation in the bladder wall. Quercetin is a flavonoid with mast-cell–stabilising and anti-inflammato...

Instructions: Dose used in IC open-label study: Cysta-Q (a quercetin-based supplement) providing quercetin 500 mg twice daily for 4 weeks; participants reported symptom score improvements. This...

Warnings: General supplement cautions. • Pregnancy/breastfeeding: Insufficient safety data—avoid unless specif...

Studies: Open-label IC study (single-agent quercetin): 22 patients wi...

Why it works: Possible GAG-layer support (the bladder’s protective coating). IC/BPS may involve defects in the urothelial glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer; established drugs like pentosan polysulfa...

Instructions: There’s no clinician-endorsed, guideline-based dosing for aloe in IC/BPS. If patients choose to try it, they typically use oral, decolorized inner-leaf gel capsules (to minimize la...

Warnings: Product type matters. Avoid aloe latex and whole-leaf extracts; they contain hydroxyanthracene deriv...

Studies: Small Phase I crossover trial (company-sponsored): Urology W...

Why it works: Demulcent mucilage forms a protective film on irritated mucosa. Marshmallow root is rich in rhamnogalacturonan-type polysaccharides (“mucilage”) that adhere to mucous membranes and...

Instructions: Preferred preparation to maximize mucilage. Cold maceration/“cold infusion” of the cut root.. • Steep 2–5 g (≈ 1–2 tsp) of the comminuted/dried root in 150 mL cold water for 4–8 ho...

Warnings: Drug absorption: Mucilage can bind/coat the gut, potentially lowering absorption of co-administered...

Studies: No high-quality trials show marshmallow root is effective fo...

Why it works: Demulcent/soothing effect on mucosa. Corn silk contains polysaccharides/mucilage and flavonoids that give it a demulcent (soothing) action commonly used in urinary tract complaints...

Instructions: These are traditional/herbal-monograph preparations used for urinary complaints. If you try corn silk for IC, keep a symptom diary and discuss with your clinician, especially if yo...

Warnings: Corn silk is widely used as a food-adjacent herb, but medicinal dosing brings cautions, especially i...

Studies: There are no randomized trials for corn silk in IC. Related...

Why it works: NO pathway rationale. L-arginine is the substrate for nitric-oxide synthase (NOS). Increasing L-arginine can raise local nitric oxide (NO), a signaling molecule that relaxes smooth...

Instructions: What follows are regimens used in published trials—these are not personal medical advice. Discuss with your clinician before trying any supplement.. Dose & schedule used most often...

Warnings: Because L-arginine increases NO and can affect hemodynamics and other pathways, screen for contraind...

Studies: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs)J Urol 1999 (parallel RCT...

Why it works: TCM rationale. Ba Zheng San is a classic “clear Damp-Heat in the lower burner, promote urination” formula, traditionally used for acute dysuria/UTI-type symptoms (burning, frequenc...

Instructions: Pattern check first. Appropriate when signs point to Damp-Heat: burning, urgent/frequent urination, dark/turbid urine, lower-abdomen fullness, red tongue with greasy yellow coat, s...

Warnings: Aristolochic acid risk (critical). Historical adulteration/substitution of Mu Tong with Guan Mu Tong...

Studies: IC/BPS-specific trials: I couldn’t find high-quality RCTs sh...