Arbutin was first discovered in arctostapylos uva-ursi (L.) spreng and then in the leaves of vaccinicum vitis-idaca L., pyrus pyrifolia (Burm.f.) Kakai. and saxifraga stolonifera (L.) Meerb. It is used as additive of drug and cosmetics after it is extracted.

Arbutin WE-V25 is the arbutin extracted from Vaccinicum itis-idaca L , which content is over 25%, a great amount of arbutin derivative,, flavonoid compounds and tannic acid etc. It can relieve cough, remove the phlegm, diminish inflammation etc.. So it is used as antitussive, urethra disinfector, also as food extender in the US.