|
A close relative of American blueberry, bilberry grows in northern
Europe, Canada, and the United States. The ripe berries are used, and
the leaves may also contain beneficial compounds.
Bilberry has been used in connection with the following conditions:
Night blindness, atherosclerosis, cataracts, diarrhea, varicose veins.
The dried berries and leaves of bilberry have been recommended for a
wide variety of conditions, including scurvy, urinary tract infections,
kidney stones, and diabetes. Perhaps the most sound historical
application is the use of the dried berries to treat diarrhea. Modern
research of bilberry was partly based on its use by British World War II
pilots, who noticed that their night vision improved when they ate
bilberry jam prior to night bombing raids.
Active constituents: Anthocyanosides speed the regeneration of
rhodopsin, the purple pigment that is used by the rods in the eye for
night vision.1 This makes bilberry a possible first line of
defense for those with night blindness.2 Anthocyanosides, the
flavonoid complex in bilberries, are potent antioxidants.3
They support normal formation of connective tissue and strengthen
capillaries in the body. Anthocyanosides may also improve capillary and
venous blood flow. Preliminary human studies conducted in Europe show
that bilberry may prevent cataracts,4 and may even treat mild
retinopathies (such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy).5
6 Bilberry may also prevent blood vessel thickening due to
diabetes.7
Bilberry protects cholesterol from oxidizing in test tubes.8
This may be part of how it helps people with atherosclerosis.
How much is usually taken? Bilberry herbal extract in capsules or
tablets standardized to provide 25% anthocyanosides can be taken in the
amount of 240–600 mg per day.9 Traditional use is 1–2 ml
two times per day in tincture form or 20–60 grams of the fruit daily.
Are there any side effects or interactions? In recommended amounts, no
side effects have been reported with bilberry extract. Bilberry is not
contraindicated during pregnancy or lactation.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with
bilberry.
References:
1. Sala D, Rolando M, et al. Effect of anthocyanosides on
visual performance at low illumination. Minerva Oftalmol 1979;21:283–5.
2. Mian E, Curri SB, Lietti A, et al. Anthocyanosides and the walls of
microvessels: Further aspects of the mechanism of action of their
protective in syndromes due to abnormal capillary fragility. Minerva Med
1977;68:3565–81.
3. Salvayre R, Braquet P, et al. Comparison of the scavenger effect of
bilberry anthocyanosides with various flavonoids. Proceed Intl
Bioflavonoids Symposium, Munich, 1981, 437–42.
4. Bravetti G. Preventive medical treatment of senile cataract with
vitamin E and anthocyanosides: Clinical evaluation. Ann Ottalmol Clin
Ocul 1989;115:109 [in Italian].
5. Perossini M, Guidi G, Chiellini S, Siravo D. Diabetic and
hypertensive retinopathy therapy with Vaccinium myrtillus
anthocyanosides (Tegens): Double-blind placebo-controlled clinical
trial. Ann Ottalmol Clin Ocul 1987;12:1173–90 [in Italian].
6. Scharrer A, Ober M. Anthocyanosides in the treatment of
retinopathies. Klin Monatsbl Augenheikld Beih 1981;178:386–9.
7. Boniface R, Miskulin M, Robert AM. Pharmacological properties of
myrtillus anthocyanosides: Correlation with results of treatment of
diabetic microangiopathy. In Flavonoids and Bioflavonoids, L Farkas, M
Gabors, FL Kallay, eds. Ireland: Elsevier, 1985, 293–301.
8. Francesca Rasetti M, Caruso D, Galli G, et al. Extracts of Ginkgo
biloba L. leaves and Vaccinium myrtillus L. fruits prevent photo induced
oxidation of low density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Phytomedicine1996/7;3:335–8.
9. Brown DJ. Herbal Prescriptions for Better Health. Rocklin, CA: Prima
Publishing, 1996, 41–7. |
