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BILBERRY
Botany
A close relative of American blueberry, bilberry grows in northern Europe,
Canada, and the United States. The ripe berries are used. The leaves may
also contain beneficial compounds.
Historical
or Traditional Use
The dried berries and leaves of bilberry have been recommended for a wide
variety of conditions, including scurvy, urinary tract infections, and
kidney stones. 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 and Proposed Mechanism of Action
Anthocyanosides, the bioflavonoid complex in bilberries, are potent
antioxidants.1 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,2
and even treat mild retinopathies (e.g. macular degeneration and diabetic
retinopathy).3 Bilberry may also prevent blood vessel
thickening due to diabetes.4
Bilberry
protects cholesterol from oxidizing in test tubes.5 This may be
part of how it helps people with atherosclerosis.
Recommended
Dosage
Bilberry herbal extract in capsules or tablets standardized to provide 25%
anthocyanosides can be taken in the amount of 240–600 mg per day.6
Traditional use is 1–2 ml BID in tincture form or 20–60 grams of the
fruit daily.
Contraindications
In recommended amounts, side effects have been reported with bilberry
extract. Bilberry is not contraindicated during pregnancy or lactation.
References:
1. 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.
2. Bravetti G. Preventive medical treatment of senile cataract with
vitamin E and anthocyanosides: Clinical evaluation. Ann Ottalmol Clin
Ocul 1989;115:109 [in Italian].
3. 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 Optalmol Clin Ocul
1987;12:1173–90 [in Italian].
4. Boniface R, Miskulin M, Robert AM. Pharmacological properties of
myrtillus anthocyanosides: Correlation with results of treatment of
diabetic microangiopathy. In Flavonoids and Bioflavonoids, ed. L
Farkas, M Gabors, FL Kallay. Ireland: Elsevier, 1985, 293–301.
5. 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.
6. Brown DJ. Herbal Prescriptions for Better Health. Rocklin, CA:
Prima Publishing, 1996, 41–7.
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