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 The use of Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) as a herbal
remedy stems back almost one thousand years to Europe, where it was
mainly used to relieve diarrhea. Bilberry is a 16-inch high shrub
with pointed, oval leaves and small white and pink flowers which
bloom between April and June. Its dark purple berries ripen in late
summer. Bilberry is a relative of cranberry, blueberry, and
huckleberry. Its fruit looks and tastes similar to the American
blueberry. Bilberry fruit contains high concentrations of tannins,
substances that act as both an astringent and an anti-inflammatory.
This fruit also contains flavonoid compounds called anthocyanidins.
Flavonoids are plant pigments that possess outstanding antioxidant
properties, foraging out dangerous particles in the body known as
free radicals. Bilberry has been connected with the prevention of
cancer, heart disease, and macular
degeneration.
Anthocyanidin (a flavonoid) is the primary
compound in bilberry fruit, building strong capillaries and
improving circulation throughout the entire body. Anthocyanidins may
prevent blood platelets from clumping together, which minimizes the
risk of blood clots (associated with heart attack and stroke).
Bilberry fruit contains tannins, a substance that acts as an
astringent, stopping bleeding. The tannins and anthocyanidins may
equalize each other when the whole bilberry fruit is used for
medicinal purposes. Anthocyanidins increases rhodopsin production, a
pigment that assists the eye's ability to adapt to light changes and
enhances night vision. The tannins possess anti-inflammatory
properties and as mentioned previously may relieve
diarrhea.
The Bilberry herb has been also been associated
with the care and treatment of number of ailments including
atherosclerosis, cataracts, diabetes, diarrhea, macular
degeneration, night blindness, and retinopathy, and is considered a
strong antioxidant by many experts. Though the medicinal benefits of
Bilberry are not certain, thousands of people continue to seek
ilberry for its health-related properties.
Supplement
Forms
Bilberries may be eaten fresh or dried.
Bilberry tea may also be made from fresh or dried berries, or from
the leaves. Bilberry extract comes powdered as capsules and should
be standardized to 25% anthocyanidins. The extract contains the
highest percentage of anthocyanidins, making it the most effective
form of bilberry.
Dosage and
Administration
The recommended dose of standard
commercial preparations ranges from 60 to 160 milligrams three times
daily. Because potency may vary, always follow the manufacturer's
instructions. The usual daily dose of the unprocessed berry is 20 to
60 grams (about 1 to 2 ounces).
Supporting
Literature
Jayle GE, Aubry M, Gavini H, et
al. Study concerning the action of anthocyanoside extracts of
Vaccinium myrtillus on night vision. Ann Ocul
1965;198:556–62.
Brown DJ. Herbal Prescriptions for Health and
Healing. Roseville, CA: Prima Health, 2000, 47–54.
Salvayre R,
Braquet P, Perruchot T, DousteBlazy L. Comparison of the scavenger
effect of bilberry anthocyanosides with various flavonoids. Proceed
Intl Bioflavonoids Symposium, Munich, 1981,
437–42.
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