Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is one of the richest natural sources of anthocyanins. These polyphenolic components give bilberry its blue/black colour and high antioxidant content and they are believed to be the key bioactive responsible for the many reported health benefits of bilberry and other berry fruits.
Historical Uses:
This herb has been used since the Middle Ages, mainly in Europe, for kidney disorders, diarrhea, respiratory infections and scurvy.
Part Used:
- Dried, ripe fruit
- Leaves
Major Chemical Constituents:
Bilberry contains a variety of phenolic compounds, including flavonols (quercetin, catechins), tannins, ellagitannins, and phenolic acids, but anthocyanins make by far the largest contribution to its phytochemical mix.
Therapeutic Benefits:
- Ocular effects
- Hypoglycemic effects
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Cardioprotective effects
- Anti-microbial effects
- Neuroprotective effects
Clinical Uses:
Bilberry has a long history of being used for eye disorders and in promoting vision. There have been numerous studies of the effect of bilberry on various aspects of vision and ocular disorders, including cataracts, retinopathy, macular degeneration and night vision.
The bilberry plant is reputed to possess antidiabetic properties and its berries and leaves have been used for centuries to ameliorate the symptoms of diabetes.
Inflammation is a protective mechanism but chronic inflammation increases oxidative stress and underlies many age-related disease, including CVD and cancer. Many studies suggest that anthocyanins, the predominant phenolic compounds found in bilberry, have anti-inflammatory effects. Suggested mechanisms include inhibiting proteasome activity, which controls the degradation of cellular proteins, and inhibiting nuclear factor activation, which controls the expression of genes involved in the inflammatory response.
Major risk factors of CVD include central obesity, diabetes, hypertension, elevated levels of lipids, and high levels of uric acid. Increased oxidative stress may also contribute, and inflammation is a key factor. Atherosclerosis, the main underlying factor in CVD, is an inflammatory process associated with oxidative processes in and damage to the vascular endothelium. Therefore, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of anthocyanins are of relevance to the potential cardioprotective effects of bilberry and other berries. Antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, hypoglycemic, and antiobesity effects would also be cardioprotective.
Contraindications:
Research demonstrates that there is no mutagenic activity reported and there are no cited contraindications to its use. Some caution has been advised if consumed in large quantities over an extended period of time due to its tannin content.
References:
Chu W, Cheung SCM, Lau RAW, et al. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 4. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92770/
