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Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a small deciduous shrub found growing mostly
in the fields of Europe - England, Scandinavia, and Siberia. It is a close
relative to our North American blueberry. The bilberry, itself, is a round,
bluish fruit with slightly acidic taste. In Europe, bilberry has been
used for food and medicinal purposes such as, diarrhea, dysentery, and
scurvy for a thousand years. Bilberry is the subject of much scientific
investigation in the prevention and treatment of eye disease: cataracts,
glaucoma, macular degeneration, poor night vision, and retinopathy, as
well as treatment of varicose veins and hemorrhoids, and to speed wound
healing and reduce bruising.
Because bilberries are a very rich source of antioxidant anthocyanosides,
researchers have focused on their ability to protect capillaries from
free radical damage. Because capillary damage is a primary factor in a
number of diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts,
bilberry extracts are often promoted as a way to treat and prevent these
conditions. Anthocyanosides may also promote the formation of connective
tissue through their protective effects on collagen synthesis and repair
and, thus, may also improve vascular circulation.
Research shows that bilberry has anti-inflammatory benefits and is able
to reduce symptoms of hemorrhoids. Improved visual acuity has been noted
in anecdotal reports of night vision (bomber pilot story) and diabetic
retinopathy. A 20% reduction in capillary lesions was noted in one study
following daily intake of 600 mg of bilberry extract for 6 months. In
Germany, Commission E approved the internal use of bilberry for acute
diarrhea, and mild inflammation of the mucous membranes in mouth and throat.
Dosage: Eat 1/2 to 1 cup of fresh bilberry or blueberry
daily. Standardized extracts of 100 – 500 mg per day (25% anthocyanosides)
in 2 to 3 divided doses.
Side Effects: Under recommended intakes, bilberry extract
is safe. In some cases, under doctor’s supervision, it may even
be recommended for use during pregnancy for prevention and treatment of
varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
Sources: www.supplementwatch.com and http://dreampharm.com/zbilberry.asp
Research Overview
Bilberry research shows the following effects:
1. Protects healthy tissue from anti-cancer drugs
2. Contains high levels of antioxidant components
3. High free radical scavenging activity
4. Contains reservatrol, an antioxidant found in red grape skins
5. Contains high levels of anticarcinogenic material
6. Acts as an anti-angiogenic
7. Prevents leukocytes from adhering to venules
8. Protects capillary perfusion
9. Protects from ischaemia reperfusion injury
10. Protects against microvascular damage
11. Positive effects of bilberry last after the substance has left plasma
12. Reduces fluid accumulation in tissue
13. May be effective in treating chronic fatigue syndrome
14. Helps prevent cardiovascular disease
15. Helps improve eye functioning
16. Reduces DNA damage and unnatural cell death
17. Helps prevent cataracts
18. Helps prevent ulcers
19. Enhances protective potential of gastrointestinal mucosa
20. Bilberry is high in quercetin
21. Bilberry is high in flavonols
Bilberry
Abstracts (17)
Bilberry
Citations (10)
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