A close relative of the American
blueberry, bilberry (also known as European blueberry,
whortleberry, wineberry, huckleberry, or trackleberry),
is a shrubby perennial that grows in forests and
meadows throughout much of Europe. Growing up to 50 cm
in height, bilberry flowers from April to June, with
greenish-pink, bell-shaped blossoms. The fruit is a
blue-black or purple berry with multiple seeds. The
meat of the bilberry is also purple, unlike the
American blueberry, which has cream-colored pulp. The
ripe berries are used to promote vision and
circulatory health. Decoctions of the leaves are used
as a folk medicine treatment for diabetes.
Health
Applications
-
Macular degeneration
-
Cataracts
-
Diabetes
-
Retinopathy
-
Night vision
-
Diarrhea
-
Atherosclerosis
-
Varicose veins
History and
Traditional Use
Bilberries have long been used as food, in much the
same fashion as the American blueberry. Dried
berries have traditionally been used in the
treatment of diarrhea and dysentery, while
decoctions of the leaves have been used in the
treatment of diabetes. Interest in the medicinal use
of bilberry was revived during World War II when
British Royal Air Force pilots reported improved
nighttime vision after eating bilberry preserves.
Chemical
Composition
The primary active constituents in bilberries are
flavonoid compounds known as anthocyanidins, which
exhibit powerful antioxidant activity. Bilberry
extracts are commonly standardized to 25%
anthocyanidin content, and this is the concentration
used in most scientific studies.
Bilberry
and Circulation
Bilberry's high antioxidant concentration makes it a
good herb for promoting cardiovascular health.
Compounds in bilberry have shown the ability to
protect LDL cholesterol molecules from oxidative
damage.1 Oxidized LDL is a major
contributor to atherosclerosis, which can lead to
heart attack or stroke. Anthocyanidins found in
bilberry help stabilize collagen structures and
maintain capillary strength, which may promote
circulation to the eyes and to the extremities.
Bilberry
and Eye Health
Much of the European research on bilberry has
focused on the herb's potential eye health benefits.
Studies conducted in Germany indicate bilberry may
be helpful for people with diabetic retinopathy,
presumably by strengthening blood vessels in the
retina and reducing vascular permeability.2-3
Although bilberry extracts have become very popular
for promoting nighttime vision and helping
"night blindness," the herb's
effectiveness in these areas has not been
demonstrated conclusively in scientific studies.
Dosage/Toxicity
Dosage of bilberry should be based upon its
anthocyanidin content. Most bilberry extracts are
standardized to 25% anthocyanidin content, and are
commonly taken in 60-120 mg doses, three times
daily. Bilberry is well tolerated in this dosage
range and devoid of adverse effects. Excess
anthocyanidin is excreted in the urine and does not
accumulate in the body in toxic levels.
PRODUCT
DESCRIPTION
