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Bilberry is found in Europe, North America and Northern Asia. It is a true "blueberry" in that it is blue throughout whereas what most people think of as blueberries have a white flesh with a blue skin. The taste of the bilberry is more reminiscent of the cranberry, however. All three berries are related, being members of the genus Vacinium and the Ericaceae.
The genus Vacinium has around 150 different species and throughout history the names of the various berries have been interchanged, making it difficult to know what species is being spoken of when.
Other names
The scientific name for bilberry is vacinium myrtillus. Other common names are huckleberries, dwarf bilberry, bog bilberry, European blueberries, whortleberries, and blaeberries.
Parts Used
Berries: fresh or extract. Leaves: extract or tea. Related to blueberries bilberries can be used to make pies or jams, or syrup or its juice can be consumed.
Possible and Purported Uses
Bilberry was traditionally used in Scandinavia to treat scurvy, which makes sense since it contains vitamin C. It was also used to treat diarrhea and nausea. The berries were steeped in gin to be used as a digestive tonic and in Russia the berries were used for colitis and stomach ulcers.
The most frequent claim concerning bilberry is that it improves vision, and especially night vision. World War II pilots were said to have eaten bilberry jam before flying night missions, leading to a legend that bilberry improves night vision.((bibcite phaneuf)) It is also claimed to prevent cataracts and other eye problems including glaucoma, a diabetic retinopathy or myopia; and of course to improve visual acuity in general. Other treatements include varicose veins and hemorrhoids. There is also some research regarding bilberry as an antilipedemic. There are some in vitro studies to suggest that bilberry has anti-cancer properties. Although the opthalmologic, lipid lowering, and other effects of billberry have been researched there is not enough scientific evidence to support its use to treat any health condition and high doses are not recommended. Bilberry is a healthful fruit, however, and can be eaten along with other fruits and vegetables in a varied diet. Below is a list of the many purported uses of bilberry. 1,2
Bilberry may well be fairly effective for diarrhea since it contains a large amount of tannins. Tannins are responsible for the astringent effect which makes one mouth feel weirdly tight, and dry and have a bitter after-taste. Tannins may create a temporary barrier in the gut lining, through binding with other proteins, creating a tough barrier against irritants and helping to dry out gut secretions. Historically the berry has been known as a potent diarrhea treatment.1
Bilberry Purported Uses
image by Szabi237 via wikimedia
- Cancer prevention
- Cataracts
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Glaucoma
- Macular degeneration
- Vision (visual acuity)
- Circulatory disorders
- Hemorrhoids
- Varicose veins
- Diarrhea
- Mucositis
- Urinary tract infections
Components
- Tannins - 5-10% catechin tannins
- Polyphenols - Cinnamic acid, benzoic acid, astragalin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, quercitin
- Anthocyanosides
- Rutin
- Vitamins A and C
It is the anthocyanins present in bilberry that are thought to contribute the most to its pharmacological activities and extracts of bilberry are standardized to anthocyanoside content.
Extracts
Choose extracts standardized to 25% anthocyanosides.
Possible Drug Interactions
Antiplatelets and Anticoagulants such as Warfarin or Heparin. Antiplatelet activity has been observed at high doses of bilberry in human volunteers. High doses of bilberry are not recommended to be taken along with anticoagulants such as Warfarin and Heparin or with antiplatelet agents. For this reason concurrent use of bilberry with aspirin therapy may be contraindicated.
Other possible interactions include insulin or oral anti-diabetics. The leaves may cause a hypoglycemic response and should not be confused with the fruit.
Broad Search Feed
Biberry Search Feed from PubMed
Ground Up Strength has provided this page, Billberry, for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy at Ground Up Strength is not an endorsement by Ground Up Strength unless otherwise indicated.
This page created 01 Jun 2010 15:45
Last updated 24 Apr 2012 20:22
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