Bilberry is otherwise called blaubeeren, dwarf bilberry, European bilberry, huckleberry, hurtleberry, whortleberry and wine berry. Billberies are highly nutritional herbs which were historically valued as foods because of its exceptional tastes and health benefits.
Today, they are still frequently used to make beverages, syrups, pies and jams. The herbal medicines have been utilized in humans to treat diarrhea and hemorrhoids. It is also used to treat mouth and mucous membrane inflammations as they have considerable astringent action.
It became more popular when it was used during World War II by several soldiers. They have noticed significant improved night vision after taking bilberries and have been very interested thereafter with this fruit’s medicinal properties.
The most important part used as main component in herbal supplements is the dried ripe fruit or fresh fruit itself. It mainly contains catechin, tannins, invert sugar, vitamin C, fruits acids, and chromium which play an important role in its pharmacological action. The deep blue pigment color of the fruit is due to its constituent anthocyanosides that increases as the fruit ripens.
What are the health benefits of Billberry?
Main Actions:
The pharmacological effects of bilberry have not been tested with humans, so facts are generally taken inside the laboratory and animal research or mainly based on recognizable information about primary constituents found within the herb.
- Anti-edema
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Astringent
- Hypoglycemic activity
- Improves visual function
- Lowers cholesterol levels
- Protects gastrointestinal system
Other Actions:
- Anti-angiogenic
- Anti-cancer
- Anti-platelet
Known Uses:
In Europe, uses of bilberry extracts are more popular and have been investigated in several clinical experiments, mostly in non-English countries. Thus, many research papers have been available in other languages. To provide a more comprehensive description of the evidence easily accessible, secondary sources have been utilized as needed.
- Acute diarrhea
- Mild mouth and throat inflammation
- Hemorrhoids, varicose veins and venous insufficiency
- Ophthalmic conditions, improving night vision, photophobia, light adaptation and avoiding diabetic retinopathy
Pregnancy:
Bilberry was taken by women diagnosed of pregnancy induced hypertension and found significant improve symptoms of itching and burning, edema, leg cramps, pain and heaviness.
Other Uses:
It was anciently used as treatment for hemorrhoids, vaginal discharge, GI inflammatory conditions, diabetes, dysentery and inhibits lactation. Externally, its useful benefits include fast wound healing, ulcers and skin infection. Recently, it is used as treatment for venous insufficiency, Raynaud’s disease, peptic ulcers, nose bleed and bleeding gums.
Dosage Range
INTERNAL
- Fluid extract: 6–12 ml/day taken in three divided doses.
- Oral dose forms: provides 50–288 mg of anthocyanins daily.
- Decoction of dried herb: 5–10 gm of crushed, dried fruit in 150 ml of cold water boiled for 10 minutes and strained while hot. For diarrhea: drink the cold decoction several times a day.
- Gargle: Make a 10% decoction using the above preparation.
- Fresh fruit: 20–50 g daily.
EXTERNAL
- 5–10 g crushed dried fruit in 150 ml of cold water, boil for 10 minutes then strained while hot to make a decoction for local application.
Toxicity
High doses of bilberry were administered to rats, showing no adverse effects.
Adverse Reaction
- No adverse effect was known
- Only 4% experienced side-effects related to gastrointestinal tract, nervous system and skin.
Significant Interaction
Actual studies are not currently available, thus interactions are mainly theoretically or based on evidence of pharmacological actions with vague clinical implications.
- Anticoagulant
- Antiplatelet
- Hypoglycemic Agents
- Iron
Contraindications and Precautions
High dosage (more than 170 mg) should be use with caution by individuals having blood disorders.
Pregnancy Use
A study conducted with pregnant women having diagnosed of serious pregnancy-induce hypertension showed no evidence of adverse effects. Bilberry is likely to be safe when consumed in moderate amounts.
Supplement Reference:
- Bilberry extract is a well-known treatment for preventing and treating retinopathy in Western countries. It is however used to treat other eye health problems such as cataract, myopia, glaucoma, photophobia, glare sensitivity, poor light adaptation and night vision.
- Bilberry has an exceptionally amount of polyphenol as an essential ingredient. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and astringent actions make it incredibly magnificent. Laboratory results show an anti-cancer effect.
- Several studies suggest it may lower glucose level, as well as, triglycerides in diabetic patient. It can also prevent peptic ulcer from developing due to stress or NSAIDs. However, in-depth studies should be made to confirm these effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any safety health issues that need to consider?
- You don’t need to worry much as this berry is considered one of the safest herbs. Evidenced based theory explained bilberry reduces blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes and should be carefully monitored during the entire duration. Given at high doses can interact with anti-platelet drugs and warfarin.
What will this health supplement do for me?
- Billbery is mainly used to alleviate symptoms of mild diarrhea and promote good night vision, hemorrhoids, venous insufficiency, varicose veins, peptic ulcer, photophobia and glare sensitivity. It is also used as gargle mouthwash, paint for mild mouth and throat inflammation including pharyngitis and gingivitis.
When can I expect to see full-benefits of this herb?
- It will actually depend on the indication. Improvements in glare sensitivity, photophobia and night vision have been reported within 2-4 week in some individuals while other preventive effects are most likely to require long-term use. On the other hand, a person having diagnosed peripheral vascular disease may require 30 days of treatment before you could feel or see the result.
