GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Bilberry plant is closely related to blueberries
and currants, all of which belong to the
genus Vaccinium. The specific activity of Bilberry comes
from concentrated fruit pigments called ‘anthocyanins’ which
have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.
The bilberry fruit contains important tannins, which act as antibacterial and antiviral agents, as
well as vitamins A and C. The most popular products are
extracts standardized to contain 15 to 25 percent of a
chemical called anthocyanosides. Bilberry is also
available as tinctures and concentrated drops. An average dose of an encapsulated extract
standardized for 20 to 25 percent anthocyanosides is 60 to
120mg.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
The anthocyanosides in bilberries can improve circulation, protect fragile capillaries and
cause biochemical reactions in the eye; they have a positive effect on enzymes
crucial to vision and the eye’s ability to adapt to the dark. Anthocyanosides have
also been shown to alleviate symptoms of diabetes and heart disease. The herb’s shortterm effect on vision is most noticeable within the first
four hours of taking it; thus, it can be useful if taken
before a visually demanding task like driving all night or
reading the entire Sunday paper. Research suggests that
bilberry supplements may also help to slow the progression of cataracts and reduce the
effects of diabetic retinopathy (a
common complication of diabetes and the leading cause of blindness in the US and many other Western
countries). In lab tests, bilberry has been shown to prevent
the oxidation of “bad” LDL cholesterol, which may help to
reduce the risk of heart disease. However, whether
bilberry has the same effect in vivo remains to be seen. Although scientists don’t know what
components of the bilberry leaf are responsible for these
effects, recent research has shown that taking a dried leaf
extract will cause a drop in glucose levels. The same research also showed that bilberry leaf can
lower blood triglyceride levels, a heart disease risk
factor. In vitro screening tests have suggested that
components of the hexane/chloroform fraction of bilberry may
also have potent anti-carcinogenic properties.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
20-60 g dried fruit. 240-280 mg of extract
standardized to 25% anthocyanosides.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL:
established
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Tests have shown bilberry to be completely
non-toxic, even when taken in large doses for an extended period of time. Bilberry is safe for
use during pregnancy and may even be beneficial for the
prevention and treatment of varicose veins and
hemorrhoids.
