Billberry

R125.00

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A tincture made from the berries and/or leaves of the Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) plant

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Description
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Be Informed - Please Read This Basic Research Overview Before You Buy

Disclaimer: The information contained herein should NOT be construed as an exhaustive nor professional research paper. It is simply a short overview to give you a basic idea about the product. The onus is still on YOU to decide if you can or should use this product or not. Please also read our Legal Notice HERE

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus): Traditional Medicinal Uses, Side Effects, Contraindications, and Drug Interactions

Introduction

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), a small deciduous shrub native to Europe and parts of Asia, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine^[1]^[2]. This comprehensive review examines the traditional medicinal applications of bilberry, along with scientifically documented side effects, contraindications, and potential drug interactions, providing evidence-based information for healthcare practitioners and consumers.

Botanical Description

Bilberry is a small bush, typically 30-50 cm high, with densely branched erect green triangular twigs^[3]. The leaves are deciduous, bright green, 1-3 cm long with short petioles, ovate, with serrulate margins^[3]. The fruit is a round berry, 5-10 mm wide, dark blue and glaucous, with dark pulp and a sweet, slightly astringent taste^[3]. Bilberry grows naturally in acidic, wet, humous, rocky or bog soils, primarily in boreal forests and mountains across Europe and parts of Asia^[3].

Bioactive Constituents

Bilberry contains numerous bioactive compounds that contribute to its medicinal properties:

Phenolic Compounds

· Anthocyanins: Primarily delphinidin and cyanidin in a 1:1 ratio, followed by petunidin, peonidin, and malvidin, comprising about 90% of the total phenolic compounds in the fruit^[3].

· Flavonols: Quercetin (over 50% of total flavonoid content), myricetin, and smaller amounts of syringetin, laricitrin, and isorhamnetin^[3].

· Tannins and Flavanols: Catechin, epicatechin, procyanidins, and various dimers and trimers^[3].

· Phenolic Acids: Chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid^[3]^[4].

Other Compounds

· Stilbenoids: Resveratrol has been identified in both fruits and leaves^[3].

· Terpenoids: Including triterpenoids (α- and β-amyrin, oleanolic and ursolic acid) and tetraterpenes (β-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin)^[3].

· Iridoids: Monotropein, dihydromonotropein, and various derivatives^[3].

Traditional Medicinal Uses

Vision and Eye Health

Bilberry has a long-standing reputation for improving vision and treating various eye conditions^[1]^[5]. During World War II, British Royal Air Force pilots reportedly consumed bilberry jam to enhance night vision, although some sources suggest this may have been a cover story for radar technology^[3]. Traditional uses include:

· Treatment of various vision disorders and eye conditions^[1]^[3]

· Improvement of night vision^[5]^[3]

· Management of eye fatigue and strain^[6]

· Support for retinal health^[7]^[8]

Circulatory System

Bilberry has been traditionally used for various circulatory conditions:

· Relief of symptoms related to minor venous circulatory disturbances, such as heaviness and discomfort in the legs^[3]

· Treatment of symptoms of cutaneous capillary fragility^[3]

· Support for cardiovascular health^[1]^[4]

Digestive System

Bilberry fruits and leaves have been used to treat various digestive disorders:

· Treatment of mild diarrhea^[3]^[9]

· Relief of inflammation of the oral mucosa^[3]

· Management of digestive disorders^[9]^[10]

· Support for intestinal health^[3]

Metabolic Health

Bilberry has been traditionally used to support metabolic health, particularly:

· Management of blood glucose levels and support for diabetes treatment^[1]^[11]^[10]

· Improvement of insulin sensitivity^[10]^[4]

· Support for lipid metabolism^[10]^[4]

Anti-inflammatory Applications

Traditional uses include:

· Treatment of inflammatory conditions^[1]^[4]^[12]

· Relief of inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract^[3]

· Management of inflammatory skin conditions^[12]

Urinary Tract

Although less commonly cited, bilberry has been used for:

· Support for urinary tract health^[13]^[14]

· Management of mild urinary tract infections^[14]

Scientific Evidence for Traditional Uses

Vision and Eye Health

Research has shown mixed results regarding bilberry's effects on vision:

· Some studies suggest bilberry anthocyanins may help improve retinal health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation^[7]^[8].

· Clinical trials have shown potential benefits for conditions like glaucoma and dry eye syndrome^[15]^[16]^[17].

· However, systematic reviews indicate insufficient evidence for night vision improvement in healthy individuals^[3].

Circulatory System

Scientific evidence supports some traditional uses:

· Bilberry extracts have demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may benefit vascular health^[3].

· Studies suggest potential benefits for venous insufficiency and capillary fragility^[3].

Metabolic Health

Research on bilberry's effects on metabolic health shows:

· Animal studies demonstrate significant reductions in blood glucose and improvements in insulin sensitivity^[10]^[4].

· Human clinical trials show mixed results, with some indicating benefits for glycemic control while others show no significant effects^[11]^[3]^[10].

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Scientific evidence supports bilberry's anti-inflammatory properties:

· Studies show bilberry extracts can attenuate pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce inflammatory markers^[4]^[12].

· Clinical trials have demonstrated reduced inflammatory markers in patients with metabolic syndrome and gingivitis after bilberry consumption^[3].

Side Effects

Based on published research, bilberry consumption is generally considered safe when consumed in typical dietary amounts, but some side effects have been reported:

Mild Side Effects

· Mild digestive discomfort, including nausea and indigestion^[3]

· Mild allergic reactions in sensitive individuals^[18]

Potential Concerns with High Doses

· High concentrations of bilberry anthocyanins (5-50 mg/L) in laboratory studies showed potential cardiotoxic activity despite increased antioxidant capabilities^[3]

· Paradoxical increase in exercise-induced muscle soreness and C-reactive protein levels when consumed before, during, and after intense exercise^[3]

· Potential effects on blood sugar levels that may require monitoring in diabetic patients^[11]^[10]^[4]

Contraindications

Based on published research, bilberry should be used with caution or avoided in the following circumstances:

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

· Limited safety data exists for bilberry use during pregnancy and lactation^[3]^[19]

· While bilberry fruit consumption in dietary amounts is likely safe, medicinal doses of extracts should be avoided due to insufficient safety data^[19]^[20]

Bleeding Disorders

· Theoretical concerns exist about potential increased bleeding risk due to bilberry's effects on platelets, although clinical evidence is limited^[21]^[22]

· Caution is advised in individuals with bleeding disorders or those scheduled for surgery^[21]

Diabetes

· While bilberry may have beneficial effects on blood glucose, it may potentially interact with diabetes medications, necessitating careful monitoring of blood glucose levels^[11]^[10]^[4]

Liver or Kidney Disease

· Limited research exists on bilberry's safety in individuals with impaired liver or kidney function^[18]^[4]

· Caution is advised due to potential effects on metabolism and clearance of bilberry compounds^[4]

Drug Interactions

Published research has identified several potential drug interactions with bilberry:

Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Drugs

· Theoretical potential to enhance the effects of anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications like warfarin, aspirin, and clopidogrel due to bilberry's potential effects on platelet function^[21]^[22]^[23]

· Monitoring for increased bleeding risk is recommended when combining bilberry with these medications^[21]^[22]

Antidiabetic Medications

· Potential to enhance the blood glucose-lowering effects of antidiabetic drugs, possibly leading to hypoglycemia^[11]^[10]^[4]

· Blood glucose levels should be carefully monitored when bilberry is used alongside antidiabetic medications^[10]

Medications Metabolized by Cytochrome P450 Enzymes

· Limited evidence suggests bilberry compounds may affect certain cytochrome P450 enzymes, potentially altering the metabolism of drugs processed by these pathways^[24]^[25]

· Caution is advised when combining bilberry with medications having narrow therapeutic windows^[25]

Dosage and Administration

Traditional medicinal uses of bilberry typically involve:

Fruit Preparations

· Fresh fruits: 20-60 g daily^[3]

· Dried fruits: 4-8 g daily^[3]^[9]

· Standardized extracts (25-36% anthocyanins): 80-480 mg daily^[3]^[15]

Leaf Preparations

· Dried leaves as tea: 1-2 g steeped in hot water, 1-3 times daily^[26]^[2]

· Leaf extracts: Dosages vary based on preparation method and standardization^[26]^[2]

Conclusion

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) has a rich history of traditional medicinal uses, particularly for eye health, circulatory conditions, digestive disorders, and metabolic health^[1]^[2]^[3]. While scientific evidence supports some of these traditional applications, particularly regarding its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, more rigorous clinical trials are needed to fully establish efficacy for specific conditions^[3]^[4]. Bilberry is generally considered safe when consumed in typical dietary amounts, but caution is advised regarding potential drug interactions, especially with anticoagulants and antidiabetic medications^[21]^[22]^[10]. Individuals with bleeding disorders, diabetes, pregnancy, or liver/kidney disease should consult healthcare providers before using bilberry in medicinal doses^[3]^[19]^[4]. As research continues, our understanding of bilberry's therapeutic potential and safety profile will continue to evolve.